Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-08-30
MIR. WEBSTER'S SPEECH
AT SPRINGFIELD.

other demonstrations of approval and delight.
He said:--
:" 1t is not the imposing aspect of this great
assemblage, nor the pageaniry OF brilliant and
heightened PROFESSIONS, nor yet any desire, on
my part, TO address political meeting that has
brought me among you to-day. NV opinions
on the political questions which are now before
The country, are, believe, sufficiently known.
they have been long entertained, often EXPRESS
ed, and are not likely to be changed. But
am here to-day from pure impulse of duty; as
ciilzen OF Massachusetts, owing TO her peo-
pie obligations, which certainly shall never
be able to repay, have come TO meet this great
assembly of her Western counties. TO express
my opinions on the great Importance of the
contest in which they are engaged, and the
bearing which the results of that contest will
have on the happiness and character of the
country, not only in our day. but in the DAYS
OF our children for countless generations 10
come.
Gentlemen, il is one Of the peculiar circum-
stances which seems to attend our political in
situations, that, though the country nav be
prosperous in all lis relations, we are vet called
upon, from day 10 day, TO enter into contests.
arguments and dispositions, as though neither
prosperity, nor reason, nor experience had set
tied any thing. Commerce and agriculture.
and The mechanic arts, are now hourishing--
two OF them in an especial degree. And the
agriculture OF the North and the plantation IN
terest OF the South, though perhaps not in SO
bright and palmy state as they might be- are
yet in highly respectable condition. And yet
at this very time, when our prosperity as a ma
tion lar transcendS the prosperity OF any other
nation TO which we can be compared we are
Threatened with a change, total change in all
the policy which has contributed to produce
such prosperity. (Cheering.)
| Feiow-cltzens, il is proposed
first-to change our territory; to extend its
limits by the annexation Of foreign country.
Second--to change our constitutions; to en-
graft upon that instrument what | had almost
thought the repudiated doctrine OF state inter
ference.
Ihird--to change the whole policy Of pro-
lection TO domestic industry
/ Upon these points | desire 10 express NV
opinions, and shall do so in very few words.
| beg IT TO be understood that speak with no
reference 10 latitude or longitude, with no fear
OF either northern men Or southern men--tho'
with entire respect to both-but as belonging
10 the whole country, on questions which, as
conceive, affect the whole country.
And, first, as to the enlargement Of our ter
ritory by the annexation Of Texas. For whose
interests is that? On what ground ought that
TO be effected, Ny opposition TO that measure
is neither temporary in its nature nor charac-
ter. II would be the same If Mexico were a.
i greed 10 the annex alton, as il is now-it would
though IL cost us much. Ii is founded, princi-
pally, ON the sentiment which has been illustra-
II ted and enlarged upon, here, to-day The
great, fundamental, everlasting objection TO the
annexation OF Texas, is that il is scheme for
the extension OF the slavery of The African
race. submit TO gentlemen from the South
here present, and see many, whether any SEN
sbe, judrious and wise men there, has wished
or now wishes, for the egitation and discussion
Of this question, at The same time that sub
nit to the people Of the North, as lovers of
liberty every where, whether they desire or ap-
prove of il.
Annexation brings with it the creation of
, states with slave population. Disguise il as
you may, the object, the motive Of lis advo-
Gates has been, and is, the extension of the
slave interest, the slave market, and slave con-
, troll. We may just as well come to the truth
at once. The public documents before the peo-
r pie, garbIed as they may have been, show this
r isci-that the annexation Of Texas is sought
for, from fear that, if it be not annexed, il will
5 become free territory. This is expressly a
+ vowed by the Secretary of State, (Mr Cal
r houn) who urges annexation from this very
! fear, that otherwise Texas may be free coun-
I try And, gentlemen, this fear is altogether
, uniounded. 1t is within my knowledge that
representations have been made To the govern
/; ment Of Texas, stating that large emigration
? 10 that country was much thought of among
the people of the north of GERMANY; that these
4 emigranl Germans would bring in white labor,
> white principles, white votes, and would final
= ly acquire power enough 10 prevail over the ad-
i verse principle and INTEREST," and that thus
4 who can bear 10 think of t!--hus Texas would
: become a free country. This, | know. has
been represented 10 the Texan governments
And il is TO secure the institution of slavery
against that result in Texas, that we are called
: upon to annex that country TO our own. Zap
lplause.)
But, lellow-ciizens, I do not believe that the
! intelligent mind of the South wishes any for
> such thing. (Cheers) 1t is very natural that
: the unthlnking portion of the people there
! should anticipate great advantages from the ac-
= QUESTION oiso large territory adapted to their
. own productions, with fresh and unexhaust-
y ed soil,-it is very natural that those who do
= not deeply reflect upon consequences, who do
not regard matters in their political bearing,
: should find il easy TO get up an enthusiasm a.
u mong themselves on this subject Of annexation.
; But it is my firm belief that the mind the iho't
:, of the South does not wish it, If | thoughtit
y were not so, should be very sorry.
Gentlemen, so far as regards slavery in this
VI country agree entirely with what has already
been said TO you, and with the motto ON one
: of your banners, TO which ausion has been
made, ! say TO slavery, under the constitution,
d 'tffus far, and no farther The constitution,
/ at the time of its adoption, found each state
,, with the power of regulating IFS institutions
in this respect for itself; and the constitution
:, so lett the matter. Each state could continue
u slavery, if il should so choose, each could man
unit the slaves within its borders, each could
a render itself entirely free state. And both
= before the adoption of the constitution and
since, many states have actually acted for them
selves with regard 10 The institution. Some
man cd al oil hon