Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-11-30
VERMONT wATCHMAN STATE JOURNAL, NOVEMBER 3d. ls4s

i've lnslgnl1cance ana oDscutlty. WneTe VIII |
this movement, now proceeding with such ire
mendous power, terminate2 There is but one
intelligence which can predict it's termination,
and but one power that can control its results,
and that power is not a human power. We are
following in the footsteps of our fellow men IN
the old world; popular excitement and popular
violence are not unknown in our own county
The man who endcpvors to carry this excitement
10 extremes, and to ALLEVIATE the feelings OF this
people from each other, to the danger, and per-
haps destruction Of our institutions, should be
careful 10 ascertain whether he can control the
tempest upon which he attempts TO ride. The
history of the old world shows that the dema-
poguc who puts in motion the passions of men,
aud drives them to anarchy and bloodshed, de-
posils his bones at last In one undlstnculshable
mass with those Of his victims. And in this more
peaceful hemisphere, which revolution aud an
archy have not yet reached, the political ngita'
tor who rises upon u whirlwind OF excitement
finds, to say the least Of him, OH early political
grave.
Sir, | have no particular anxiety on this sub
ject because Of any peculiar interest may have
in tie ngllaiions of the day. know there is
disposition on the part Of some to make what Is
called political capital, by operating upon the
feelings of the masses. How far they may be
successful in this case is not for me TO say
They are, suppose, tired of old associations,
and are seeking about for something new.
new political church has recently been formed,
which may serve as sort OF city oi refuge to
unfnrluuale pplitciIns, but know enough OF the
people of The North to know that, although they
may be thus played upon for the moment yet
have sufficient confidence in their discretion, in
tepritv and sound Judgment to believe that all
this excitement will be but temporary. That
they will not look upon 1t in the end with sober
discretion at least, have no fear. Sir, do not
intend to say that their sentiments on the sub.
iect Of slavery will chnngc, but do intend to
say that the excitement got up by mistaken rep
RESERVATIONS of this bill, will suOsde- that they
will in the end do the bill aud the justice; and
that they will conlent themselves with Il rational
opposition to the Institution, without throwing
themselves into the hands of the demagosue, or
forming sectional distinctions which may endan
ger the stability of the Union. ] have onlv 10
add that | shall not contribute to the production
of dangerous excitement which may tend to
disturb the harmony of the Union.
! have thus expressed my views Oh the subject
because have felt myself somewhat Implicated
If this bill carry on its face cowardy aspect,
It's authors are responsible for that aspect. But
the epithet cowardy," would be more applica-
be to those who watch with trembling anxiety
the political vane, the turning and eddying of
popular lmpulse-who wuver in the discharge of
their duty, lest an honest adherence TO the die
ta,es OF their own Judgments md their own con
Sciences should expose them TO groundless
censure from their political enemies, or, what is
worse, to the treuchery of political friends, and
who are parayzed by the slightest breath of pop
uIar disapprobaton, grounded upon opinions
formed without sufficient inurnatOn-hoi con-
ceived and hastily expressed.
Upon this subject | uay be permitted 10 add
anolher consideration. | am not responsible for
bringing this ngiatlng question upon the conn
try. Ii came here by no agency OF mine. The
responsibility lies elsewhere 1t originated IN
the measure of the annexation of Texas. From
that measure followed the Mexican war, from
that war followed this conquest, and from the
conquest follows this agitaing and troublesome
question. ! am not responsible for the origin OF
This difficulty, but there are men on this floor
who are. The Senator from Connecticut over
the way, who has literally bestowed his de.
nuncialons upon this bill, believe .ave a cast
ing vote in favor OF that annexation. Whether
he represented the opinions OF his constituents
on that occasion, whether he stood in awe o
their Instructions, whether he was IN dread oil
their vengeance in the shape of burning in eff
gy, it is not for me to say. Whether 1t was ST
or not, his casting vote determined the moment
Gus question; that casting vote brought upon u:
| the difficulties NTH which we are now surround
| ed. Sir, if that honorable Senator, instead %
bestowlng these wholesale epilhets of rcprova
upon the committee and the bill, instead OF ex
pressing his dissatisfaction IN terms so offensive
| had united with his former friends IN bringing
about n settlement of the question which he aht
thew have brought upon us. il would have beer
little more satisfactory. call upon the Sena
tor from Connecticut, ns the man responsible fo
the existence Of this difficulty, to put his shoul
der 10 the wheel, and as he went with the hon
orable Senator from South Carolina and In
| n prc sir