Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-05-03

carried into effect. The guaranty applied
to our own territory, and no other. II might
be answered to this, that since the adoption Of
the Constitution, this guaranty had been ex-
tended to three and eventually to four new
States, by the acquisition of Louisiana and
Florida; and thus it has happened that an
additional weight has been given to the
guaranty of the South, with which the
speaker thought the South ought to be sat-
isied. The North was anxious to preserve
this Union unbroken by mutual concession !;
but it must be remembered that in order to
make this concession mutual, it should not
be all on one side
Mr.. Gallatin continued. 1t will be asked
what do we require from the South? | an
swer nothing. We require nothing repug-
nant to their interests or feelings. We do
not mean to take any measures with regard
TO slavery. We do not wish TO interfere
with Texas. She is free and Independent,
and has right to do as she chooses. All
we ask is, preserve things as they are 1t is
too much to ask of us at the North to take
an active part in annexing foreign slave
State TO the Union, thereby adding an addi-
tional weight to the Sonth. on the present
basis of unequal representation. Ii is I'M
wise to provoke discussion on this exciting
subject, and we wish to avoid it. This dis
cussion did not originate with us. 1t origin
ated with those who originated the, project
Of annexation, but if we are forced into
the discussion, we must meet it.
There is another view, however, connect
ed with this subject. 1t presents, indeed,
questions.
Does the treaty-making power include
that Of annuling other treaties, and of de-
clarng war;
Can foreign State be admitted into the
Union, without the unanimous consent of all
parties concernedl
As an answer to this last question, the
presidents Of Louisiana and Florida may a.
gain be adduced. 1t may be replied that
none Of the States, in their capacity of soye-
-eigns, protested against their purchase, and
hat in the negotiations therefor, we treated |
With States undoubtedly their owners. In
Iced, the assent to the purchase has been
general and the territory itself was so pc
'uliarly situated as connected with the
treat Western Rivers, that time has made
heir assent more decided. The purchase
vas valid only because unanimously acqui-
seed in, no one State protesting. Here the
peaker's voice was so low, that we are not
ure we have his language, but we have the
ubstance Of his ideas
These questions, he had said, were mo-
nentous, and he might add tremendous and
heir discussion might shake the Union to its
oundation. | do not wish to discuss them
I .vtII nnIu oll h.,
roposed, will injuriously affect our national
haracter, and bring into contempt our dem
cratic institutions, and shake the faith Of
nankind in our integrity, whilst the ene-
Mes OF our institutions will exult at our
Onward progress (Applause) The
opes we have given the world Of progress
We improvement in legislation, OF an ameli-
ration in our social state, and international
iolatIonnF 81 treaties, and an unjust spirit of
ggression (Cheers.) He had, however,
oil confidence in the People of the United
states. Give them time for an investiga-
ion; discuss the questions thoroughly that
his annexation will bring before them, and
n appeal TO their sense of justice will pre-
all. prolonged applause) | cannot, con-
lnued the speaker, too strongly reprove aud
enounce the insidlous means and secrecy
With which this scheme had been conducted,
o as to deprive the People of an opportun-
y to form and to express their opinion
Applause and marked sensation.)
The speaker then returned his thanks for
he kind attention the audience had given
lin, and said he was highly gratifed that
he last public act of his long life was in pro-
esting against such an outrageous attempt
o compromise the honor aud integrity of the
ountry and that in this, it might be the last
ime he should take an active part in pub
&c assembly, he had raised his voice, feeble
hough it was, in upholding and defending
uStice, Liberty, and the Constitution.
The venerable speaker here sat down a.
lid prolonged and tremendous cheering, /
hitch for some minutes was kept up after I
e was done. !
Presentation Of WashingtOn's camp chest