Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1839-02-23

described IN abolition petitions the traffic hu
nan beings between the states. This exercise
0t power OF Congress IS claimed under that ,
clause of the Constitution which invests il with
authority TO regulate commerce with foreign ma I.
tons. and among the several states, and with the
Indian tribes. The power TO regulate commerce
among the several states, like other powers in
the Cons titutIan, has hitherto remained dormant
in respect TO the interior trade by land between
the states. Ii was power granted, like all the |
other powers OF the general government, TO
cure peace and harmony among the states.--t
Hitherto II has not been necessary 10 exercise it,
All the cases IN which, during the progress Of
time. It may become eXpedient to exert the gen.
eral authority to regulate commerce between the |
states, cannot be conceived. We may easily i'm |
agine, however, contingencies which, If they !
were TO happen, might require the interpositiou
of the common authority. If, for example, the
State of Ohio were, by law. to prohibit any YES
sci entering the port of Cincinnati, from the
port of Louisville, in Kentucky, if that case be
not already provided for by the laws which reg
uiate our coasung trade, ii would be competent
to the general government TO anuu the prohibit
ton cmanating from state authority. Or If the
state of Kentucky were to prohibit the ntroduc-
ton, within its limits, Of any articles of trade,
the production of the industry of the inhabitants
of tho State of Ohio, the general government
might, by Its authority, supercede, the state
actment. Blu, deny that the general govern
ment has any authority, whatever, from the
AOnsiltulion 10 aOOtISn what Is called the Save
trade, or, in other words, 10 prohibit tho removal
| OF slaves from one slave state to another slave
state.
The grant in the Constitution Is of a power
| of regulation, and not prohibition. 1t is conser-
vative, not Obstructive. Regulation &C nj termiai
implies the continued existence prosecution
of the thing regulated. Prohibition implies to-
tai dscohtlnuance or annihilation. The reuua-
ton intended was TO facilitate and accommodate,
! not TO obstruct and Incommode the commerce
to be regulated. Can il be pretended that I'M
der this power to regulate commerce anon p the
states, Congress has the power to prohibit the
transportation of live stock which, in countless
numbers. daily passing from tho Western
and interior states TO the southern, southwestern
and Atlantic states? The moment tho incon-
testable fact is admitted, that negro slaves arc
property, the law of movable property rresistibly
attaches itself 10 them and secures the right Of
carrying them from one to another State, where
they are recognised property, without any
hindrance whatever from Congress.
But, Mr.. President, | will not dstain the Sem
ate longer on the subject OF slavery within the
District and in Florida, and of the right of Con-
gress to prohibit the removal of slaves from one
state another. These, as have already intima-
ked ba,taries, concealng the real and ultimate
point Of attack. That point of attack is the In
stitution of domestic slavery 1t exists in these
states. 1t is to iberate three millions Of slaves
3 held in bondage within them. And now allow
me, SIR to glance at the lnsurlaountaole obstacle
4 which lie in the way of the accomplishment O
9 this end, and \, some Of the consequences which
o would ensue if it were possible to attain il.
The first impeachment is the utter and absolute
want Of all power on the part Of the genera
gov eminent to effect the purpose. The Const
l. tuition of the United States creates a Unite
d gov ernment, comparatively few powers, an
g leaving the residuary mass Of political powe
II in the possession of the several states. 1t
} we'll known that the subject of slavery interpo
n ed of the greatest difficulties in the forms
20 ton of the Constitution. 1t was happily con
8 promised and adjusted in spirit of harmon
r and patriotism. According TO the compromis
y no power whatever was granted to the gener
Is government in respect to domestic slavery, b,
ID that which relates taxation and representation
and the power to restore fugi tive slaves to the
g lawful owners. All other power in regard
Id the institution of slavery was retained excusiv
TX ly by the states, TO be exercised by them seve
c. ally, according to their respective views Of the
IL own peculiar interest. The Constitution of Il
g. United States never could have been formed u
on the principle of investing the general go
he eminent with authority to abolish the institute
to at It's pleasure. 1t never can be continued for
single day if the exercise of such power be a
he sumsd or usurped.
IS But ii may be con.ended by these ultra -abo
es tionis,s that their object is not stimulate .
ds action of the General Government, but to OF
IS rate upon the States themselves in which the
IS sttutlon of domestic slavery exists. If that
II their object, why these abolition societi
n. and NOV ements all confined to the free States?
as Why the slave States wantonly and cruel
h assaied? Why do the abolition presses TEEN wi
is publications tending to excite hatred and al
ey mostly the part of the inhabitants of the fr
ey States against those of the slave s:ates2 w
to is Congress petitoned1 The free states have
"a more power right to interfere with Institute
is existing in any foreign country. VIVA, would
he thought of the formation of societies in Gre
We Britain, the issue of numerous inaamatc
se publications, and the sending out lectl
for ers throughout the kingdom, denouncing and al
he ing at the destruction of any Of the institute
lat of France2 Would they be regarded as proce
de ings warranted by good neighborhood7 Or wi
es would be thought of the formation Of societies
he the slave states, the issue of violent and ina
he atorv tracts, and the depu,aton Of missionari
II pouring out imprisoned denunciations against
zee .titutions under the exclusive control Of the f
nd, states. Is their purpose to appeal TO our und
IN standings and to actuate our humanity And
lu- they expect accomplish that purpose by hold
ue us up the and contempt,and detestation
zee the people cfthe free and the whole civil
md world? The slavery which exists amongst u
len our affair, not theirs and they have more
al x..b - a.. II.