Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1836-03-25

viding hat no one shall take, by inheritance,
any right of property in slaves: Or by n
law, that all children, born Of slaves after |
certain period, shall be frec' Such enact
incnis would touch no rights, actual and
vested, but rights, if they can be called
such, resting IN expectancy merely, rights
purely potential in their nature and char
meter. IL may be added that, though a re-
peal OF the existing laws on the subject of
slavery in thus District might not affect any
actual subslst'ug right, it is obvious that
no property could be thereafter acquired
IN any person, not living, or held in service
IN the District, Mt lite time of such repeal.
But 60 further, sir. If Congress, I'M
der the clause giving it exclusive lcgi-la-
ton IN all cases wha soever" over the Dis
N'ct, ha- authority to impose taxes, and
provide how they shall be raised, for loca
and municipal purposes, | do not see why it
has not the power. by means of taxation,
to effect the abolition of slavery here.
say nothing ofthe right or justice Of excit
ing the power for such purpose. lspeak
only Of the power, and of its capacity to
DO used, to accomplish such an end. But,
however this may be, hold that Congress,
ifthe public interest and welfare require it.
may directly, and at once, emancpate the
slaves, on making just compensation to
the owners The clause in the Constitu-
tion, which regulates the taking of private
property for public use, is not, in my opin
ion, restrictedto such property merely, as
may be converted and applied to the actual
use and emolument ofthe public. think
the word use, in the Constitution, is to be un-
derstood in liberal sense, as equivalent to
purpose or benefit; and that whatever is
taken for public purposes,or for the public
benefit, is taken for public use, within the
meaning Of the Constitution.
These, sir, are my doctrines upon this very
interesting and important sub ect. have
stated them briefly but frankly; giving a
glimpse. rather than view, Of the reasons
BY which they may be sustained. have
felt it incumbent upon me 10 say something
and could not, in the proper discharge OF
my duty here. we'll say loss.
have not been able to persuade myself
that it would subserve the cause of truth
and justice, contribute at all to the peace
Of The country or serve, in any degree, to
strengthen the union of these States, TIC
withhold the expression Of our real opinion.
upon this question. The People should
not be blinded upon this subject, any more
than upon any other. Since it is agitated
lis due 10 the country, it is due both tt
the North and to the South to state expli
city the views we entertain upon this mos
important matter. To know that Congress.
has the power to abolish slavery in th
District. need not, and will not, produc,
alarm Or apprehension in any quarter o
the Union. The People every where mus
feel assured, and ought to rest satisfied
that this power, like all o. her powers un
der the Constitution, will be exercised
with becoming wisdom and discretion; will
ajust regard TO the interests not only of thi
District, but of the whole country. The,
ought to know, and must know, that wheI
policy, cxpedency, and justice concur il
the measure; when it can be adopted will
safety 10 the Union, and security to all
then. and then only, will the power b.
exercised; and that, when exercised 1t wi
be in such manner as shall neither disturb
the public tranquility, nor violate the sane
ti,y Of private rights.
Sir, think the time must come. and wi
come, when slavery will cease to exist i
this District The opinion of all Christie en-
dom. the opinion Of the civilized world,
becoming uniform and settled on the gener
al subject of slvery lis influence mus, b
felt. 1t cannot always be resist ed: and tn
time will come when Southern men wi
cease their opposition to measure, /
which they now feel. and have no dout
sincerely feel, that they cannot yield the
assent, without danger. great and INN
nent danger, to the so, ,al relations an
established institutions of the States
which they live.