Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-05-12

Inc nOnOTdDlB CeIdlOT VIII SulelJ uOW 20
the tho justice to say, that the bill was not
drafted with reference TO any particular case
such as that TO which he refers. | had not
the romotest reference to the projection of In
diyiduals concerned in transactions of that
character; but if | should undertake to say
that had no reference to demonstrations
growing out Of that transaction, | should be
saving what was false, for it was these de-
monstrations which induced me to Introduce
the bill.
Mr.. Fooie-In one breath the Senator makes
two directly contradictory assertions. lie
says he did not draw the bill IN reference 10
the bill, and in the same breath, declares That
he did! He disclaims in one moment that
which he avows in the next! am sorry that
| have occupied the attention oil the Senate
so long. | have felt deeply on this subject.
We have witnessed this morning the llrSt at
tenpt on this floor TO violate the constitution
al rights of the South, and | hope That 1t will
be The last. trust that the indignation Of
the country will be SO aroused, that even in
The quarter of the country from which he
comes, the Senator from New Hampshire, al
though his sensibllities are not very approach
able, will be made to feel ashamed of his
conduct.
Mr.. Hqngum-lt is now about fourteen
years, ] believe, since the Senate very wise
ly, by the concurrence of the ablest and most
distinguished men on both sides, came TO the
resolution to exclude discussion upon the in-
| flaming topic of Slavery; and that when abo-
lilion petitions were presented, upon the ques-
ton of reception, a motion should be enter
tained-which motion is not debated-and
the vote taken upon is, TO lay the molten Tor
IL .I1 HL-xo Im- I...
ever since this rule was established, a steady
and uniform adherence 10 it, but ] am sorry
to perceive that there is latterly a disposition
maniresting itself to depart from the ~salutary
rule of action which the Senate thus wisely
prescribed for itself. Upon this question of
Slavery we know there are different opinions
entertained in different quarters of the Union.
! stand here representing the interests OF one
portion of that Union, but | could not if |
would, bring myself 10 a state of excitement
and alarm in consequence Of any menaceS
that may be thrown out. | stand upon the
Constitutions compromises; and while
would not invade the rights of others, ! am
very sure that the sound portion of the COM
munity will not invade our rights. Why
should we pursue this discussions Is it be-
lieveG that we are to be reasoned out Of our
rights! Are we TO be reasoned out of our
convictions! No, sir. Then why discuss
the subject! Why not stand upon our rights;
upon our Constitutions compromises! Why
not stand thus perfectly passionless, but pre-
pared to defend them when they shall be as
sailedl Sir, nothing has occurred during
this session that has afforded me more salts
faction than TO near from some of the ablest
and most distinguished men in this Union,
the declaration, that while they are opposed
to an extension of the area of Slavery, they
are not disposed to trample upon the compro'
misses ofthe Constitution. This is our strength
Ii is to be found in the patriotism Of thost
who love the institutions of our country bet
ter than party. | believe the great body o
the people are prepared TO stand upon thu
compromises of the Constitution. 1t is up
on this ground that | stand content and pas
sionless, and if | know myself ] shall con
tinue TO do so. Sir, no good can result from
this discussion. | shall vote against the re
ception Of the bill at This time. And why
| Because | think that the occasion which i
selected for lis introduction is a very unhar
ply one. 1t seems to grow out of the occur
D renee of an unwarrantable trespass, recent.
. committed upon the rights of the citizens O
this District, without being directed TO tn
: prevention of such aggression in future, bu
n on the contrary having for its object the SUP
7 preston of the manifestation OF the feeling
of indignation which such acts naturally ere
J ate. We, who are the only Legislators fo
the District of Columbia, are not informed {
y their wants and wishes in regard to legisla
= ton upon this subject. If the people of thi
District require any other laws than they a
S ready have, Tor the purpose Of protecting the.
re property against unlawful violence, let thel
indicate to us their wishes; and | shall b
ready TO lend a willing ear to their reQues
and 10 aid in passing such a law as in m
D. Judgment may be necessary for their prote,
-, ton. If on the other hand, the citizens
IT, this District, should require other and mo
n penal laws for the purpose Of protecting the
oil slave properly, ! shall be as ready to vote f
a bill for that purpose. But | shall new
III vote for the one nor the other, when fit
es them pressed forward by gentlemen Of e
IT. IRENE opinions-gentleimen from remote pc
nc tons of the Union, having few feelings
common with the citizens of the District
10 Sir, upon these subjects | am accustomed
look to the silent operation Of the law for Il
nd protection of all our rights. In the Sta
lat from which ! came there is no excitement
no regard to these subjects. If | know anythi.
We of the character of that loyal, steady, ixe
and moderate State, there is no State in I
m, Union which will hold to her principles a
eu her rights with more frmness than that Sta
= But we appeal TO the silent operation of I
III law, we know nothing of mob-law, or
ny Lynch-law; we know nothing of excess
oI this description. Although | have lived
me be an old man, most of the time in No
Wy Carolina, ! have never seen anything in Il
.ne State experimenting even to "a spirit of POI
YES lar tumUlt.
nc Mr.. FOofc-Will the Hon. Senator all
ave me TO ask him whether, in the case of a c.
nor spiracy TO excite insuGrection among
ISL slaves, it would not in his opinion Just
'ne mob proceedings?
Mr.. Mangum-O Oh! my dear Sir, in form
! years we had a compendlous mode of dis
NAT sing Of such cases. We have now a III
CO. { I'LL ---a..- --l "