Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-05-04
VOL. V. NO Is.


winch he has so well expressed. The time has come
when, ii this District is to be made the theatre of such
contests, Congress should interpose the legislation nee
essary for the punishment of those men who come
within our jurisdiction, acting in fact and in morals as
notwithstanding here to steal portion of that
property which is recognized such BY the Constitu
ton of the United States Why is it that in this BODY
looked to the conservative branch of the Gov
ernment-once looked to as so dignifed that it stood
above the power of faction-that find the subject
Of this contest insulting to the South-so insulting
always when it is agated and introduced on such an
occasion? Is this debatablo ground? MOI It is
ground upon which the people Of this Union may shed
their blood and that is the first result if be pressed
any arther and if this Senate is to be made the thea
tire of that contest let it comethe the better
We who represent the Southern States not here TO
be nsued on account of this institution which we in
herit. And if civil discord is TO be thrown from this
Chamber upon tine and let it terminate here anc atl
ready for one to meet it. with any incondary who,
dead TO every feeling of patriotism, attempts here to
produce it.
Mr.. FooTE.-All must see that the course Of the
Senator from New Hampshire is calculated 10 enbrol
the Confederacyto put in peril our free institutions
to jeopardize those free institutions which our forc-
theirs established and which every pure patriot through
out the country desires shall be perpetuated Cant
man be patriot who pursues such course? Is he
an enlightened friend of freedom, Or even udicious
friend of those with whom he affects to sympshise
who adopts such a course? Who docs not know that
such men practically the worst enemies Of the
slaves9 do not beseech the gentleman to stop; chit
if he perseyeres he will awaken Indignation cysFv
where, and it cannot be that enlightened men. who
conscentiousy belong to the faction at the North, Of
which he is understood to be the head can isa.icon
or approve everything that he may do under the nu-
enCe Of excitement in this body will close by saw
ing, that if he really wishes glory, and to be regarded
as the great liberaor of the backsf he wishes to be
particularly distinguished in the cause Of emancipa-
ton, as it is caed-let him, instead Of remaining in
the Senate of the United States or instead of secret
ing himself in some dark corner of New Hampshire,
where he may possibly escape the lust Indignation of
good men throughout the repubic-let him visit the
good people of Mississippi in which have the honor
to reside and doubt he will be received with such
shouts of Joy as have rarely marked the reception of
any individual in this day and generation. invite
him there, and will tell him beforehand in all honesty,
that he could not 90 ten miles into the interior before
he would grace of the talest trees of the forest
with rope around his neck, with the appreciation of
every vrtuous and patriotic citizen and that if neces-
sary, should myself assist in the operation.
Mr.. HAIL. beg the indulgence Of the Senate for
few moments, though did not exactly anticipate
this discussion, yet do not regret it. Before pro-
coed farther the Hon. Senator from Mississippi has
SAID that it has been asserted and he thinks on good
authority, that Senator of the United States conniv-
ed at this kidnapping of slaves ask if he refers to
me?
Mr. FooTE.-I did
MR. HALE take occasion then TO say, that the
statement that have given the slightest countenance
to the procedure is entirely without the least founda
uon IN truth. have had nothing to DO with the &C.
curence directly or Indirectly, and demand of the
Hon Senator to state the ground upon which l--i-
made tho nllc6atiSa.
Mr. FooTE.-It has been stated to me, and GER
tainy believed it, and behcveing it Denounced it,
did not make the charge directly. My remarks were
hypothetical. am glad to hear Ia Senator say that
he has had no connection with the uoyemenl but
whether he had or not, some Of his brethren III the
great cause in which he was engaged no douDthad
much 20 do with it.
Mr.. HALE.-The sneer of The gentleman does not
affect ne | recognize every member Of the human
family as a brother. Once for ALL utterly deny that
either by counsel by silence by speech, in any
way OF manner had, any knowledge, connizance, or
suspicion Of what was done or might be done, until I
heard of this occurrence other Senators have heard
it. And challenge any one who entertains differ
ent opinion, to the proof, here now, and forever, |
60 farther than that
Lnever have counseiled advised, or aided in any
way, and with my present impressions, / never shall
counsel, advise, Or aid in way, any encroachnen upon
the Constitution in any gifts provisions or compromises.
If the Constitution be not broad enough for the proec
ton that claim will 90 without it. trust that on
this subject have been sufficiently understood. |
but all knowledge Of any such movements.
Whilst am up, letme call the attention ofthe SEN
ate to the case of man whom | am proud here and
elsewhere to call my FRIEND the editor of the Natio,a-
al Era" This gentleman, in a card published in the
".Ndtioaai Latelbgenoar' of this day, declares;
"a rumor having been circulated that the Office of
the National Era was concerned directly or indirectly
in the recent attempt Of number Of slaves to escape
on the schooner Pearl it is due to the respectable cit
liens of this place, and to myself to give plain full
Iunequvocal denial to the report. While determined
to yield right to menance or Violence concession
which no heated American will be ungenerous
enough to depand-I feel it to be my duty to do all
can to removea serious misrepresentation, calculated
to provoke unpleasant excitement"
The position which he has taken is thus laid down
in the first number of his paper and he republjsh-
es 1t in his card:
believing that the extinction of slavery can be af
fected in accordance with the Constitution and law
and that this is the better way unconstitutional or
illegal measures will find in us supporter We carr
not work with contradictory means.--Wheneyer con-
WINGED that such measures as the laws sanction OF do
not prohibit are insufficient for the accomplishment Of
the great object we aim at, shall frankly saw so
The magnitude of the cause in which we are enra red
Justice to fellow citizens of the South and sound
policy demand that no movement be made in relation
to this important question, except with the utmost
! openness frankness and fair dealing.
| "'Ihe declaration then made embodied the prnci-
pies upon which had almost uniformly acted in re-
iaton to slavery and in not single instance have l.
or any one in my Office as far as my knowledge ex-
tends, violated it Iaanaate pieF,s
of what honesty and aiaiate, III nv ,sass
ing of sound pocy N 4E s aitg - dfscgFg
or indirectly, take p Ay palsaa -.
involve the necessig faleey 81 hfceen 81 nv
kind.
"My paper has 5sHa ia iisl ca sixteen inon,hs
this city. It's columns are open to inspection. Those
who have taken the trouble to read it. will testify that
have counseled measures repugnant to the fore
going; that have abstained from invectve and de-
nunciation; and addressed myself to the reason the
conscience, the patriotism and sense of honor Of the
Shareholders many of them being near relatives and
personal friends. Not one Of my numerous exchan-
ges in the South how much soever opposed to nv
views, has at any time imputed TO me ill-tempor or
clandestine policy"
appeal to the sense Of justice of the Senate, ard
ask what justification there can be for assaing the
character and property of man who knew no more of
this occurrence than any of It's members? appeal
to the Hon. Senator who spoke so eloquently Of the
high and chivalric ideas of right which are under
stood in this section of the country