The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-05-04

every virtuous and patriotic citizen; and that
if necessary, should myself assist in the ope'
ration.
Mr. HALE-I beg the indulgence of the
Senate for a few moments, though ! did. moi
exactly anticipate this discussion, yet | dc
not regret it. Before l proceed farther, as
the Hon. Senator from Mississippi has said
that it has been asserted, and he thinks on
good authority, that Senator of the United
States connivcd at this kidnapping of slaves,
I ask him if he refers to me?
Mr. FooTE-1 did.
Mr. HAGE-I take occasion then to say,
that the statement that | have given the
slightest countenance to the procedure is en-
tirely without the least foundation in truth
have had nothing to do with the occurrence,
directly or indirectly, and demand Of the
Hon. Senator to state the ground upon which
he has made the allegation.
Mr. FooTE-It has been stated to me, and
certainly believed, and believing. it | de-
liounced it. did not make the charge di-
rectly. NV remarks were hypothetical. L
am clad to hear the Senator say that he has
had no connection with the movement, but
whether he had or not, some Of his brethren
in the great cause in which he is engaged no
doubt had much to do with It
Mr.. IIALE-The sheer of the gentleman
does not affect me. recognize every man
of the human family as brother. Once for
al, utterly deny that either by COUNSEL, by
silence, Or by speech or in any way or man.
ner, had any knowledge, c0guizance, Or sus-
pron of what was done or might be done. I'M
Ill heard Of this occurrence as other Soma
tors have heard of it, and challenge any one
who cntcrtains different opinion to the
proof, here, now and forever. go farther
than that
/ never have counsclIci advised, Or aided
in any way, and with my present impressions,
never shall counsel, advise. or aid in any
way, any cncroachmont upon the constitution
il any of its provisions or compromises. Ii
the constitution be not broad enough for the
protection that claim, will go without it.
trust that on this subject have been sufii-
cicn,ly understood. | deny in general and
particular, not only connivancc, but all Anowl~
edge Of any such movements
think, if I did not misunderstood the
Hon. Senator from South Carolina, that he is
surprised at the temerity Of the Senator from
New Hampshire in introducing this bill, Let
me as. what is this bill 2 What is this in
cendiary bill that has elected snch a torrent
Of invcctivc? Has it been manufactured by
some "fanNlical abolitioniatF Why, 1t is
copied, almost word for word, from law on
the statute book, which has been in operation
for years, in the neiehboring State Of Mary
land. Ii has no allusion, directly or Indirect
H. to the subject Of slavery. Yet am nc
cused Of throwing it as fircbrand, and III
order to make war upon the institutions Of
the South How? In Gods name Is !!
come to this, that the American Senate, and
in the year Of grace, one thousand eight han
drel and forty-cight, the rights CT property
cannot be named, but the advocates OF slavery
are in arms, and cxclaim th&t war is made
upon their institutions because it is attempted
10 cast the protection Of the law over the pro
perty of an American citizen, who appeals to
an American Senate !
Il has long been held BY you that your pc
cuiar institution is incompatible with the
right Of speech; but if it be also Incompatible
with the safeguards Of tho constitution beng
thrown around property OF American clti-
2cns, let the country know 1t! If that is TO
DO the principle Of your action, let /; be pro
claimed throughout the length and breadth OF
the land that there is an institution SO on-
npotent-so almighty-that even the sacred
rights of life and property must bow down
before it
Do not let it le said that have introduced
this subject. l have simply asked that the
paneSt provisions Of common law-tho clear
eat dictates Of iust,ce-sha}l be extended
and exercised for the protection of the pro
pcrty of citizens Of this District; and, yet,
The honorable Senator from South Carolina
is shocked at my tcmcrty.