The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-10-10

pose. This seems 10 be in accordance
with that equality of rights about which
we have heard so much at the last session.
Aboliionists have nothing 10 fear. II
public opinion should be for them, poiti-
clans will be around and amongst them as
thick and as noisy as the locusls of Egypt.
The Senator seems to admit that, if the
abolilionists are Joined TO either political
party, there is danger-danger of what {?
That humanity and justice will prevail ?
that the right of petition will be secured TO
ALL EoUALLY2 and that the long lost and
trodden African race will be restored to
their natural rights2 Would The Senator
regret TO see this accomplished by argu.
ment, persuasion, and the force of an en-
lightened public opinon2 | hope not;
and these petiLionerse ask the use of no
other weapons in this warfare.
GLIMPSE AT THE DISTRICT OF CoLUM-
BIA.
These ultra abolitonists, says the Sena'
tor. invoke the power of this government
to their aid. And pray, sir, what power
should they invoke? Have they not the
same right 10 approach this government
as other men2 Is the Senator or this
body authorized to deny them any privl-
! Iiges secured to other citizens? Ii so, let
him show me the charter of his power, aud
will be silent. Untl he can do this, |
shall uphold, justify and sustain them, as
do other citizens. The exercise Of pow
er by Congress in behalf of the slaves
within this District, the Senator seems to
think, no one without the District has the
least claim to ask for. 1t is because | re-
side without the District aud am called
within ii by the Cons tuition, that | object
to the existence of slavery here. 1deny
the gentleman's position, then, on this
point. On this, then, we are equal. The
Senator, however, is at war with himself
He contends that the object of the cession
by the States of Virginia and Mary land,
was TO establish seat of government onty
and to give to Congress whatever power
was necessary TO render the District val
liable and comfortable situation for that
purpose and that Congress have full pow
to do whatever is necessary for this Dis.
lricl ; and if TO abolish slavery be necessa.
ry, to attain the object, Congress have
power 10 abolish slavery in the District
am sure quote the gentleman substan.
tally; and thank him for this precious
confession in his argument, it is what |
believe, and | know it is all feel dispos-
ed to ask. Ifwe can, then, prove that
this District is not as comfortable and con-
venient place for the deliberations OF
Congress, and the comfort of our citizens
who may visit it, while slavery exists here
as it would be without slavery, then slave.
ry ought TO be abolished and | trust we
hall have the distinguished Senator from
Kentucky, 10 aid US in this great national
reformation. l take the Senator at his
word. | agree with him that this ought
to be such place as he has described !;
but | deny that it is so. And upon what
facts do rest my denaI2 We are a
christian nation, moral and religious
people. Ispeak for the free States, at
least for my own State; and what con-
trast does tho very streets of our Capital
daily present to the christianity and moral,
| ity of the nation? A race of slaves, or at
Continued on inside.