Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-11-03
NuMBER V.

sdcred an evil and no one then thought of con.
tinung it as principle Of National policy
The great difficulty was to know how to get
rid of il. Some States had many Slaves, and
time was required to introduce any new plan,
and each State must be left to form and carry
out its own plans Hence the constitution was
a compromise, each State was left to manage its
own affairs, but the action Of Congress, 1t was
supposed, would be directed toward the removal
of the evil. To prevent any precipitancy it was
agreed and became a part of the constitution,
that the importation Of Slaves should not be pro-
hibited by Congress before the year 1908, but
they might impose a tax Of ten dollars a head
be fore that time.
The early history of the Government shows
that Congress kept the subject constantly in
view and took eliectua measures to remove the
evil as fast as practicable, and TO prevent the
possibility of its spreading. The idea that Con-
gress has no power to egislatc on that subject,
is an after thought entertained by section Of
the Democratic party only, for no Wing can en-.
terrain the leas, doubt,
AT the formation of the constitution, the Uni
ted States, as SUCH possessed no domain, but as
we know, vast tracts were soon ceeded to them
in trust for the Union, and Congress Immediately
1 legislatcd on the subject. The celebrated Or
dinance Of 1877 was formed for the purpose Of
bringing the power OF the nation to bear on the
question Of Slavery, and most eiiectually was ii
done. This great measure was adopted by an
act of Congress at its first session under the
constitution, and the legislation of that body has
been constant and uniform from that time to the
rejection OF the Compromise B Il at the last ses
sion.
The language Of the Ordinance is that there
shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary ser
"vitude in said territory, otherwise than in pun
"shment for crimes whereof the party shall be
"duy convicted" This principle has been af-
irmed constantly as new States have been form.
d out Of this territory, and not only SO, but in
every instance where new territory has been
acquired, Congress has legisa,ed in relation 10
this very matter of Slavery, and it is too late
for any sound statesman 10 doub, the po,rer OF
Congress.
five were to point to the prominent measures
of Wing policy, hostility to Slarery would be
among the first. They have never ceased to
advocate the largest liberty-they have never
ceased to protest against the extension Of Slave
ey. The action of our State Legislature has
been uniform, the Wing votes in Congress have
been as true as the needle to the pole, and shall
we now be told that the Wing party is not ia
vorabc to the cause of libcrty-that the new
r party, called by way Of eminence the Liberty
party, are the only sincere opposcrs Of Slave
ry.
In June 1913, we had large convention OF
Wings for nominating member of Congress
/, at which Mr.. Marsh was nominated. 1t will be
recolected by many, that on that occasion res
buttons We're passed expressive of Wing poll
f cy, and among them strong resolutions reproba-
, ting Slavery and its influence on our institu-
r tons ask that they may be rc-published
that all may see that hostility to Slavery is moi
a nclr HgM. These resolutions were not un-
knora to Mr.. Marsh, and they who were pres
ent and heard his excellent speech will not need
to be informed how strong his language was il
favor of the largest liberty consistent with the
constitution. Mr.. Marsh was then opposed tc
the extension of Slavery, and every vote he has
ever given in Congress has been against it,
/ lie is against Slavery now, body heart and soul
and II the district demand n stronger man, they
will be troubled to find him. But to the rcso,
lutions.
/ Free Press, June l6, 1918
Resoircd-Thut freedom is mans natural birth
right, the git o God TO all his creatures, OF which nc
man can be deprived except Tor violations o those laws
, which secure the well-bcng OF the community
ResDlred-Ihat civil Government has It's iounda
ton IN the duty OF all 10 protect each and every one
IN the perfect enjoyment ct his rights OF person anC
property. nd whcn this object is attained, either
the constitution defective the laws corrupt.
ReSoircd--'Ihat so tar the evils OF Slavery AZ,
coHtenauced by the Constitution is duty 10 sub
nit until, IN lair and constitutional way We cal
: provide Il remedy
so far as any of the States of this Union have sane
toned Slavery though we may dcprecate the tact, ",
claim no night TO Interfere
But while render to others all the ri Ihs to which
: they are entitled by the constitution, claim IN,
same measure OF rights Tor ourselves AMI vii. not sub
= mt TO any depnraIions Of them come when the!
f may.
Rcsolred-Thut Slavery is an unmixed evil, with
out any thing to cxenuac justify IL sublectng th
weak TO the oppression OF the stroug aud corruptu.
!, the master a. well us the slave,
A. li'hss we desire that freedom should be secure
u 10 every beng within the protection OF the Govern
Y meni, and protest against anything and everything
that tends 10 increase the burdens which by the com
promise ui Tie constitution are cast upon our
o HeSotred-That We deprecaie the extension OF 20
lllcai power, resting on the basis OF Slave popua
II uon, IA an act of hostility TO the North, destructive
n national prosperity, inconsistent with that equality
rights which should exist between the different mem
e hes OF the Union and striking the security Tor til
# continuance OF our republican institutions.
~. Rcsoired-Ihat we regard the proposed admisso
- OF Texas INTO our Union a direct violation OF ia
c gnls Of the people OF the free States secure
10y the Constitution.
II is the introduction Of power into the Consiitr
10 non ~ OPPOSITION to the powers vested under it,
rc may well be regarded as practical dissolution OF III
bond OF the union that binds us together,
IL We will neither barter our rights as ireemen n,
20 consent 10 be deprived of them, and will hold them
enemies who make the attempt.
Hesoired-1nat the protection of industry is one
IL the INST duties oil GoyeTnmen-one OF the leading O
n Iects Tor republican, institutions That protection
one OF the elements OF national wealth and that viii
en- out II there can be no permanent prosperity