Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-08-30
WeJsler's Speech continued from frs, pnge.


(Applause.) | can see no benefit to either part
to this question in breaking up the constitu
tion: (Renewed approbation.) And advis
the South not TO risk that breaking up by tn
attempt to force more slavery into the const
tuition, with the same sincerity with which
would advise the North against the FOOLS
attempt to force out what is already in. TIL
constitution has provided nothing for the pei
petuation OF slavery. II leaves that with tn
states themselves. And il appears TO me on
OF the very foolish extremes into which tn
minds OF men will sometimes run, to talk ofth
dissolution Of the Union and overthrow of tn
constitution, for either purpose--the one of th
abolition, the other Of Che perpetuation of slav
institutions.
shall not argue before this assembly of in
telligent citizens, that Mr. Polk was nominated
at Baltimore, expressly for Texas. Il is stuff
Gent TO remember that whenever we hear o
one, we hear likewise Of the other-that, like
Castor and Poux, when one is mentioned the
other follows Of course. II is evident, on the
very face of it, that Polk was nominated be.
cause he was the man On whom the leaders Of
the annexation project could most confidently
rely to carry out their scheme, and for no 9TH
er reason And this leads my mind to q renec-
ton which fills me with profound humiliation.
The gentlemen who represented the NJ Eng
land and Northern States in the Baltimore
Convention, went TO secure, most of them in
structed to insist upon the nomination of Mr.
Van Buren,. He had avowed himself against
the annexation of Texas-they were against it
also. And had he succeeded, they would now
be as loud as any in opposition to the project.
But Mr. Van Buren, was o6t-voted or out-ma-
nGuvered, know not which, daughter and
cheers) and Mr. Polk was nominated. And
now, at once, as by miracle a change is wro't
an all the sentiments of these gentlemen, and
we hear from them almost universal shout for
the annexation and for Texas II does appear
10 me that this is an instance of abandonment
OF principle, and lack Of sel-respect, which
know not where can he paralIeed. agree
entirely, gentlemen, with those who saw and
have told you that Polk is the synonym of Tex
as. 1t is indeed said, in some quarters, that be-
canse Polk is elected, the annexation of Texas
does not necessarily, and may not actually fol-
low. But let Us not be beguiled by pretences
so flimsy. The object of the party which has
nominated MIR Polk, is the extension of slave
ny, by the creation of new states, in which |
slavery shall be fundamental institution. This |
as what Mr. Polk is selected to affect, and what
he and his party will secure, if success shall be |
his.
The distinguished gentleman, my friend from
New York, (Mr Granger) has said that this is
an era, an epoch in our history 1t is true,
but he might well have gone further. 1t is an
epoch in the history of human liberty, in the
history OF human slavery, and in the history of
the tyranny OF one race over another The |
progress OF human sentiment has long favored |
the abolition of slavery, and, to great extent,
such abolition has been carried out by the eff |
forts of philanthropy and true policy, acting in
Evaporation with each other. And it will, in
deed, be an epoch, new era, in the history of
human llberty-the manner in which this con-
Ina ne, ". AL t@nI 1,.sI Il
That am before you to express nv deep con- |
vction of the Importance of the struggle; to
express more especially my interest, my desire, !
to see how Massachusetts will bear herself
whether her majority shall be broken into fac |
lions her crest sheared of its glory, herself de- |
prived Of her weight and influence in the
Union!
know very WELL that If all the citizens in |
Massachu setts, who entertain similar opinions
On this subject, will act together, our majority
will be strong and decisive. If the third party,
rs IL is called, will but unite with the Wings |
in defeating measure which both alike con-
Tenn, then, indeed, the voice of Massachusetts
will be heard throughout the Union. But
here is the misfortune. That though both |
these parties think alike on this subject, there
are other topics on which their differences will
prevent unity Of action on this-and unity of
principle, without unity OF action, is ofno avail
for ANY practical purpose. If there be one
person belonging to that ,hird party here, of
him | would ask what he intends to do in this
criss. If there be none, let me request each
one OF you who may know such man, to put
the question to him when you return home. ~
No one can deny, that to vote for Mr.. Polk is
to vote for the annexation of Texas, or # he
should deny, il is not the less true. | tell you,
that if Polk is elected, annexation follows in
evitably! Because the same stream Of public |
opinion which makes him President, will also
give him Congress. Suppose the same thing
should happen in the Congressional elections
here, as happened two years ago. In Mas
sachusetls, there were four or five mem-
bers who were not chosen-from this district,
the Berkshire district, and the two distrcs of
to the differences between the
Wings and the third party Election after
election was held, but with no resut-and at
time when every Massachusetts, vote was worth
every thing. The venerable statesman TO
whom reference has been made, and of whom
the whole state is proud, (John Quincy Adams)
was then in one branch OF Congress, endeavor-
ing to pass bill which should restore to the
people the shamefully violated right, Of petition.
He failed by one vote. We had that vote in
but refused il TO him-and all
because of minor differences between two par
ties, either OF whose candidates would have
given precisely the same vote on this subject.
The question was lost, because the third party
would not vote for Wing, who would have
used all his influence in favor of the very meas
ure which that third party supported. Does
such conduct become wise men of Mas
sachusetts! (Appause,) ! say directly, that
every man who votes for Polk gives vote
for the annexation of Texas; and every man
who votes for the third party candidate, gives
half vote for the same object, because he
places himself in position, all of whose in
huences, and bearings, and results, tend direct
ly to that end. ! question not the motive OF
the man who casts such vote. but his act is
inst as have nrnnLnnced II 10 .. MI |