Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1839-02-13
CONGRESSIONAL.

has recently been done IN our Congress,
is the permission of Mr. ADAMS 10 ex-
plain himself on certain topics and the
hearing of his speech. The permission
was granted by "a vote of III to So. Mr..
Adams explanations related TO the course
he had pursued in the presentation of Pc
titions, memorials, &c, on the subject Of
slavery, on the mission of Texas, and
the recognition Of Hayti--to the Case of
our minister Stevenson, 10 his own views
on the question of aboIishng slavery in
the District Of Columbia, and 10 the many
letters he has received threatening him
with Assassination, on account Of the
course Of Mr.. Adams on several of these
mat erS. ...
Of his yiews ofthe immediate abolition
of slavery in the District of Columbia he
expresses himself in the following man
ner, which has given occasion to several
of our abolition brethren to animadven
with some severity On bis sentinents-
For ourselves, we remark That, though
very possibly we may be mistaken, we
are by no means Of the opinion that Mr.
Adlms is an enemy Of immediate aboli-
zion, Notwithstanding the rather alarming
avermcnts here made. Let the reader
"study Mr.. Adams" and let him observe
In VIVA, shape he pu:s his declarations,
before he shall make Up an opinion hos
tile to the truest patriotism Ct this first of
statesmen. Mr. A. would "recede" the
District, if, &c. There is meaning here.
He would if possible, throw back the re-
.sponsblhty on those slave states from
which the District was taken; but, as he
thinks this cannot be done constitu:ionaily,
and knowing, as he does that his almost
single vote would accomplish nothing. if
it were cast Tomorrow" he proposes
the only feasible, and in our judgment,
the only proper course, viz: to so into a
free and full discussion of the subject
That he is ready and waiting and striving
to open the way tor such discussion, Is
evinced bv his numerous avowals to that
effect; AMI, in anticipation Of such dis
cussion, he has declared his mind to be
open to conciclion so that, il it shall be
made TO appear that it is his duty to vote
for the abolition, he will do that duty at
every hazard. What more does any one
ask Of him His sentiments on the sub
ject of slavery in general are too wei
known 10 need an exposition every tune
he speaks.
Oar confidence in this noble man re
mains mistaken and we venture the pre-
.diction that MIR. Adams's future course
will satisfy the most fearful that he i:
"sound TO the core" -CtriStian ReFec
tor
IT is perfectly well known to th'
House, and partially known TO the coun
try, that from the first moment that gen
eral resolution was adopted under tn
= screw of the previous question, wlthou
allowing word of debate, prescribing
the consideration Of petitions on the sub
ject Of slavery, | declared myself agains
it in as strong terms as language coul
supply. Believing it to be unconstilu
tiOnal, have opposed anil resisted it from
that day to this. But believe it is eqna
ly well known to the House, and PARTIAL
known, also. to the country, that, in re
gard 10 petitions for the abolition Of slave
~, said, fom the very first moment
offered any Of them, that l. was not pre-
pared to grant the prayer they contained
| have SO declared repeatedly in thi
House. Of all the anti-slavery petition
"
against the annexation OF Texas (Which
consider now out of the question: an
those which call for the prohibition of tn
internal slave trade between the State
which have been willing TO vote for.
have repeatedly said that | woald vo
against all lh, others, unless on q frt
and full discussion OF the whole suhjc
in this House shall see that can chang
my opinion. now distinctly say to tn
House, 10 the country, and to the worl
that have not changed my opinion: al
IF the question aoere TO be put this day,
WOULD VOTE AGAINST 1T | wish,
members of the Anu-Slavery Society al
the Aboltionists, and people Of all desert
tions TO know this.
Since the question was first agitat
y in this House, have had abundant re
son to see the inconvenience and The mi
ry to the whole country of slaveholdi,
spot in which to hold the sessions Of CO
gress. Were il in my power, would
move the seat Of Government to a pla
where slavery does not exist As
present advised, however, / do not belle
Ahat would be constitutional; if it col
be done, should be ready to recede.
Hotrow, this District TO the states of
gaia and Maryland, and to remove
scat OF government; but as do not
lieve 1t can be, consistently with the G.
sttution, shall neither propose sue
measure. nor vote in favor of it. | So,
my present sentiments do not pie,
myself not to change them on a full
Tree discussion in this House. I bell
such discussion 10 Re the rinht nf