The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1841-04-29
From The National fatsliigenesr.
MR.. WEBSTER AND SLAVERY.

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The attack recently made in the United
States Senate upon Mr.. Webster by Mr..
Cu,hbert, of Georgia, after the former
gentleman had resigned, viii be remem-
bered by our readers. In the two instan-
ces Mr.. Cuihbert accused Mr.. Webster
of sentiments and principles lnlmlcal TO
the south; but in both he was ably and
successfully defended by Messrs. Clay,
Preston, and Riyes. The following letter,
addressed BY Mr.. Webster to the Hon.
Mr.. Bolton, of Georgia, eight years ago,
will serve to show the groundlessness of
Mr.. Cuthbert's conduct
New York, May Il. 1883.
Nix DEAR SIR: have received your
letter of last evening, requesting me TO
state my opinion of the powers Of Con-
gress on the subject Of slaves and slavery,
and Of the existence of any wish or de-
sign on the part of northern men to inter-
lere with the security or regulation OF that
species Of property.
My sentiments on this subject, my dear
sir, have been often publicly expressed /;
but can have no objection 10 repeat the
declaration of them if il be thought by
you that such declaration might, IN the
smallest degree, aid the friends OF Union
and the Constitution in the south IN dis
pelhng preiudices which are so lndustn-
ousIy fostered, and in quoting agltaiions
so unnecessarily kept alive.
In my opinion, the domestic slavery OF
the southern states Is subject within the
exclusive control Of the states themselves /;
and this, am sure, IS the opinion OF the
whole north. Congress has no authority
to interfere in the emancipation of slaves,
or In the treatment of them III any OF the
states. This was so resolved by the
House Of Representatives., when Congress
sat in this CITY, in 1890, on the report OF
Committee consisting almost entirely OF
nothern members; and do not know an IN.
stance Of the expression OF different opln-
ion In either house Of Congress since. |
cannot say that particular individuals
might not possibly be found who suppose
that Congress may possess some power
over the subject, but do not know any
such persons, and, if there be any, | am
sure they are few. The servitude OF 80
great portion Of the population Of the
south is undoubtedly regarded at the north
as great evil, moral and political; and
the discussions upon il which have recent
" taken place in the Legislatures Of sew
eral of the slave holding states have been
read with very deep interest. But II is
regarded, nevertheless, as an evil, the
remedy for which hes ai;h those Lcgisla-
lures themselves, to be provided and APP
Piled according TO their own sense OF poll.
cy and duty. The Impu,aiIons which YOU
say, and say truly, are constantly made
against the north, are, IN my opinion, en-.
tlrely destitute Of any Just foundation.
have endcavored 10 repe them, so far a
has been in my power, on all proper coca.
sons; and for fuller expression OF my
opinions, both M the power Of Congress
and on the groundless charges against
northern mcn, beg leave TO refer YOU ID
my remarks in the debate on Mr.. Foot
resolution, in 1880.
am, my dear sir, with much true re.
gard, YOUR obcdient servant,
DANIEL WEBSTER.
To JoHS BoLTos, Esq.