Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-02-21

to be made in dersion if "the blessings of llber-
ty'' are to be secured by the enlargement of the
limits of slavery, and the augmentation of its
power That domestic tranquility" will not
be promoted by the increased strength of its
great disturbing cause; and that the safety of a
nation in war will not be increased by the pres
ence of domestic enemy, which holds notion
less the arm that would be raised for its de-
fence, are propositions needing neither argument
nor denial
Throughout the revolutionary war, the weak
ness of the southern states and their inability to
furnish due proportion of soldiers for the army,
may be seen by reference to the quotas of
troops sent by the respective states in the con-
lederacy into the service of the country. To
place beyond doubt the cause of this inequality
the following testimony is adduced from the re-
cords of the Continental Congress.
"March goth, 1779-A committee, consist
ing of Messrs, Burke, Laurens, Armstrong, Will
son, and Dyer, appointed to take into considera-
ton the circumstances Of the southern States,
and the ways and means for the safety and de-
fence, report
"That the State of South Carolina, are repre-
scented by the delegates of said State, and by
Mr. Huger, who has come here by request ofthe
Governor of said State, on purpose to explain the
particular circumstances thereof is unable to
make any effectual efforts with the militia, by
reason Of the great proportion of the citizens ne
cessary to remain at home to prevent insurrec-
ton among the negroes, and prevent the deser-
ton ofthem to the enemy"
Were the evil consequences of annexation, al
luded to, less formidable, we might point to other
and immediate dangers, too great for ordinary
prudence to disregard, or, for such an object to
encounter.
The debt of Texas and the war with Mexico
must in that case both be assumed by the United
States. The former is of uncertain, known
however, to be off great amount, and is estimated
by competent judges at twenty millions of dol
lars.
Whatever may be its amount, and whatever
may be the conditions of union between the
two countries, that must become the debt of the
United States. 1t would be alike inconsistent
with the honor of the nation and the rights OF
others, to annihilate the national character OF
Texas, assume the revenue accruing from her
commerce, and leave the creditor unpaid.
1t is equally certain that by union with Tex
as the United States becomes party in its wal
with Mexico With what degree of vigor that
war may be carried on by the latter power, and
what other nations may be involved in it, time
only can determine, That it must despo our
commerce and impair our general prosperity;
that it may result in hostilties with powerful ma
tons; and that it would be an unnecessary and
unjust participation in the conflicts of foreign
governments, are considerations too momentous
to be overlooked in any fair estimate of the re-
suit of annexation.
In just cause, in the defence of our own
rights, the United States may bid defiance to ag
gression. But to maintain friendly relations with
all nations, so far as may be consistent with hon
or, has been the permanent policy, as it is the
obvious interest of the country, Distant be the
day, when, for any object, there shall be a de.
parture from that righteous policy. May that
day never dawn, which shall behold the glorious
flag of the Union borne in foreign battle fields,
to sustain, in the name of liberty, the supremacy
of its eternal foe.
This convention has now, fellow citizens, per
formed high and incumbent duty. With all
the brevity which the magnitude and Importance
of the subject will permit, we have laid before
you some of the reasons which impell the people
of this commonwealth to refuse their assent tc
the formation of new federal union. Massa
ohusetts denounces the niquitous project, in its
inception, and in every stage of its progress, its
means and its end, and all the purposes and pre-
fences ofits authors. She denounces it, as the
overthrow ofthe constitution, the bond of tHt
existing Union She denounces it, as hostile tC
all the objects for which the Union was estab
lished In the name of religion she denounce.
it, as fragrant violation of its revealed princi
pies. In the name of humanity she denounces it
as deliberate and monstrous Vaccination to Sc
cure the unlimited spread and sway of the scourgt
and curse of the human race,
We address you from Faneuil Hall, the hon
ored place where freemen, in other times, wert
wont to give bold utterance to their manly
thoughts. Around us are the high places wher'
our fathers jeoparded life in the cause of Ameri
can liberty. The monuments of their devoted
ness to that cause, even unto DEATH are in on
sight. Their principles are ours. Their spri
anlmates our hearts, and through us they sum
mon you to the defence of all they hold most dea
on earth.
We call upon you, therefore, in their name
and in the name of all the patriots of the reVo
luton, to stand by us in this day ofperil. An,
we beseech you that you will not permit TIL
declaration they made to the world, on the 'glo
rious fourth of July, l776, to become an oh
ject of scorn and derison, by reason of an aban
donment of all its principles, even before the las
of the generation with which they acted has dis
appeard from earth
Will the south disregard all circumstances
and press on to its consummation this deed c
atrocious wrong! When the constitution wa
l framed. we have seen. that there was harmon