Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-11-05
The WiImot Proviso and the
Democrat"

Democrat"
IL Is not the fairest way Of discussing qucs-
ton, to garble the argument Of another, and to
present only snch parts Of il as suits the views
Of the writer, and we are surprised to find the
Democrat adopting this mode Of treating our
remarks upon the Wilmot Proyiso. ltis illiber-
al, as well as unjust, to separate parts OF para
graph or statement soas TO leave false impress
ion of the opinions Of the writer, and such
course is usually resorted by those who have
little respect for themselves, or confidence in
the causc they advocate.
The Democrat, by supprcssing part Of our
article, made us justify the administration in
prosecuting this war, and thus gave a false col
orina to il. We arc not hattered by such com
plimcnts.
The Democrat supposes us to differ from the
Wing party in reference to the Wilinot Pro'iso'
and thus entirely mistakes our position. The
Wing party in Massachusetts,, and elsewhere
adhere to the principle of that proviso unequiv-
ocally. Il is strongly asserted in the Massaehu-
sets resolutions, as any one may sec by reading
them in our last number; they declare that
Massachusetts "nerer will consent 10 the acqui-
sition Of Territory" unless upon the unaiteroCie
condition that slavery shall not exist in Il. Is
not this strong enough Can words be found
in the English language TO express more iorci-
bly, hostility to slavery ?-and what Wing con-
venton can the Democrat point to, that does not
proclaim the same principle ? Now look Mt the
Democratic Conventions in New York, Conncc-
ticut and Massachusetts. Look into the organ
of the Administration at Washington. Whatd
YOU find there opposed to the acquisition Of
Slave Territory? Not word, and when a
resolution Of that kind is offered, It is uncerc-
moniously kicked out of doors.
We differed from some of the Wing papers
] in the expediency of plodging the Wing party
to oppose all acquisitions Of territory, whether
slave or free, making ii leading issue in the
Presidential canvass, and placing il before the
issue ''no more Slave Territory"
We also declared that the people Of all parties
ut the North were opposed to the extension Of
, slavery, il left unfettered by party discipline
/ and this we believe. But who Is 70 blind as not
to see, that from the party leaders at Washing
ton the decree has gone forth to abandon and
: repudiaie the Wilmo, Proyisor There may b
5 some murmuring and some faint show Of indie
pendence-but il will soon subside,-and tho
r underlings of party, ike a whipped spaniel
though whining and perhaps growing little q
first, will crouch at length at the feet Of theii
' masters, submissive, obedent and contemplate
a The Democrat, though he lately bristied NJ
+ courageously in defence Of the "Wilmot Provi
!, So" and maninlly and successfully resisted NJ
4 Buchanans attack upon it, is yet very careful
c not to commit himself to any course of action
v lie has not the Independence to declare thougl
7 repeatedly called upon, whether he will or no
c support n Democratic candidate for Presiden
$ who is opposed to the principle of the wilno
n Proviso. Though opposition to such candidate
n is the natural and inevitable consequence Q
the principle he advocates, he evades an answe
& and is silent. The Democratic party Of thi
e State did swallow the Wilmot Proviso, thong
$ with many wry faces, and as a matter Of nece.
- -a-ss ses.sAss i..-<ss~s-
o will support the Democratic candidate for Pre-
: idcnt, though opposed to the Wilmot Provis'
e and in favor of the extension Of slavery, an
y they have pledged themselves to do so by res
n lUtions Such is party discipline and norther
h slayish subserviency to southern dietation.
al the State of New York alone, has any porto
N Of the Democratic party resisted the attempt
e the slave botding administration at Washingto
4. to smother the principle of the "wilmOt Prov
IS So and to chain them to the car Of slavery
r Such spectacle is suspicious of the emancip'
ton of Northern Democrats from degradin
:, thraldom to Southern dictation. 1t betoken
: more unanimity in the North for the future, "
Z trnst, in the defence of this right and the right
of humanity.
e e6The above article should have appeare
Il last week, but was crowded out