Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-06-28
SEE WHAT THE QUAKER SAYS.
SPEECH OF MR. HITSSEY ATJYNN

SEE WHAT THE QUAKER SAYS.
SPEECH OF MR.. HUSSEY AT LYNN.
We find that much attention is attracted to this
excellent address, by member of the Society of
Frlends-one who is pure-minded friend of free
dom and humanity, and who has at the same time
that accurate power of discrimination and those inn
pulses of honest patriotism, that do not allow him
to sacrifice positive good to mpracticable desires
It is an eloquent and sensible speech, imbued
with vlrtuous principles, and an ardent desire to
advance the greatest general good. Though it may
not command unanimous assent to all its points, it
will be read with interest, and, we trust, with con-
victon.
The remarks were made at Congressional Dis
trict meeting of the Wings in the Sd District in
Massachusetts We copy from the Salem Regis
ter.
When the resolution in regard to American Sla-
very was read, after that in favor of Mr.. Clay had
been unanimously adopted by the Convention, Eb-
enezer Hussey, of Lynn, IA member of the Socie-
ty of Fnends addressed the delegates in a most
stirring and effective Manner in support of the res
olution His remarks were received with great ap-
plause, and were, in substance, as follows
Mr. Hussey, of Lynn, rose and said, he was much
pleased to hear such resolution presented to the
convention bearing as it did upon subject in which
he felt deep INTEREST," subject, too, which de-
mands our most serious consideration But,
man, he wished to be consistent, and as member
of the convention he wished il to present act to
the world which would stamp the character of in
consistency upon the delegates which compose it.
Let US then, as rational men, consider well what
we are about. Is the resolution we are about to
adopt condennlng oppression, and stamping infamy
upon the character of him who denies the inaen-
able rights Of liberty and the pursuit of happiness
to his fellow man, consistent with the resolution
have Just passed--laudng STAKEHOLDER, | had al
most said to Heaven?
Is oppression such a crime, and are oppressors so
worthy our confidence? Is liberty so sacred to our
| hearts, while he who wrenches the same liberty
from others, is so worthy of our estimation? These
| are questions which come home to our hearts
questions which the world will ask, and which we
are bound to answer For one am ready to meet
them. Gentlemen, be not alarmed virtue has oft
en- made concessions to advance lis own noble OBJ
Jects; not concessions Of principles--but conces-
sions of single interest to save the loss of many.
am Whig-a CLAY WHIG- and though I
rarely mingle in political life, / am willing the
whole world should know the opinions entertain.
am friend to the slave-I am willing the friends
of humanity should know the concessions | make.
But unless they know why make them, | may APP
| pear lnconsistent-and when the world knows that
this convention comedies an interest while it holds
last the great principle, no inconsistency will mark
Its actions In passing the resolution before US.
l have consented to support Henry Clay for the
highest office to which man can aspire | have
done it after the most serious consideration of all
that bears upon the virtues and errors which have
characterised the public and private life of the man.
have reasons for doing so-reasons with which
| trust every member Of this convention concurs.
There are three great interests at this time affect
ing the general prosperity of our country-inter
ests too, which demand the protection of master
minds, and the serious consideration Of all who
have aught TO hope for, or aught to lose. The first
of these is American Slavery; the Others the pro-
! lection of American Industry, and the establish
ment of National Policy, which shall ensure a
n
operations. Why, then, / am asked, do sacrifice
an important interest to obtain the protection of the
other two? do not, will not, sacrifice one jot or
title Of The one. j, with you, and you with me, on
ly cling to the t,co-and stand ready to grasp the
other whenever and wherever it shall be in our
reach. This sentiment was responded to by the
) whole convention.
We are bound, conceive, to make a sacrifice to
aid the oppressed, whenever there is reasonable
ground to hope the sacrifice will produce the de-
sired result But we not bound to sacrifice our
own comforts and happiness, nor the means of OBJ
tanning them, when our own consciences are con-
vnced that the sacrifice will strengthen the hands
of the oppressor.
But, looking upon Henry Clay as a stakeholder
forgetting ms virtues-his uneguaed talents-his
unbendlng integrity-hs unchangng steadfastness
in the defence of Northern interests and the inter-
ests OF the whole country-io there no bright shade
to relieve so dark featu in his character? Does
not His early life was characterized by one of the
most brilliant efforts that has ever been made in
, opposition to its continuance in his own State
Since which, he has been distinguished by the con-
cessons and compromises he has made to advance
what he has conceived to be the interests of the
country When he shall be President, he will have
accomplished all that he can do as a statesman--as
a politician. But will there not be another act to
> consummate the brightness of his fame? Will not
the bright sunshine of his youth return and mingle
its rays with the laures that cluster round his name,
when bending to his grave? Will he not again
appear the leader among the champions OF equal
rights ?-the foremost among those who shall pro-
claim liberty to the captive?
Gentlemen, abhor savery-I abhor oppression
from my heart. And while am convinced that
the circumstances justify the concession maze, l
believe that such another concession will never be
: called for at our hands.
i Through the dim distance Of the shadowy future
I see the dawn of brighter day; and may eur
acts hasten its coming And come what may, may
it never be said of the Wings of Massachusetts,
> ye have betrayed your sacred trusts.
Gentlemen, my whole heart is with the resolu'
ton. | hope it will pass. | believe it speaks a
voice such as every Wing will echo. believe 1t
utters truths which will grow brighter with using,
and stronger in the hearts of all who embrace them,
till the Wing cause, which embraces every interest
in our country, shall gorously triumph