Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-08-30
INu NBE r SO.

was formerly much nearer at hand than It seems
TO be now
well know that. abou, fifteen years ago. pub
lie opinion this point, IN various parts OIL Mary
land and Kentucky. was greatly IN advance OF us
present state. Now, gentlemen, as the constitu-
ton left this matter of slavery am content 1t shall
stand. (Great applause.l | can SEQ no boneht
to other party TO this question in breaking up the
constitution. (Rencwcd npprobalion.) And l
advise the South not to risk that breaking up by
the attempt TO force slavery into the constr
tuition with the same sincerity with which would
advise the North against the foolish attempt to
force out what is already in. The constitution
has provided nothing for the pcrpetuation OF sav-
cry. 1t leaves that with the States themselves.
And it appears of tho very foolish OK
tremes into which the minds of mon will sometimes
run. to talk of the dissolution of the Union and
overthrow of the constitution, for either purpose
tho one of the abolition, tho othor OF the pcrpe-
tuation of slave institutions.
shall not a oue before this assembly of lntelll-
gent citizens. that Mr. Polk nominated at
Baltimore. expressly for Texas. II is sufficient
to remember that whenever we hear OF ope, we
hear likewise Of the other-hat they are always
tooether-that like Castor and Poilux, when one
/ is mentioned the other follows Of course. 1t IS
evident, on the very face of it, that Polk was
nominated because ho the man on whom the
leaders Of the annexation project could most con-
fidenty rely to carry out their scheme, and Tor no
other reason. And this leads my mind to a re-
Election which fills me with profound Illumination:
The gentlemen who represented the Now England
and Northern States in the Baltimore Convention,
want are, nf tironl instructed to insist
on, the nomination of Mr.. Van Buren,. He had
avowed himself against the annexation of Texas,
they were against it also. And had he succeed
cd, they would now be as loud as any IN OPPOSE
ton TO the project.
| But Mr.. Van Buren, was out-votcd out.ma
nnuvred, know not which, daughter and cheers)
and Mr.. Polk nominated. And now, at once,
as by a miracle, change is wrought III all tho
sentiments Of these gentlemen. and we hear from
them almost universal shout for the annexation
and for Texas. 1t does appear to mo that this IS
an instance of abandonment Of principle, and
a lack Of self-respect, which | know not where
can be paraelcd. l agree entirely. gentlemen,
with those who say, and have told you, that Polk
is the synonyme of Texas. 1t is indeed said, IN
some quarters, that because Polk IS elected, Tho
annexation Of Texas does not necessarily, and
may not, actually. follow. But let us not DO be-
gulled by pretences SO fimsy. The object OF tho
party which has nominated Mr.. Polk is tho extern
sion of slavery by the creation of now States, IN
which slavery shall be fundamental institution.
This is what Mr.. Polk is selected to effect, and
what he and his party will secure, if success shall
be his.
The distinguished gentleman my friend from
New York, (Mr. Grangor,) has said that this IL
an era. an epoch in our history. 1t IS true, but
he might wo have Como farther. 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 another. The progress OF hui
man sentiment has long favored the abolition of
slavery, and, to great extent, such abolition has
been carried out by the efforts of philanthropy
and true policy, acting in cooperation with each
othor. And it will, indeed, BIO an epoch, a now
era, in the history of human lbcrty-the manner
in which this contest before shall DO decided.
Therefore ii is that am before you to express my
deep conviction of the importance of the struggle;
to express moro equally my interest, my desire,
to see how Massachusetts will bear herself
whethor her ma orty shall be broken into fac
tons, her crest sheared of its glory, herself de-
prived of her weight and influence in the Union'
know very we'll, that if all the citizens in
Massachusetts, who entertain similar opinions on
this subject, will act together, ma jorty will
be strong and de cisive. Ifthe third party, rs it
Is called, will but unite with tho wings III defeat
ing measure which both like condemn, then IN
decd the voice Of Massachusetts, will be heard
throughout the Union. But hero Is the misfor-
tune. That though both these parties think a
like this subject, there are other topics on
which their difference will prevent unity Of action
on this-and unity Of principle. without unity OF
action, is of avail for any practical purpose
Ifthcre be person belonging TO that third par
,y here, Of him would ask what he intends to
do in this crisis! Ifthere be mono, let me request
each one Of you who may know such man, TO
put the question to him when you return homo.
No one can deny that to vote for Mr.. Polk IS to
vote for the annexation Of Texas, or if he should
deny, it is not the less true. tell you that #
Polk is elected annexation follows inevitably :
Because the same stream Of public opinion which
makes him President, will also give him Con-
gross.
! Suppose the same thing should happen in tho
CONGRESSIONAL elections here, happened two
, wears ago. In Massachusetts there were four or
five members who not chosen-from this
district, the Berkshire district, and the two dis
5 tricts Of Essex-owing to the difference between
: the Wings and the third party. Election after
f election was hold but with reslt-and at
time when every Massachusetts vote worth
every thing. The venerable statesman to whom
. reference has boon made. and OF whom the whole
{ state is proud. (John @. Aiamsl was then ID one