Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-12-31
Discussion Oh Slavery.

This exciting topic has rarely leen introduced
into the L. s. Senate. Petitions concerning the
peculiar institution have for years been laid upon
the table, by common consent, without nny ques-
ton being raised to agitate that body concerning
their reference But this all-absorbing question has
been fairly preached in that calm and dignifed rs
semblaec, and we shall look for soul-stirring de-
bates in the course Of the session. We copy from
the correspondence oftho Boston Atlas sketch Of
the opening scene
The Hon. John T. Hale, shortly after the
Senate was called to oricr--the presentation Of
petitions being in order--arose and said he had
been intrusied with petition Of certain citizens
Of Indiana, praying Congress TO use such means
as was clearly within its power, TO abolish Sla-
very within the Union. MIR Hale said he I'M
derstood that il was the practice Of the Senate
10 lay all petitions Of this character the table.
The petition was then handed to the Vice Pres
dent Mr. Hale expressed hope tina, it would
not he laid upon the table, but that il would he
received. The Vice President Immediately put
the question in this wise at Is moved that this
petition be laid upon the table" Mr. Hale said
he had heard no such motion as that made. The
Vice President said that il was presumed TO be
the notion Mr. Westco,t, Of Florida, who sits
next 10 Mr. Hale, said that he would make that
motion. Mr. Hale said that under the motion TO
lay on the table, he asked for the yeas and NAYS,
which were ordered. After a few remarks
from Mr. Berrien, who understood 10 second the
motion Of Mr. Westeott, the question was taken
rs follows; Ayes 80; Noes 10. All the Wings
from the Free States Who were present, and Mr.
Underwood. from Kentucky, voted against lay
ing on the table. The Loco Focos, from 10th
Free and Slave States, voted to lay on the Ia
bic, including Bradbury and Fairfield, Of Maine
Anterior, Of New Hampshire. and Niles Of c.
The petition being thus laid in a digniGed
grave, Mr. Hale said he had one more petition,
from citizens Of Pennsylvania, Of character
similar TO the one before presented. Before let
ting it out Of his hand, however, he would say
that We live in a period Of the world in which
no subject relating to theology and the sciences
escapes investigation.
The spirit Of investigation had been carried
30 far, in some branches Of science, as even to
throw suspicion upon the Christian theory Of the
creation, and to cast a doubt upon the existence
of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. Every
matter worthy OF human inquiry had been prob
ed to the quick, by the freedom Of inquiry which
tins age permitted, and enlightened public opin-
ron tolerated. But we have, il seems, an insti-
tn,ion in this country, which exerts immense 20
liiical power, and which, at this moment, by The
war II has caused, is pushing this nation into
debt Of hundreds Of millions.
Yet It must not be spoken Of, nor will the Pc
hiions of the people upon the subject be allowed
a hearing by the Senate Of the United States
IL ats enthroned amid its own darkness, imper-
vious to the eye of reason. 1t is an institution
which in its security from investigation trans
eends all others, and almost exalts itself above
the God who made US
The petition being read, Mr. Berricn said he
would in reply say to the gentleman from New
Hampshire, that the Senate had adopted the
rule TO which he objected, from clear under
standing that the matters contained in those pc
titons, If discussed in this body, would lead to
scenes Of tumult, and 10 exhibitions of passion
which had characterized the other branch Of
Congress, and which could never lead to bene-
fetal results. He concluded by n motion to lay
on the table, which was carried, mem CON-
Shortly after the Senate adjourned.