Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-05-04

who have been in the habit of retaining slaves
in their possession will be discouraged from
bringing others here; and that citizens who may
hereafter settle here, will of course on the prin
ciple of obvious pecunary policy, decline bring
ing such pecuniary property with them; and
that, then, in this covert and nsidious manner the
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia
may be accomplished.
The attempt to legislate upon this subject in
the national councils is at war with the consttu-
ton, repugnant to the principles of good faith,
and in violation Of all sentiments Of patriotism.
With whomsoever il originates, this movement,
made directly or indirectly, within Congress or
out of it. which has been so quietly denounced
by my colleague, is simply netarous attempt to
commit grand larceny upon the owners of slaves
in this District | undertake to say that there is
not man who has given his countenance to
this transaction in ally shape, who is not capable
of committing grand larceny; or, if he happen
ed to be hero, as such men are not, Of perpe
trating highway robbery on any of the roads of
this Union. Ho is not gentleman He would
not be countenanced by any respectable person
anywhere. He is nmenable t0-she law. | 60
farther, and dare say my sentiments will meet
the appreciation of many even who do not believe
in slave States, and maintain that when the
arm Of the law is too short 10 reach criminal
he may be punished by sovereignty not known
to law. Such proceedings have taken place,
and there are circumstances which not only in
stigate, but justify such acts. am informed
upon evidence upon which rely, that this very
movement out Of which the bill originates, has
been instigatcd and sanctioned by persons in
high station. 1t is even rumored, and it is be-
leved by many-I am sorry for the honor of this
body to say so-that a Senator of the United
States is concerned in the movement. Certain
1t is that member of another body, not far dis
tant, meeting in certain Hall, was yesterday
morning engaged in certain reprehenslble con.
trivances, and that but for his abject flight from
the place of his infamous intrigues, he would
have been justly punished-not by the mob
but by high spirited citizens convened for the
purpose Of indicating their rights, thus unjustly
assaed.
Why is it that this question is continually ag-
itated in the Senate of the United States that
it is kept here as the subject of perpetual dis
cusslon? Is it simply that gentlemen wish to
be popular at home suppose so. Is it be-
cause of their peculiar sympathies for that por-
ton of the population which constitutes slavery
as recognized in the South. What is the motive
Is the object to attain popularity? Is it to gain
high station? Is it to keep up local excite
ment III some portions of the North, with the
view Of obtaining political elevation as the re
ward of such Fictitious conduct? But care
to say that in no country, in which the principles
of honesty are respected, would such move
ment as that now attempted be proposed, or ever
countenanced for moment. feel bound to say
on this occasion, that the bill proposed coult
not have any good object What does it de-
clare? 1t declares that any attempt Oh the par
of the people of this District, through the only
means which they may have in their power, tC
protect their property, and prevent it from being
81,
ry, shall subject them 10 be mulcted in heavy
pecunariy damages! 1t amounts then to this
that if hereafter any occurrence similar to tina
which has recently dlsgraced the district, SHOULD
happen, and the good people of the district shoult
assemble and proceed to the vessel in which
their property has been placed, and the Captain
Of which has become the agent in the nefariou
transaction, and should then and there dare t.
use the only means to prevent that vessel from
sailing, and their property from being taken a
way before their ey S, they would be compele
to pay heavy pecuniary damages. 1t is a bill
then, obviously intended to cover and protec
negro stealing. 1t is bill for the encourage
ment and immunity of robbery. That is its tru
character, and whatever opinion the gentleman
own selI-satfciency may induce him to entertai
of his own conduct on this occasion, | only tie
him now the Judgment which every honest ma
will pronounce upon 1t. If the object of tn
Senator was as | have described it. and as
apparent on the face of the bill, he is as guilty
if he had committed highway robbery. l regrt
that | am obliged to use harsh terms, but the
are true. The Senator from South Carolina al
serted with great TRUTH that the time had CON
when the South should not only let her voice
heard, but disclose to all her enemies that st
not only knows her rights but knowing dan
maintain them'--maintain them by all consttr
tlonal means by all legal expedents if nece
sary by bloodshed. The Senator from New
Hampshire is evidently attempting to get up
sort Of civil war in tins country, and is evidentl
filled with the spirit of insurrection and incend
aryism. He may bring about result which WI
end in the spilling of human blood. | say to hi
however, let him come forward boldly and TAX
the proper responsibility. Let him say, Now
am ready 10 do battle in behalf OF the liberties
my friends, the blacks, The slaves of the Disrlt
of Columbia" Let him buckle on his arnor-
let him unsheath his sword, and at once con
mence the contest, and have no doubt he wi
, have Il fair opportunity Of shedding his blood
this holy cause on the sacred soil of the Distr
OF Columbia. If he is really in earnest, he
bound, as conscientious man, to pursue tn
course, which cannot be persevered in wtho
those awful scenes of bloodshed and desolatic
: long anticipated by good men in every part of tn
, Republic. When, | ask, was it that Southei
. men ever undertook to invade the quiet al
, happiness of the North? hope may be pa
, doned in making the suggestion. | do not wis
to institute any invidious comparisons. thar
heaven have an abiding confidence in the GOO
sense, the virtuous PATRIOTISM and regard for Il
, rights of property, of my Northern brethren
and | believe that there are many of them,
both parties, who are perfectly sound on tn
question, and who will condemn the act of tn
morning. The South has been forbearing. 81
has exercised more than complaisance moi
than forbearance. But when, | ask, has an
Southern man, occupying seat in either Hous
of Congress, attempted to interfere with any Il
, cal interests in the North?
, All must see that the course of the Senate
from New-Hampshire is calculated TO embro
the Confederacy-to put in peril our free institl
, tions-to jeopardize that Union which our for'
fathers established, and which every pure patriC
throughout the country desires shall be perpetu
ted Can any man be patriot who pursue
such course? Is he an enlightened and tru
friend Of freedom, or even judicious friend {
those with whom he affects 10 sympathise, VIII
adopts such course? Who does not know tht
such men are practically the worst enemies {
the slaves? | do not beseech the gentleman
stop; but if he perseveres, he will awaken II
dignaton everywhere, and it cannot be that en-
,lo, hpl m