The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-02-03
Mr.. GIDDINGS' SPEECH.


We publish the following speech of Mr.. CT
not because we adopt all the opinions con-
tanned in it, or would wish to witness the ra-
pine and bloodshed which must result from
war, even though it should free the country
from slavery, and be Just retrihurion TO The
South for converting the union which our
forefathers founded irto new slaveholding
confederation. Yet, in this speech, Mr. Git-
dings has rapt the knuckles of slavery Just as
it should be dous.
We know there are some even among
wings who, taking council of their feaf2s are
inclined to parley with the rank-scented evil
of slavery. But Mr.. Giddings is not among
these cravens. He calls things by their right
names. lie moves straight forward with an
eloquence justly iucensed against an al onk-
nation which is racking our social fabric TO
its very foundations. Should all our Menu
hers Of Congress who think with Mr.. Gid
dings speak out as boldly against the wrongs
of slavery especially towards the peoI! &c of
the North, it seems as il the black nj uster
would much sooner yield his grasp ups Ii the
very vitals Of the republic. In this 81 eech
Mr.. G. boldly presens in their true light the
motives and policy pursued b, the Sotli'in
heir anne Ration ofTexas. All must agree
with Mr.. g., that since the policy o. ring
ing foreign territory into the union ha> been
adopted to stronghold the slave power, We
should have ii! Of Oregon, as claimed, CONF
pretending the North Of Mexico aud CaEGor-
MIA. TO counter balance it.
SPEECH OF Ny. GIDDlNGS-
The folow;n. is The Speech OF Mr. Gid
dingS ON the Oregon question.
MIR. Gnldinss said that owing to the diff
Guilty which he had experienced beFtoi' re in
obtaining the floor. he was induced to avail
himself OF his present position to Indicate the
consideration that would govern HIM in voting
or the resolution reported froDs the Com
mittee on Foreign Affairs II is due 10 my
self (said Mr. Giddings) TO say, that, in
former Congress. was opposed 10 termna-
ting the joint occupancy of Oregon. That
vote was given under The circumstances which
then surrounded us. Now we are placed in
a totally different position. Since this sub
iect was before us our Enion has been
changed, in its essential elements, and IFS
fundamental principles have been over
thrown. The Union founded BIZ our fathers
has been subverted, and a new slaveE"ldirj
cOnfederacy has been formed, giving TO the
Southern portion the balance ofpowef, and
snbeciing the free labor Of the north, the
dearest rights of the free states, TO the tendes
mercies OF a slaveholding oHsarchy. They
now have the entire direction of the govern
ment. The people of the free states have
been politically bound hand and foot. and dc
livered over TO the slayehodng interest. and
it is now worse than mockery TO taiA Of
maintaining the manufacturing Interests Of
| Pennsylvania or of New England. They arc
now under the memorable power of SOuh.,
| This, then, is our situation, are alf
perfectly conscious The nation has beers
plunged without my aid uto this eondirion.
and against nv will I have believed and
sill believe. that this policy Of acquiring Ter
rrory must inevitably. if carried ont, subverf
the government and dissolve the Union.
Mr. Chapman called Mr.. Giddiagsto iFder,.
and was understood to say that to speak of
he dissolution of the Union was irrelrvaIS,
and was throwing e-brand into the House.
Mr.. Giddings proceeded. | was stating
our present situation, and the liability Of this
new Union TO fall asunder from its own
weight when this system of extension shall
he carried Out.-And il is under these CIR
cumstances that am called TO express my
opinion of the proposed policy. am led to-
The conclusion. TO the irresistible ccncus6fs
that war, with all its horrors. aud lis devdsta-
tion of public morals, is infinitely pref ralle
10 = supine, inactive submission 10 The slave
holding power, that is to eoDiroi IhiS Eaiio,e'
if left in its present situation.
wish to be distinctly understood Ifar |
have seen enough of war TO form an 81 Inicn
OF its effects, its Giiseries, and The eX;'nf Of
its curse,
Yet. sir, greatly prefer them, for few
years, TO the quiet ar'aiby which has already
subjected US TO a change Of the govern niest
formed by our fathers.
Here will take occasion 10 say that differ
from nv venerable friend from Massachusetts
as to the probability Of war. am OF 81 inion
that if we take the whole Of Oregon II will
produce war. ! say this, although ] have
heretofore. in nine eases ont oil ten, iound
myself mistaken " hen | have differed from
that venerable statesman. The consequences
of a war have not escaped my considerations d,
Ii must inevitably produce great destruction
to the commercial wealth Of New England:
Here let me say to the gentleman from Mas
saehuseus, (Mr. Winthrop who the other
day made so eloquent an appesAin faVsr Of
peace, and who represents the commercial
interests Of that state, that fully appreciate
his motives and feelings Bur, sir. this stu
alton is one Of his own choice. He was a.
mong the first distinguished men Of that S ,,4ee
who gave in his adherance TO the ch:.r.se of
GOV ernEIent. and the leading conomereiaI
men Of Boston were the first in t1st state In
declare their submission to this pew slavehol--
ding confederation with Texas. This Was.
done with full knowledge of the policy
which had been adopted of extending our ter
riiory. That state had declared her People.
under no obligation to unite with Texas in.
Of any action of Congress. T.
then held, and still hold that he action Of The
government imposed 10 obligationupor any
state, either political or moral to enter into.
this new confederacy. No. sir. if she come
into il, as she WILL il will be the choice Of sur-
people, and not from any obligation resting
upon her by reason of the iOint rcsulutiOnS