Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1839-04-03

The following speech is nearer an Anti Siarery
speech, than any other have yet seell that has
been delivered on either floor ofCongress Strange, !
that there should be single abolitionist among all
who sympathize with either Of the two political
parties Of the day, who can suppose that there Is
any necessity Of making mp the issue between Hen
~ Clay ard Martin Ven Buren, or any other slave
holders or slavery fenders while there are such
men as MoRnIs in almost every free State of the ,
Union.
SPEECH OF MR. NORRIS, OF OHIO, !
In U. S. Senate, Feb 9, 1889.
Mr.. President II rise to present to |
tho consideration of the Senate, numerous |
petitions signed not only by citizens of my
own State, but citizens of several other |
states, New York, Pennsylvania, Mich
gan, lilaJ.s, aud Iniana. These peli- |
TONERS, amounting in number to several |
thousands, hivs thought proper to make |
me their organ, in communicating to
Congress their opinions and wishes on
subjects which, TO them, appear of the
highest Importance. These petitions, sir,
are on the subject Of slavery, the slave
trade as carried on within AMI from this
DISTRICT, the slave trade between the diff
f,rent sta,es of this confeIeracy, between
tbs country ana Texas, and against the
admission Of that country in:o this Uoioa,
AM also agains: that of any other state,
whose constitution and laws recognize or
permit slavery. l take this opportunity
- present AL these petitions together,
having detained some of them for a con-
sllerable time in my hands, in order that
as small portion Ct the attention of the
Senate might be t.kcn up on their account
as would be consistent with strict regard
to the rights Of the petitioners. And
now present them under the most peculiar
circumstances that have ever probably
transpired in this or any other country
present them on the heel of the petitions
which have been presented by the Senator
from Kentucky [Mr. C.ayl signed by the
inhabitants OF this District, praying that
Congress would not receive petitions on
the subject of slavery in the District from
any body Of men, or citizens, but them
selves. This is something new; it is one
ii tho devices of the slave power, and
most extraordinary in itself. These petit
tons am in duty bound to present.
duty which l cheerluIIy perform, for l
consider it not only duty but an honor
The respectable names which these petl
lions bear, and being against practice
which | as deeply derrecate and deplore
cs they can possibly do, yet | well know
the fac of these petitions; and | also
know the time, place, and Disadvantage
under which present them. In dv1llins
myself of this OPPORTUNITY to explain my
own views on this agaticg topic, and X
explain and justify the character and pro
ceeLings OF these petitioners, it must b
obvious 10 all that am surrounded by n
ordinary discouragements. The strons
prejudice which is evidenced by the pet
TONERS Of the District, the unwiIingnes
Of the Senate TO hear, the power which
arrayed against me on this occasion, q
well as in opposition to those whose RICH;
am anxious to maintain opposed b
the very lions Of debate in this body. VIII
ure cheered on by an applauding CALLER
and surrounding Interests, is enough
produce dismay in one far moro able an
eloquent than the lone and humble in5
vidual who now addresses you. VIII;
sir, can there be to induce me TO appe
on this public arena, opposed by SUI
powerful odds? Nothing, sir, nothir
but a strong sense of duty, and de
conviction that the cause | advocate
Just; that the petitioners whom represe
are honest, upright, intelligent, and
spectable Citizens m,n who love thu
country, who are anxious TO promote
best interests, and who are actuatel
the purest patriotism, as well as the de
est philanthropy and benevolence.
representing such men, and in such
cause. though by The most feeble mea
one would suppose tina: on the -four
The Senate Of The United States, of1
and decent respect to the opinions
others, would prevail. From the eau
which | have mentioned, can har
nope Tor this. expect to proceed th
scenes which i'll become this hall;
nothing shall deter me from a full
faithful discharge of my duty on this
portant occasion. Permit me, sir. to
mlud gentlemen that have now been
years a member of this body. h
seldom, perhaps too seldom, in the O
Ion OF many Of my constituents. pre-
myself upon the notice of the Senate,
taken up their time in useless and wi
debate. Iquestion very much if
occupied the time of the Senate du
Inc 6years as much as some gentle
nave during 6 weeks, or even six day.
nope, therefore, that shall not be
CORROSIVE, or charged with taking
nme with Abolition petitions. hope,
PRESIDENT, to hear no more abou. agit;
mrs slave question here. Who has
gun The agitation now! The Sc