Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-05-04

all honesty, that he could not 90 ten miles into
the Inferior before he would grace one of the tai
lest trees OF the forest, with a rope round his
neck, with the appreciation of every virtuous and
patriotic citizen; and that if necessary should
myself assist in the operation.
Mr.. HALE. beg the indulgence Of the Sem
nte tor fow moments though did not exactly
anticipate this discussion, yet do not regret it,
Before | proceed farther, as the Hon. Senator
from Mississippi has said that it has been assert
ed, and he thinks on good authority, that Sena-
tor of the United States connived at the kdnap-
ping OF slaves, ask him if he refers to me?
MIR. FooTE. did
MIR. HALE. | take occasion to say that the
statement that have given the slightest coun-
tenance to the procedure is entirely 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. 1t has been stated to me, and
certainly believed it, and believing it denoun-
ced it. did not make the charge directly NV
remarks were hypothetical I s.n glad 10 hear
the Senator say that he has had no connec-
ton with the movement, but whether he had or
not, some of his brethren in that great cause in
which he was engaged no doubt had much to do
with it.
| Mr. liALE.-The sneer of the gentleman does
not affect me. | recognize every me uber of
the human family as a brother. Once for all, |
utterly deny that either by counsel, by silence,
or by speech, or in any way or manner, had any
knowledge, cognizance, or suspicion OF what was
done or might be done, until heard OF this oc.
currence as other Senators have heard Of it.
And challenge any one who entertains diff
ferent opinion to the proof here, now, and iorey-
err go farther than that.
never have counselled, advised, or aided in
any way, and with my present impressions,
never shall counsel, advise, or aid in any way,
any cncroachnent upon the constitution In any
of its provisions or compromises. Ii the const-
tuition be not broad enough for the protection
that claim, will go without it. trust that
on this subject have been sufficiently UNDER
stood. deny IN general and particular, not only
connivance, but all knowledge of any such move.
ments.
Whilst am up, let me call the attention of
the Senate TO the case Of a man whom | am
proud here and elsewhere to call my friend, the
editor OF the National Era" This gentleman,
in card published in the National InteLligen.
GER" Of this day, declares:
"a rumor having been circulated that the Of
flee of the .NuiiOna! 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 citizens OF this place. and
, to myself 10 give plain, full, unequvoca de.
J NAL 10 the report. While determined to yield
no right 10 menace or violence--a concession
, which no true-hearted American will be ungen.
, erous enough to demand Il feel it 10 be my duty
| to do all can TO remove serious nsapprehen-
sion, calculated to provoke unpleasant excite
| lnent."
The position Which he has taken is thus laid
down in the first number of his paper, and he
repubshes it in his card:
"' Believing that the extinction of slavery
can be effected in accordance with the Cons,itu.
ton and law, and that this is the better way, no
unconstitutional or Illegal measures vii! find in
! US supporter We cannot work with contra.
/ dic;ory means Whenever convinced that such
4 measures Dis the laws sanction or do not prohibit.
n are insufficient for the accomplishment of the
great object we aim at, we shall frankly say So.
0 The magnitude Of the cause in which we are
n engaged, justice 10 our fellow citizens Of tho
: Sou,h, and sound policy, demand that no move
ment be made in relation TO this important uues.
l. ton, except with the utmost openncss, frankness
t and falr-dealing.'
J. "rhe declaration | then made embodied the
e principles upon which | had always uniformly
S acted in relation to slavery and not in a single
n instance have |, or any one in my Office, as far
Il as my knowledge extends, violated it. cannot
n consistently with my views of what honesty and
lie fair dealing dictate, to say nothing OF sound pol
icy, engage, or III any way, directly or indirectly
Is take part III any movement which would involve
the necessity OF strategy or trlckery of any kind
" my paper has been published sixteen month,
s. in this city. It's columns open to inspection
he Those who have taken The trouble to read it viii
,e testify that have counseled no measure repur
lie nant TO the foregoing; that have absralneC
re from lDyeciive and denunciatlon and addressed
l. myself 10 the reason the conscience, the patri
s. oiism and sense of honor of the shareholders
v many OF them being near relatives aud persona
q friends Not one OF my numerous exchanges
Y in the South, how muchsoever opposed to my
i views, has at any time imputed 70 me ill-tempe
l. or a clandesllne policy
m With this plain exposition of my course, il
10 IS hardly necessary for to say that, in the re
cent transaction winch has excited so much feel
of ing, neither myself nor any person connected
Il with me had any share whatever, that the trans
= action in fact became known to me only through
4. the general report.
II 81 write this 10 disabuse the public mind, 81
in that those who do not personally know me MAJ
ct not be imposed upon by any mlSapprehension o
is my position. Certainly, feel great repug
is nance TO being assaied for what have neve
ut done or dreamed of; but, if illegal violence b,
IN inflicted upon me for writing and printing freell
is about slavery, or any other subject which 1t maj
m suit an American to discuss, then will suffe
ID cheerfully, in the confident hope that when pas
r SION and prejudice shall have been dispelled
h justice will be done TO my character. But viii
TX not suppose that those who are rejoicing in tn
ID enfranchlsement Of the press in Paris, will pu
lie felters upon the press in Washington"
D; Mr. CALHouN-(in his seat. does he max,
of any denunciation OF the robbery?
is MIR HALE.--ile had quite enough to do in do
is Tending hInself and 1t was no part of his dut,
Ie 10 denounce others.
re Mr.. CALHOUN, lin his seat)-I understan,
" that!
lie MIR. llALE.-l appealto the sense of justice o
j. the Senate and ask what justification there cal
be for assalllng the character and property Of 1
Or nan who knew no more OF this occurrence thar
il any OF its members? appeal to the Hon. Sen
l. ator who spoke so eloquently of the high anC
D. chivaric ideas of right which are understood il
ot this section of the county
J. Mr.. FooTE.-l ask the Senator-and | bel
~ to remind hln that twenty millions OF people arr
10 listening to his aDswer--in the crcumsta ncet
IF of the case, evidently known TO him, does hs
o suppose that this occurrence could have taker
1t place without extensive countenance and aid
'f from men OF standing IN this District, whether
o members OF Congress or others
i Mr.. HALE have no doubt that those per
sons could not have 90; away without some aid
n IN | hav ad all kuO lpuO0