Hillsdale Whig Standard

Genl. Cass' Letter.

The oftener we peruse Genl. Cass' Letter, the more thoroughly are we convinced of the unpatriotic and selfish motives which prompted its production. We have carefully examined the arguments of Calhoun, Wise, McDuffie, and other Southern champions of slavery, and we can find among them all nothing which can be compared with the production of Genl. Cass. In all their arguments, they have shown at least a gentlemanly respect for the feelings of the North, while Cass, by his smooth sentences, and ingenious comparisons, insults every noble sentiment of the Northern Heart. If our readers will take the trouble to examine the letter, and especially that portion of it in which Gen. Cass attempts to convince the North of the want of power in Congress to legislate on the subject of slavery under any circumstances whatever, they will find the following most insulting comparison:—

For, if the relation of master and servant [slave] may be regulated or annihilated by its legislation, [the legislation of Congress,] so may the relation of HUSBAND AND WIFE, of PARENT AND CHILD, and of any other condition which our institutions and the habits of our society recognize. What would be thought if Congress should undertake to prescribe the terms of MARRIAGE in New York, or to regulate the authority of parents over their children in Pennsylvania.

The "relations" of HUSBAND and WIFE, and PARENT and CHILD, in all quarters of the civilized globe, have always been viewed by men of honor as the most sacred relations of life. The laws of God and Man have always sanctioned and encouraged these "relations." So careful of these "relations" is the Common Law, that the death of a citizen, occasioned by a husband or father, in defence of his wife or child, is deemed to be justifiable homicide. Without protection and security for these "relations," the "human race would become extinct,"—Genl. Cass, with the coolness of an Autocrat tells us that Congress has the same power and authority to annihilate these relations that it has to prohibit the buying and selling of human beings in newly acquired territory. And the democratic party in the State of Michigan, through its accredited official organ in this city, the Free Press, declares that these sentiments are APPROVED!!!

There are other paragraphs in Genl. Cass letter to which, as we obtain leisure, we will call the attention of the reader. It is a mere waste of time to undertake to ascertain the motive of Genl. Cass, in his shameful betrayal of the free principles of the North.—The motive is manifest on the face of the letter. It presents itself so glaringly, that even the South, while it loves the treason, must despise the traitor. One would suppose that the age and experience of Genl. Cass might have taught him a lesson. His sudden conversion to the scheme of annexing Texas lost him the confidence of the North and the respect of the South. If that confidence and respect have been regained, his present letter will once more close the door against him. Southern democrats, "now having him in their power," will quietly place him on the shelf. The barnburners and free territory democrats of the North will "ram their fearless truncheons down his throat!"—another man will be the nominee. while—

Reproach and everlasting shame
Sit mocking in his plumes.—[Det. Adv.