The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-04-25

vert upon the South; | announced in plain terms that
truth--a ruth which every from the free States
can July realize and SIR TOO feel upon this subject
shall enlist under the banners of either of the radical
factions on this question. have sympathy for abo-
itionism the one side, that extreme course on the
other which is akin to abolitionism We are moi willing
TO be trodden down whilst you hazard nothing by your
violence, which only builds up your adversary in the
norh Nor does he hazard nything quite the contrary
Tor he will thus be enabled keep concentrated UPON
himself the gaze of the aboonisIs, who will regard
him as the great champion Of freedom who .encoun.
tiers the distinguished senator from South Carolina and
The senator from Mississippi He is to be upheld al
the North, because he is the champion OF abolition
and you are to be upheld al the South, because you
are the champion, who meet him; SO that it comes
to this, that between those two ultra parties we of the
North, who belong to neither, thrust aside Now we
stand up for all your constitutional rights, in which
of burglary, stealing and any other infringement of the
laws OF this District; and If these laws be not strong
enough 70 prevent or punish those crimes, will give
10 them the adequate strength. On the other hand we
go for enforcing the laws against mobs and any destruc-
lion OF property by them and if the law be not strong
enough 10 suppress them. we will strengthen it, But we
protest against being made ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS this
slavery excitement, which operate only your in
teres and the building up OF those who wish put you
down believe sir, tina, in all this have spoken the
sentiment OF every northern man who is not an aboli
tlonist My object was to express my deep regret that
any such excitement should have grown of the in
PRODUCTION of this bill.
Mr.; FOOTE. had supposed that had already suf-
icieny explained myself No southern man has ever
introduced this question the halls of legislation OF
instance the contrary should be extremely glad to be
informed OF it. The question not brought up by
any movement OF ours is forced upon by the sena
tor from New Hampshire. The South has been SILENT
resting firmly, discreey, and with dignity upon her
rights which guaranteed to US by the constitution
is only in defence OF her acknowledged rights that she
Hampshire has introduced bill which is calculated
to produce mischief Are we to remain silent Or if
we use language OF just Indignation are be charged
with endeavorlng to make ourselves popular in the
South! Let me say TO the senator from Illinois, that this
is most ungenerous proposition. He says that
worthy motives lie at the foundation of this measure
why, can Imagine no more unworthy motive than un-
princlpled demagogulsm. | would scorn myself if /
could Tor moment permit myself to give countenance
anything 50 50. unworthy Would say with all possible
tain the highest respect, and whose general feelings of
Justice for in the South all understand and appe
Claiche will permit me TO say to him. in spirit Of perfect
courtesy that there various ways of becoming popular
Our constituents will have confidence in US il they see
we are ready here to maintain their interests nvoate
And It may be- also, that the senator from New Hamp
shire will strengthen himself in proportion his con-
duct is denounced But beg the senator from Illinois
to ecoect that there is another mode of obtaining that
tuiissms ibis. and that there is such thing as win
ming golden opinions from all sorts of people and it may
be that man OF mature power young, and aspiring
clear OF all union with the two leading factions he will
more or less strengthen himself with the great body Of
the American people, and thus attain the high point of
elevation to which his ambition leads But il the senator
from Illinois thinks that middle course in regard to this
question is best calculated to his purpose he is mis-
taken.
Mr. DOUGLAS The senator has hit it precisely when
he says that sometimes the advised in the familiar
adage which he has quoted indeed the OF duty
and OF wisdom DO believe that upon this question.
that is the only course which win golden opinions
iron rejecting men throughout the country
Mr. FooI'E Gin his seat.) "Golden opinions from all
Mr. DOUGLAS In the north, it is not expected that
we should take the position that slavery is positive
good-a positive blessing. If did assume such pc.
not adopt this institution! We have moulded our insti.
tutons at the north have thought proper; and
we say TO you Of the south, If slavery be blessing.
On you rest ali the responsiby We are prepared to
aid you in the maintenance of all your constitutional
rights and apprehend that man. south or north,
has shown more consistently disposition to do 80 than
myself From first to last have evinced that disposi
ton: But my object was to inform the people OF the
o ss e
that they will see others coming here with similar sent
ments. unless they reflect calmly and coolly and
take different course; and how this nprudent and vo-
lent course is calculated to crush who oppose aboli
onsm. If any unpleasant feeling has been excited by
these remarks Of mine, regret it. know that it not
it comes home TO an individual But what have said is
the truth and we all know il and feel it.
think the introduction OF this bill has been ill-timed
doubt its exPediency IN any but brought
up at present. it is peculiarly calculated TO produce
cessary excitement and will never consent to the intro
ducton OF such bill under the present circumstances
willing to instruct your committee to inquire whether
any formal Legislation be necessary for the purpose OF
suppressing kidnapping, mobs riotng, and violence, in
the District of Columbia am prepared to meet the re-
sponsiby of passing the most stringent laws against any
illegal acts That is my position My views in relation
to this subject well known have always supported
by my vote, the rule excluding abolition petitions.
voted with you of the South to sustain it. II was re-
pealed against my vote. was ready to stand by it as
long necessary for your protection. will vote
for any other necessary to protect your rights
But claim the privilege OF pointing out to you how you
give strength and encouragement to the abooniss OF
the North, by the imprldent expression of what grant
to be just indignation, and which yol deem it to be me-
cessary SO TO utter in self-defence.
.ae fro CONTINUED