Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-04-20
Spirit Of the South.

IF the territory which is to be acquired be adapted
to slave labor, theh comes question before which the
Mexican or any other upon earth becomes light as
feather question which produces sectional divs-
ions in our Counselsa question which may arm broth
cr against BROTHER and which may cause this Union to
crumble beneath it. Sir allude to the determination
of our Northern brethren to prevent slavery in that
territory and the assertion that they mean to maintain
their rights. Sir, believe the determination of the
South to maintain their rights upon this question is as
mmovable, as fixed as that of the North to maintain
theirs-more fxed-more imnovabe, because it acts
upon our rights under the Constitution. That will tell
YOU that territory acquired by our common treasure
and our common blood is the common property Of the
nation; and that all subordinate legislation must be-
ware how it treads upon rights thus guaranteed by
the Constitution"
The above is an extract from speech Of Mr.. Berr-
en- Of Georgia, recently given in the U. s. Senate, and
is utanoher addition to the already multiplied dem
constructions of the violent hostility of the sayehodiag
States too the free principles Of the North Though
brief it is yet full of meaning, and speaks the old
Southern sentiment in language too plain too be mis-
construed 1t shows clearly and fully the determine
ton of the South to maintain and stand by the nst
ton of slavery though it be done at the sacrafce Of
every other interest Mark the language though the
war with Mexico is and has been with the people Of
this Union the question of questons though engage
the consideration in their legislative capacity, Of
grave American Congressman, month after month, for
successive sessions and though it is matter in which
the whole American people in some form feel the deep
est soctude and though it enstS the attention of the
world, STILL in comparison to the establishment of sa-
very the territory to be acquired from its prosecu-
ton, sit becomes as light as a feather" Mark the
language, we say. Look at it, and consider upon its
true import and meaning. See in that "immovable'
and "ixed" determination of the whole South to plant
itself upon the issue of Support to American Slave
ry" The old issues are obsolete IDEAS and are no
considered Of sufficient consequence in the potca
balance to be so much as named. Mr.. Berricn is
lohig, but what of that? lie offers creed, or por
ton of one, as being the wing creed, but it Is now
left to mouder in the dust, while in common with his
democratic citizens, he casts earnestly about for thu
permanent establishment of Slavery. Slavery now
: and Slavery forever
But where, beneath the utterance of such words arr
the politicians of the north? Do we find them givin!
selves in the opposite ground ready to join issue witt
the South on this question Do our Senators declar
in the face of Southern Legislators that they go 70
the establishment of the principles of equality hroug
the land in its length and breadth, to the commission
of old issues? Alas no but instead thereof, the
are fondy calculating upon the realization Of SOM
good result from the completion of an old embryt
measure, in itself humbug perhaps, and figuring GU
maorites for this or that candidate for Office Will
the grave of their political prospects is dug before thei
faces Does Southern man utter sentiments lik
the above, the North sits down and talks of tariffs
does the Souhron plot for the acquisition Of terri
tory to extend their avore institution the North dream
on and dream on, and talk of banks, and wool, an
: cotton. Does the South through its cunning and in
tngue, succeed in bringing before the people its favor
lite candidate for the presidency, the North only wis
to know that he is available matter how hostile h
may be to Northern enterprise, they close their eyes
and rush on to secure his election When, men
the Morrill, will you heed the note of alarm which ha
for years been sounding in your ears? How ofte
f must the above language be repeated before you vii
heed it? How long before you will feel the insul
thrown in your face in the caution that you must be
ware how you tread upon Savery's rights guarantee
to it by the constitution ?" The suns light at noonda
is not more orcibe than that the old serpent of op
preston is coiling with view to pounce upon yo
and yours for the destruction of your hopes and hipp
are you if you make timely resistance of his destruc
tive purposes Now you have opportunity to max
such preparation for the contest as will entitle you
the victors crown but soon it will be too late oreve
and the boon of liberty with you will be lost, IRE
trievably lost. II,