The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-06-24
Di.e..-Ieu Of slayery.


On the 18th instant, the question Of adjourn
ment was under consideration in the United
States Senate. Mr. Calhoun was opposed to FIX
ing "a day, for the reason that lac wished 10 have
a thorough discussion of the question of sia-
very.
Al! Observers of political events during the
last ten years, must have noticed the very re-
markaole change in the position Of Southern
men in relation to the discussion of slavery. A
few years ago, members Of Congress from the
South denounced all discussion Of the subject
They denied that Congress could legitimaiely
entertain it. They threatened a dissolution Of
the Union IL Northern men persisted in intro
ducing 1t into debate. Now, however, behold
the change which has come over them! They
take the lead in such discussions. During the
present session Of Congress, more speeches have
been made in vindieation of slavery than in OPP
position to il.
Now, what does this change in tile bearing Of
the pro-slayery men argue2 That they have
become Convinced that the more ls.ht which is
shed on the subject of slavery, the less revolving
1t will seem. By no means. They resisted dis
cussion as long as possible. SO lsag as they
hoped to brOwhest the advocates oi liberty into
silence, that was ihsir policy. They have as
eertained that il is impossible to dixie out the
ocean Of op position which Is heavirg and SURF
ing mp agai asst the iastltutiOn Of slavery. They
have been forced IL heed the tendeiIcies of the
public sentiment of the world, and have resolv-
ed ON defence as the only means liit them OF
perpetuatini! sysaim whose advocates are de-
creasing every day. Can they succeed by using
all the weapons Of rhetoric, denun,iafiOn, and
soPhistry, in beatini back the enemies of slav-
ery1 ThOs, who truly and sincerely reflect the
sentiments set forth in the great chatter Of free
dom, our Declaratien Of independence The
progress Of civilization and intelligence is I'M
favorable TO the success Of the advocates Of, and
apologists for slavery. Truth is too surely en-
trenched in her fastI,sssss TO be overwhelmed by
error. Her champions cannot be defeated in
their appeals to the reason and conscience OF a
christian world. Tile old and worm eaten dos
Potisms Of Europe have recently reelsd and fall
en- before the friends Of liberty, and every sys-
tenn in this country which is opposed TO the
progressive spirit of the age, also fall before
the irresistible force Of public opinion. To sup
pose that while emancipation from old systems
Of thraldom Is advancing rapidly throughout
other portions Of the world, the people 1T this
country will rally to the maintenance of slavery
is to suppose an absurdity hostile to the designs
Of PrOvidence, which clearly foreslIadow the
advance Of mankind towards coI,ditssn of
universal freedom.
The conduct Of the southern members Of Con-
grsss during the present session, cannot full 20
provoke thorough discussion Of all subjects
directly connected with thesubject Of slavery.
They cannot expect the opponents Of slavery to
maintain silence while they themselves are striy.
ing 20 prove that the Institution is evsrywhere
surrounded with wholesome atmosphere, and
that lie introduction into territories where Il
does not now exist, win be followed by an ex-
hsiisiless catalogue Of blessings. We are glad
that they have made up their minds in favorof
"ssdtation." Let the arena be open to all can
didltes for forsnsic honors. We are in favor Of
Stree fight on this subject Heretofore the
Pro-slavery champions Of the South have sat
isiiod TO express scorn, derision, and eonteinp,
for the anti-slaFery men. They have regarded
The sassii..sisss a heeyes.g, sses-ypoiy, e.
which their right was exclusive. II was a pet
subject TO be talked ofonly in the tsnderest sSay
by planters themselves. IL was theme too sa.
crec for the tongues of ouisiders--a darling sab
ject, to be fondIsd, patted and dsnalsd BY sl.re-
holders done. But they have now throun down
the gage at tbs feet Of Northern men, and II
these NOrthenels take it up, ard, as tho pollti-
clans say, "carry the war into africa" MIR.
Calhoun and hin friends cannot complain.
We anticipate a thorough discussion of the
power Of Congress over territories during the
present session Of Congress. Messrs- Yulee
Bayly, Woodward, and others have given various
Southern constructions OF that power They
win certainly 10 met BY men from the free
rs we'll as from slave States. who do not believe
hat Al the Legislation Of Congress in relation 10
territories up TO This time has bean in Opposition
10 tie Consultation. i tif