Independent Democrat., 1844-08-07

luStflouS event III inOuoih HotOi -ohS
which halows this day--we should hide
our heads in shame and confusion. Nay,
the imperishable document itself, which
proclaimed the freedom of the new world,
should be blotled from the pages Of our
country's history, because it was pcnned
by slave holder-further still, let The
consecrated name of Washington be torn
fromlhe rolls of fame, for he too, was a
slave holder.
This institution needs no defence before
this audience. | may however, be per-
mitied to remark that Southern slavery,
the subject Of so much unspuring denun,
citation, confers countless blessings on
both master and slave; that it is not only
morally and politically right, but that in
the hands efan all wise Providence, it has
produced incalculable blessings to the hu-
man family; that in His hands it has been
powerful and acting agent in meliorat-
ing the condition Of man throughout The
known world, and even OF extending the
Gospel of peace 10 heather and unciyiI-
lied lands. Waving any discussion on
these points, warn you, that this insliu-
ton which gives us wealth and comfort at
home and consequence abroad, is nowin
the crisis of its fate. Powerful and sys-
timalic efforts are making at home TO
overthrow it, and the diplomacy and lnhu-
ence OF the most powerful nation on earth
are pledged for its destruction. This mea.
sure would be to it wall of safety. By
annexing this new republic whose terrific
ry is so well adapted 10 the products of
slave labor, and whose constitution recog-
nizes and protects this institution, we give
to it such strength and permanency as
shall enable 1t to defy alike the assaults
OF Northern fanaticism and the intrigues
Of foreign diplomacy. 1t will be placed
on basis so firm and secure, that fanati-
cism itself, may cease all further agita-
ton on this subject, and fraternal concord
again prevail between the different
sections of our great confederacy. But
on the other hand, if by the rejection of
the proposed measure, foreign power is
permitted to obtain commanding infiu.
ence in the councils Of this young and fee
Bile republic, u foot.hold on our imme-
date border--a power that has proclaimed
TO us th,t she sis constantly eXerting her
influence to procure the abolition of sla.
very throughout the world,o blow is
struck, a wound is inflicted on this institu-
ton, from which it will never recover;
under which it will languish and fall, and
fall too in blood.
Let me call your attention to facts and
ask you to ponder over them.
Shortly after the formation of the fed
eral constitution, the spirit of abolition be-
gan to manifest itself at the North, and it
has gone on increasing in power and in.
nuencc, until now presents combina
ton so formidable as to threaten our de-
s,ruction. Four years ago (the latest in
formation within my reach,) the number
OF abolition societies was l6ue, they have
doubtless, largely increased since. Their
number and influence have been SO con.
siderable that they are courted by the
political parties at the North. They have
raised unds, established journals, circuIa
ted tracts containing the grossest libels,
and sent out missionaries to propagate their
doctrines. They affiliate with societies in
England having the same object in view.
World conventions are there held in which
the British nobility and gentry participate,
and in one Of which it mistake not, the
second parsonage in the realm, the con-
sort of EngIand's queen, presided. For
getting IN their zeal, their national char
acter, our own countrymen have carried
their application, even to tho British min
istry. For years past, they have besieg-
ed Congress with memorials, lst for the
abolition of slavery in the District of Co.
lumbia; I'd for its abolition in the terrific
ries; Sd for the abolition of the slave trade
between the several states; 4th for the re-
cognitiOn of the negro republic of Hayti;
and lastly against the annexation of Tex
as. And in all the memorials from the
North, against this measure, the principal
if not the sole ground of opposition is,
that it is calculated 10 preScrpe and per-
petuate slauery. In their attacks OH the
rights and safety of their fellows citizens,
this party has received direct aid and COM
fort from the most distinguished member
of Congress, an ex-president of the United
States. And they have been indirectly
encouraged by the large minority in that
body, in favor of receiving their petitions.
The potential voice of Daniel Webster,
has proclaimed that no more slave holding
territory, and no more slave-holding
states, are TO be added to this Union 1----. :.
The Legislatures OF Pennsylvanla, OF
Now yorI7,s Ae Massachusetts and Ver-
mont, have all at different times, adopted
resolutions that slavery ought to be abol-
shed in the district of Columbia. The
Legislature of Massachusetts lately adop-
ted resolutions recommending an amend
ment of the constitution of the United