Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1836-12-06

ReSotUed, That Congress possess the pow
CIR, and ought, in justice to the slave end {,
suffering humanity, To abolish slavery in
the District of Columbia.
Mn. SHELDON said he was in favor of
the amendment proposed by The gentleman
from Windbam, (Mr. Ranney y and as the
object was to test the sense of the Senate,
he thought no one could doubt the exped-
.ency Of the measure. Aside from the ire
mendous moral evil Of slavery, in point OF
national pride, it ought to be abolished
Mr.. S. said, we we're Kissing, and by
word to the people OF Europe. Who shor-
ed the inlamy OF the traffic in human flesh,
and who the guilt attendant upon holding
men in bondage? 1t is not, said Mr.. S.,
confined to the soulh--we Of the north come
in for share of both the guilt and the in
fanny, and the odium. The north and the
south, the east and the west, are alike re-
sponsihle for the existence and continuance
offs avery in the heart, the seat Of political
life Of this nation. The District of Column
bia is tse common property OF the nation
over its territory, Congress, comprised Of
senators and representatives from every
State in the Union, has unlimited con
siituional controul. II the South say, we
will not consent 10 loose the profit, let her
share the odium. 1t is time for the people
of the north to wash their hands OF the foul
stain, and say to the world we will have no
part nor lot in the matter. Mr.. Sheldon
said, other gentlemen might prefer a differ
ent, and perhaps, better course than the
one contemplated in the amendment in de-
bate but it met his most cordial approba-
ton. 1t appeared to him that any man
with a particle of national pride, would feel
it high time TO clear his skirts-he was pre-
pared TO do it so far as in his power, and
do it promply-earlessy. He had no
fears Of excitcmen! in the snuth-no desire
to promote it. Slavery might be more
5fir i 81 HITgg hPPH Be hnt VAS
both, to all parts of the country, and the
misfortune could not too Don be repaired,
nor the crime TOO thoroughly repentcd of by
the removal OF its cause.-the foul blot up
on the nations honor, would not too sud
denly or too thoroughly be wiped away
The sooner ard the more clieclua the bet
ter for our country, and the brighter its fu-
ture character and prospects.
Mr.. BELL followed. His remarks have
been given in previous paper.
Mr.. BRIGGS said he could see no reason
able objection to the motion 10 amend. He
hoped all would vote in favor Of lis aAop-
ton. Amendment adopted, one senator
only voting in the negative.
Mr.. PORTER then moved to add 10 the
amendment just adopted, the words -
",chenerer the same can be done consistent
ly rith the rights Of the Shareholder, and
without increasing the burthens OF those
held in servitude."
Mr.. RAEYEY said he was opposed to this
amendment; it again brought up in little
different form OF expression, the same eva
SION OF the main question, which had so Of
ten been attempted. His object was to
meet manluily the question, and answer it
yea or nay, that the people yht distinctly
understand whether the ST nate OF Vermont,
did or did rot entertain the opinion that a
slave market ought longer 10 exist at the
capital of this nation; whether thousands
Of human beings there shall be held in per-
pelual bondage, liable TO be bought and
sold like sheep in the shambes, or live cat
tie in the market. il we adopt The amend
ment now proposed by the gentleman from
Windsor (Mr. Pouer) ii will in effect, ac
cording to my understanding, said Mr..
Ranney, be saying and giving our official
sanction TO the opinion, that the owner ola
slave in the district of Columbia has right
10 hold his servant, or slave, in bon
dage, and that Congress does not possess
the right, or the power, to give liberty 10
the captive in chains. Was this the senii-
ment Of the people of Vermont Was
it the deliberate opinion of their repre-
sentativcs here, or in the halls Of Congress'
lie thought not, and for one at least, he
was not willing to hush to silence The ex-
preston OF opinion upon the suhject-he
would speak out learlesSy, and with fdeli