Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-08-30

the temperance reformation, as we'll as in the
anii-slavery enterprise, we might justly incur
the imputaton of being "men Of one idea."-
Temperance men in this state have never to
my knowledge made this political question,
being willing to commit the cause of temper
ance entirely to the moral sense of commun-
iiy. And ia fact the friends OF the-eause, in
many instances, have lain upon their oars and
been compelled TO witness a formidable array
of their opponents to prevent the election Of
men possessing every other desirable qualifca-
ton, save attachment to their cups.
And even you, Mr. Editor, are not wholly
free from the charge of Inconsistency" il ii
be such, in publishing the name and advo-
eating the election of a man as senator, who
recently voted in favor of a resolution, de-
claring Legislation on the subject oftemper
ance, unconstitutional while you admit that
the legalized sale of ardent spirit, causes
Tears 10 fosc, hearts 10 break. immortality 10
abound and Pauperism to multipiy"-
Whether you have been petitioner ut the
throne OF grace or 10 the legislature on that
subject we have no means OF knowledge, or
whether you have supported the election of
a candidate for representative on this princi-
pie, we are equally uniformed but that 9th
er considerations have not been disregarded
we have no hesitation in affirming
On the approaching presidential election
nothing Short of public attack. in respec-
table Journal Of the day, for sentiments ex-
pressed before a small circle of supposed
friends, would have induced me 10 offer a
single thought No candidates for the next
presidential term are yet regularly before
the public, and they may never be such as
TO involve the principle for which am con
tending. But as Mr. Clay's name is exhibit
ted in the article TO which this is a reply,
and as he possibly may be the candidate pre-
sented to the public by the wing party of our
country shall venture to offer my own
private views on the subject in connection
simply with the principle for which | con-
tend without reference at alto the opinions
and feelings of others-in fact knowing that
they conflict with the sentiments of anlislav.
cry men generally.
Abolhionists in common, deprecate the
evils Of slavery; they consider the very sys-
TEN founded in the basest passions of de-
PRAYED human nature, it is not only unjust
& cruel but downright robbery and Cypress
ion. plain violation OF the princip OF the
declaration of our independence--the very
principles for which our fathers commended in
their revolutionary struggle--principle
which they taught us to revere. cherish and
perpetuate and certainty we Should prefer
and strive. in all important elections, 10 ill
places of trust and power with men who
view this subject Alright and will exercise the
influence and all the constitutional power
with which they are clothed, on the side Of
truth. justice and humanity. But stillthe alb
clifton of slavery alone, would not secure the
highest prosperity and greatest happiness Of
our common countrv-there are other i'm
portant points of national policy, about
which difference Of opinion exists and In
which abolitionists have deep interest and
upon which like other men they are at llber
" TO think and act, without justly deserving
the charge of inconsistency. So far as tn,
slavery question is concerned, both Mr. Var
Buren, and Mr. Clay are highly Objectionable,
to the friends OF the save-if any differenc,
exists, Mr. Van Buren's position is the mos
to be feared He stands pledged before thu
nation and the world to oppose the views ant
measures OF aboli,ionists. an avowed north
ern man with southern principles
/ Not so with Mr. Clay.-he it is true, is
slave holder and, as you say, has made
speech in the IT, s. Senate in support OF III,
, system-but his mind is still open TO convic
ton and his hands united in relation to III,
subiect-his views in relation to the execu
f tive veto aIe known TO be more favorable Il
the wishes of the people and more in accor
dance with the spirit of our constitution
and it is believed the "vox populf' will b
more likely 10 be heard and regarded b,
him. when legitimateiy expressed through
their immediate representatives in Congress
But the question is not simply, whethe
: aboli,onists would prefer MIR Clay or NJ
Van Buren, for the presidency. but whethe
under any circumstances they can vote 70
either2 They are of both political par
: ties; and il wings, who are engaged in tn
e anti-slavery enterprise. cannot consistently
: support Mr. Clay neither can Democrat
n abolilionsls cast their votes for Mr. Van Blu
d rem.
d Now to test the soundness Of the prime
j pie, suppose the election of the next Pres
4 dent to devolve upon the house of Represents
: tives and all the candidates within the spher
: of eligibility were known to be pro-slaver
men-and that the Withholding the votes
y the Van Buren-abolitionist would event,
II ate in the election Of wing candidate
e could they consistently interfere. or mu
'e they be declared constitutional privilege an
suffer the reins ofgovernment 10 pass mi
IS the hands OF the "unprincipled Wings"
eel Would not such derelction of duty be I'm
l. versaIly and Justly mathematical from Flo
"a. 20 Masna h,y tho friandS IF MADAM. a