State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-03-29

AlDdIS JOuInaI, WHO goes LOT IAN Duren
mainly on the ground of his being Nor
Mern man with northern sympathcs, will
be delighted with the following:
Washington, March 9Th.
"Thus viewing the matter, | would not
from the lights now before me, feel safe in
pronouncng that Congress does not possess
the power Of interfering with or abolishing
slavery in the District of Columbia. But,
whilst such are my present Impressions
upon the abstract question of The legal
power of Congress impressions which |
shall at all times be not only ready, but dis
posed TO surrender upon conviction of error
I do not hesitate to give it to you as my
deliberate and well considered oninon,
that there are objections to the exercise of
this power, as operative IN their nature and
obligations, in regulating the conduct of
public men, as the most palpable ,Uant IF
constitutional poiUer uould BE-
You have alluded in your letter to the
conspicuous situation in which | have
been placed before the public, and take it
for granted, that it is to that circumstance
rather than to any other, that am able to
ascribe the solictude felt by yourself and
your fellow citizens in respect to my views.
on this subject. recognize to the fullest
extent the propriety of this desire on your
part; and although there is nothing in your
letter making the avowal necessary, l pre-
fer that not only you, but all the people of
the United States shall now understand,
that if the desire of that portion of
them which is favorable to my elevation
to the Chief Magstracy should be gratifed,
l must 90 into the Presidential Chair the
infleXible and Incorporating opponent of
any attempt on the part of Congress to abol-
ish slavery in the Dist'ct of Columbia against
the wishes of the slaveholding states; and
also with the determination equally decided,
TO resist the slightest interference with the
subject, in the states where it exists. In
saying this, | tender neither to them nor to
you, any pledges, but declare only settled
opinions, and convictions of duty. Those
who doubt that they will be carried into
full and fair effect are under no obligations
to trust me. An opportunity is afforded
them TO exercise their free choice in the
matter, and they may be assured that there
is no one less likely to complain of its ex-
ercise than myself "
From Mr. Fan Blucn'S letters in possession
Of the Richmond Enquirer.
"By spirited and dctiUe proceeding upon
the subject, the evil spirit may be put
down; and if it be not put down, no"
one can tell what may be its limits of mis-
chefand calamity. The abolitionists them
selves admit, that the subject belongs ex-
clusively to the States. How culpable and
criminal then is it in them to NEEDLE in a
matter with which they confess they have
nothing to do, and from which interference
such terrible results are likely TO follow.
Public sentiment will, l doubt not, be
sufficient to accomplish it, wiz. put do,sn
the abOiitioniStS) and if that should prove
inadequate, the same considerations which
have made it what it is, will, in due time,
create general desire that the Legislature,
should exercise all its rightiul powers to the
same end''