Alexandria Gazette

Retrocession.
In presenting to our readers, the several articles on the subject of Retrocession, which we have latterly done, from the Alexandria Gazette, it is with a full conviction that they treat of a subject of vital interest to the citizens of both Alexandria and Georgetown. With that impression we invite to them the serious attention and consideration of the citizens of the latter.

Unless a retrocession does take place—ere many years pass round—with the writer of the article, contained in this day's paper, we cordially agree, that the question (presented in the numerous petitions from Northern fanatics.) of abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, will shake to its very centre, if it does not, in the end, entirely break up our hitherto happy Union.

Though we do not, as many do, deny the right of Congress to abolish slavery within the District of Columbia, we unhesitatingly deny the propriety and the right of petitioning, on the part of those who have no interest in the matter. We say it never was the purpose of those who framed the Constitution, by the article—giving Congress exclusive legislation over the District to be ceded for the Seat of Government—to vest in the citizens of the States, any right of instruction or direction in legislation exclusively pertaining to this District and its inhabitants.

Congress, as the legislature of the District, possesses as distinct a character from that of the legislature of the country at large, as though the respective powers were exercised by distinct and different bodies. The check upon that legislation is not the will and judgment of the people of the several States, but the Constitution itself, and respect to the feelings, the wishes, and the judgment, in matters of expediency, of the people of the District themselves.

We contend, that, though we have no voice in the selection of our legislators—constituted such by the Constitution—which originated in, and is based upon republican principles, and rational liberty—we nevertheless bear toward them the character of constituent, and they to us that of representative. And in all matters of expediency, not conflicting with the Constitution itself, our wishes should be respected; otherwise, the legislation for this District is the veriest despotism on earth, and its citizens the most degraded slaves.

Such never was intended by those disciples of liberty, who originated this Government. They never would have inflicted such odium upon the principles they then professed,—that all men should bear a part in the government of themselves. The only fear with the men of that day, was—not that the people of the District to be ceded would be slaves,—but on the contrary that this district would be the point of concentration for all the wealth of the Nation and an undue influence would be excited by its citizens, over the National Councils.

Whenever the people of this District will it, and apply to Congress for the desired legislation, to effect it, then and not till then, will Congress have the power to abolish slavery within the ten miles square, and then, though all the South and North combined against it.

Our view of the matter, however, does not prevent the dangers likely to arise from the agitation which has already began in Congress, and which will we fear, continue to increase year after year, and in no way to be put an end to, but by the re-cession of the District. Let the people of this District—let the South—let the friends of the Union in the North, then, all look to it, as the only means of averting the dreaded evil of a separation of this Union.—Potomac Adv.