Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-08-30
Mr.. Web,,er's speech at the springfield Mass
Meeting.

at is not the imposing ASPECT of this great as
somblage. nor tho pageantry of brilliant ard
heightened PROFESSIONS, nor Yet any desire, on my
part, to address political meeting, that has bro't
me among YOU to-day. My opinions on the pollt-
ical questions which are now before he country.
are, believe, sufficiently known they have been
long entertained. often expressed. and are not
likely to be changed. But am hero to-day from
a pure impulse of duty; citizen OF Nassachu-
so!ts, owing TO her people obligations which GER
tainly | shall never be able to repay. have como
to meet this great assembly of the citizens Of her
Western counties, to express my opinions on the
great importance of the contest IN which they are
ged and tho bearing which the results of that
contest will have on tho happiness and character
of the country no. only III day, but III the
days of our children for countless generations to
come.
Gentlemen, i, is one of the peculiar circumstan-
ces which seem to attend political institutions.
that, though the country may be prosperous IN all
its relations we are vet called upon, from day to
dav, to enter into contests, arguments and dsqui-
sition., as though neither prosperity nor reason,
nor experience had settled any thing. Commerce
and agriculture, and the mechanic arts, are now
forrshing-two of them IN an especial degree
And the agriculture of the North and the planta-
ton interest of the South, though perhaps not IN
so bright and pamv state as they might be, are
vet in highly respectable condition. AND vet,
at this very time. when our prosperity as nation
to which we can bo compared, we are threatened
with a change, a total change in all the policy
which has contributed to produce such prosperity.
(Chaorins.)
Fellow-citzens, ii is proposed
First-to change our territory TO extend It's
limits by the annexation of foreign country.
Second-to change our Constitution to cngratt
upon that instrument what | had almost thought
the repudiated doctrine Of State interference.
1 Thrd--to change the whole policy of protec-
ton to domestic industry.
Upon these points desire to express my opin-
ions, and shall do so in very few words. beg
it to be understood that speak with no reference
to latitude longitude, with no fear OF either
Northern mon Southern men--though with en-
tire respect to both--but belonging to the whole
country questions which, as CONCEIVE, affect
the whole country.
And first, as to the enlargement of our territory
by tho annexation Of Texas. For whose interest
is that? On what ground ought that to be effect
cd! M oppo,it to that measure IS neither tenn
porary in its nature nor character. 1t would be
the Same if Mexico were agreed to the annexaflon
as it is now-it would be the same were Texas to
cost us nothing, though it cost us much. 1t is
founded, principally on the sentiment which has
been illustrated and enlarged upon here to-day
The great, Fundamental, everlasting objection to
the annexation of Texas is, that it is scheme for
the extension of the Slavery of the African race
submit to gentlemen from the South here pro-
cious and wise there has wished, or now
wishes, for the agitation and discussion of this
question, at tho same time submit to tho people
Of the North. lovers OF liberty every where,
whether they desire or approve of It.
Annexation brings with it the creation of States
with Slave population. Disguise it as you may,
the object, the motive of its advocates has been,
and is, the extension of tho slave interest. the
slave ma rket. and slave control. We may Just as
we'll come to the truth at once. The public doc
uments before the people, garbled as they have
! been, show this fact-that the annexation Of Tex
as is sought from fear that, if it be not annexed,
| it will become free territory. This IS express
| " avowed by the Secretary Of State, (Air. Cal
| houn,) who urges annexation from this very fear.
that otherwise Texas may be n free country
And gentlemen, this fear is not altogether unfoun-
ded. 1t is within my knowledge that representa-
tons have been made to the government OF Texas.
stating that large emigration TO that country was
much thought Of among the people of the North
of Germany that these emigrant Germans would
bring in white labor white principles, white votes
and would finally acquire power enough to pre-
vail over the adverse principle and interest," and
that thus--who can bear to think of It!-thus Texas
would become free country. This, know, has
| been represented to the Texan government. And
it is to secure the institution OF slavery against
that result IN Texas, that we are called upon to
annex that country to our own (ApPlause.)
But. fellow citizens. do not believe that the in
tegent mind of the South wishes for any such
thing. (Choers.) 1t Is very natural that The I'M
thinking portion of the people there should antici-
pate great advantages from the acquisition of SO
large territory, adapted to their productions
with fresh and unexhausted soil.-it is very nat
ural that those who do not deeply reflect upon con-
sequences, who do not regard matters in their po-
liticaI bearing. should find it easy to get up an
enthusiasm among themselves this subject oil
annexation. But it is my firm belief that the
mind, the thought of the South, does not wish it
If thought it not so should be very sorry
Gentlemen, so far regards slavery in this
country, | agree entirely with what has already
been said to YOU, aud with the motto OF
YOUR banners. to which ausion has been made
say slavery. under the Constitution, ''thus far
and no farther.' The Constitution. at the time
of IL adortinn found each Siate with the noNeI