Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-08-29

on questions which, rs | conceive, af-
feet the whole country.
And first, rs To the enlargement of
IA territory by the annexation Of Tex
IS. For whose interest is that I! On
what ground ought that TO be effected
My opposition TO that measure is nei-
Their temporary in its nature nor char
acter, II would be the same if Mexi-
co were agreed TO the annexation, rs it
is now-it would be the same were
Texas TO cost us nothing, ac though it
cost us much, II is founded, prin-
cipally 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 n scheme for the
extension ofthe slavery of the African
race. ! submit TO the gentlemen from
the South here present, and ] see many,
whether any sensible, judicious and
wise maj there, has wished, or now
wishes, for the agitation and discussion
of this question, at the same time that
/ submit to the people of the North, as
lovers of Liberty every where, whcth-
or they desire or approve of il.
Annexation brings with it the crca.
ton of States with a Slave population.
Disguise it as you may, the object, the
motive of its advocates has been, and
is, the extension of the Slave interest,
the Slave market, and Slave control.
We may just as well come to the truth
at once. The public documents before
the people, qarbled as they have been,
show the fact-that the annexation
of Texas as sought for, from fear
that if it be not annexed, it will become
Il free territory. This is expressly a
vowed by the Secretary of State, Mr.
Calhoun, who urges the annexation
from this very fear, that otherwise Tex
as may be a free country. And, gen.
tlemen this fear is not altogether um-
founded. 1t is within my knowledge
that representations 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 en-
igrant Germans would bring in white
labor, white principles, white votes
and finally acquire power enough tc
prevail over the adverse principle and
interest and that thus-who can beM
to think upon it thus Texas would
become u free country. This ] know
has been represented to the Texiar
Government. And it is to secure the
institution of Slavery against that re
suit in Texas, that we are called upon
to n that country to our own
(Applause.)
But, fellow-citizens, / do not belicv,
that the intelligent mind of the Soutl
wishes for any such thing. CHEERS.
1t is very natural that the unthinkins
!; portion of the people there should an
ticipate great advantages from acquisi
, ton Of large territory, adapted to thei
own productions, with a fresh and I'm
) exhausted so%il,--it is very natural tina
those who do not deeply reflect upol
consequences, who do not regard mat
tiers in their political bearing, shoul'
find it easy to get up IN enthusiasm a
l mong themselves on this subject of an
t nexation. But it is my firm belief tina
the mind, the thought of the Soutl
/, does not wish it. If thought it wer
so, ! should be very sorry.
7, Gentlemen,so far as regards slavery il
f that country agree entirely with wha
D has been said to you, and with the mot
: to on one of your banners, to which
allusion has been made. ] say t.
! slavery under the constitution, thu
n far and no farther" The constitution
e found each State with the power o
e regulating its institutions, i'll this res
pect, for itself and the constitution 81
left the matter. Each state could con
r tinue slavery, if it should so choose
d each could manumit the slaves within
h its borders each could render itsel
i entirely a free State. And both bcfor
n the formation of the constitution ant
;, since, many States have actually acte.
for themselves with regard to the in
: stitntion. Some have manumitte,
J. their slaves, others have not. An,
: there have been instances, among tn
o present slaveholding states, where c
4 Emancipation was formerly much neal
c er at hand than it seems to be now
, | well knew that, about fifteen ycar
a ago, pnblic opinion on this point, in VI
"A rious parts of Maryland and Kentucky
d was greatly in advance of its prcsen
> state. Now, Gentlemen, as the cOnst
tuition left this matter of slavery, Ian
h content itshall stand. Great applause
+ | can see no benefit to either party I
this question in breaking up the col
o stitution. Renewed appreciation.
J And | advise the Southnot TO risk TIN