Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1839-12-17
SOUTHERN ARGU7lS
STATE RIGHTS.
COLUMBUS, TUESDAY, DEC. II.
DEMOCRACY AND ABOLlTTON-

DEMOCRACY AND ABOLITION.
Our readers no doubt recollect the remarks
made in our two last numbers on this subject.
that they were running hand in hand, and side
by side at the North, and especially in the
State of Massachusetts, as verified by the re-
suit of the late election in that State, whereby
Morton had tied, if not beaten, Everett. Not
being disposed, in matters of such grave mo-
ment, to make statements without being ena-
bled to prove the positive correctness of those
statements, we hereunto annex tu.o letters
written by Morton himself, in reply to certain
nterrogatories prcpounded TO him on this
Identical Subject, In the first of which he une-
quivocally asserts his adherence of slavery in
any form whatever, and of the power of Con-
gressto legislate over it in the district ofColum-
bia; and in the second, written at a later peri
cd, that he had not, subsequently, changed his
views on the subject. Here they are:
NORTHAMPTON, Sept. %, 1888.
DEAR SIR Your favor OF the 18th instant,
addressed to me at Taunton, having been to
Berkshire, has just overtaken me at this place.
1t Will give me pleasure to make a direct
AID explicit answer to your questions. AL
though feel reluctance to intrude my opin.
ions upon the public, and consider myself res
trained by my official situation, from entering
into public discussion OF the exciting topics
Of the day, yet have no desire to conceal my
sentiments on any subject.
To say that am utterly opposed to slavery,
in every form, civil, political or domestic, is say
ing very little; for how can any man under the
influence of any moral or religious principles,
or ofany correct political notions, Justify or ex-
cuse IT For one human being to hold others,
whom the Almighty has created his fellows,
in bondage, is entirely repugnant to that prn-
ciple of equality which is founded in religion, as
well as in natural right, and has the high sane
ton of the gospel, as well as the authority OF
the constitutions of our country; and which no
distinction of race or condition, or other rela-
ton of life, but includes in its benevolent en-
brace, the whole human family.
/ deem slavery to be the greatest curse and
the most portentous evil which a righteous
God ever inflicted upon nation; and every
effort consistent with moral duty, and the
constitution and laws of the Uninn, ought to
be made to mitigate, and if possible, to extir-
pate it from The land.
That Congress has the control Of the whole
subject, within the District of COLUMBIA, l can
entertain no doubt have seen two droves
of human beings manacled and chained togeth-
err, driven like cattle by droyer, under the
wall of the capitol, in which we're assembled
the representatives Of the people proud and
boastful of their liberty. Can such things be
allowed to continue without bringing down up
on our nation the vengeance of an offended
Deityl Whatever wisdom and justice may dc
10 remove such reproach should be done.
The rigt of petition, AID the freedom Of
discussion, by speech or the pen, are amongst
our most sacred and valuable political rights
Petition IS the humblest form in which ra-
tional boing may assert or maintain his rights
And there can be no human creature so low OF
degraded that he may not approach the Ruler
of the Universe, much more the selected rulers
of free people, by prayer or petition.
There can be no subject, sacred or profane
which an American citizen has not perfect
right to discuss, openly, and fearlessly, though
decorously. He has a natural right, conformeC
and guaranteed by our constitution. And with
out an Infringement ofthat instrument, no mar
can intercept or restrain its free exercise, eli
Their by legislative enactments or physica
force.
The territory of the United States is alrea
dy so extensive as to make many fear for tn,
stability of our Government and our Union,
cannot think it wise or safe further to enlargC
it.
| In relation to the admission of new States
with the power to hold slaves, need do NJ
more than to refer you to my recorded vote
against that of Missouri with this power. Tha
opposition, which required some firmness t
persevere in, would doubtless have proved sue
Icessful but for the extraordinary influence an
extraordinary efforts of one man, Henry Clay
who was supposed by some to have resorte
to extraordinary means to accomplish his pun
pose.
In the midst of constantly pressing offici;
duty, have been able to snatch few me
ments to give you sketch, Il fear it is an in
perfect, as well as hasiy one,) ofmy opinion
on the interesting and important subject mer
toned by you. care not by whom, or hoy
far they are known. / remain your faithfl
friend &c