The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-01-20
ABOLITION PETITIoNs-sLAvERY.

ABOLITION PETITIONS-SLAVE
The proceedings Of the House of Representa-
uyes-when petitions are the order of the day
manifest the untiring efforts still exerted by
the recklessness Of abolitionism to continue the
agitation OF that unwise and dangerous ques-
lion Its advocates urge it on the attention of
The House with all the violence Of fanatcism.
None of the wisdom of reflection seems to d.
rect their movements. They appear always 10
be under the.inHuence of passion. Their favor
lie principle however-notwithstand the as
sumption of supporting the doctrines Of equal
rights and of pure philanthropy, is the offspring
Of anatical inspiralion-and no surprise, there
fore, need be elected either by their vehemence
or their obstinacy. Fooled in every attempt TO
raise debate on their revoutionizing PROPOSE
tons, vet with undiminished warmth and perse-
verance, regardless Of equity policy or patriot
ism, they daily renew their Efforts with the
hope, however faint, that earnestness Of purpose
will ultimately effect its object. In the true ia
nstcal spirit, they are utterly careless of conse-
quences and are not disturbed by the lantest doubt
of their own nfallibiity. No matter what may
be the danger inevitably springing from the pro-
pagation OF their opinions--no matter what may
be the injustice done, and the injury inflicted,
BY reducing their doctrines to practice-no mat
Ter what compact, are infringed and what rights
are invaded, they rush heedlessly forward for the
accomplishment of their object, mpelled by the
idea and feeling Of one principle alone.
Waving all argument on the abstract question
in any one of the many points in which it can
be viewed, we conceive that the Southern States
are guaranteed from external interference by the
compact of the Constitution itself in the enjoy
ment Of all the rights and privileges which they
possessed at the time they entered into the
league of our present Union They were slave
States before the Union was formed-they were
slave States when they became part Of the
Union, and they formed the compact with the
other States with the full understanding that
they were TO concede nothing of their rights be-
sides the powers granted by the Constitution to
the Federal Government. The Union was
formed with the full knowledge that certain
States were slave States, and that they would
continue, in all probability, to be slave States
The attempt therefore, on the part of other
members Of the Union 10 interfere with the in
situations of these States is palpable infringe
ment of the original compact
The efforts of the friends of aboitionism,
while unjust, are, we conceive, also fruitless.
The rule of conduct established in both Houses
on this question, demonstrates that the princi
plies of justice and the feelings of patriotism must
become extinct over wide extent of the coun-
try, before even the poisonous bud of abolition
ism can expand into maturity. There is patr-
otism sufficient to chill its growth, and every
patriot must be solicitous to crush it at once.
To encourage this fatal principle is to prepare
the way for the incursions Of a foreign enemy.
We have already observed indications sufficient
10 evince that, powerful foe coming on our
coast, would practice on the lessons taught by
abolitonsm, and would employ the weapons
which has endeavored to prepare for him. No
true lover Of his country should permit his zeal,
for specious philanthropy, to foster this viper,
as no friend of the union of the States will lend
his aid to an Infringement of the original com
pact between them.