Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-03-17
IIalc'S Reply 10 Butler.

We have always had a kind OF liking for
John p. Hale ever since he broke out of the
traces of the Democratic party, and SGT up
politics "on his own hook" That he has
m~anfully opposed some of the aggressions of
the Slave power is certainly true, and we had
supposed that at this late day he was, of
course, a believer in the doctrine of Immedi-
ate Enancipdlion-of immediate restoration
to the slave of his plundered rights. This is
however doubted, if not positively denied by
some, and if any of our readers can speak by
authority touching this matter, we should be
glad to hear from them.
We were glad to find that on a recent oc-
casion, Hale opposed a vote Of CoDgression-
al thanks to Scott, Taylor and Co., and al
though there are some things in his speech
which DO not seem to be made altogether by
the compass and square, we think perhaps
he did not design them to bear the construc-
ton which has been placed upon them and
yet we can hardly avoid coming to the oppo-
site conclusion, when We find various classes
of persons giving them the same construction
"a construction, which if the proper one,
would indicate that the people have been
mistaken in the kind or extent of his opposi-
ton to slavery. The following passage from
his reply 10 Butler has especially been COM
mented upon, and if designed to be under
stood in the way in which it is taken, does
look rather awry.
Permit me to say to that honorable Sem
ator, in all kindness, and, with no disposition
TO be offensive, that he entirely mistakes and
miSaptrehends the character Of that portion
of the American people whom | am suppo-
sed to represent on this subject. Once, for
all, let me say, that zoe desire no interference
with, nor disturbance Of, The eristing instiiu-
lions Of The STATES. If the institution of which
you speak be a blessing, bless yourselves
with 1t; if 1t be a curse, stagger under it as
you may /; but let US remain free from it-!et
us alone. 1t is all that we desire-all that
we ask"
The Liberator has severely condemned
this, and sees in its sentiments an evidence
that the speaker does not hate slavery in the
South, and war upon it as he should do.
The Chronotype, a paper that has no more
love for the LiberaIor than Old Cloots has for
ST. D%unstan, thus upon it.
"Mr. Hale in effect says to them-tho
200 900 or so who have usurped the govern
ment of 20, ZOO, 900 in order to hold men as
E cattle-'keep your slavery and welcome, but
don't bother u.s. On what system of ethics,
other than Gains, one can give such permits
! sion, we know not. 4 On
ground so selfish as that of Mr.. Hale in This
speech-we still trust he will take higher
on further reflection, for we are sure his heart
will prompt him to-we could not respec'
: ourselves"
A correspondent of the Chronotype is YET
more pointed and exclaims,
80! do permit me TO ask if Mr.. Hale's
} late speech in his tilt into Mr.. Butler is al
y law and gospel with Liberty men in Massa.
chusettsl lie says the people whom he re
n presents, or is supposed to represent, desir,
no interference with nor disturbance Of The er
:. iSiing Institutions Of The Staies. Are YOU
II Liberty men ready for such diluted doctrine
o, Lord, when will Freedom have a MAN OIL
v the floor of the Senate :"
l. A citizen of the District Of Columbia pla
ces a similar construction upon the extrac
we have quoted, and in a letter to the Louis
IS vile Examiner says:
"As he (Hale) declared against all inter
m ference with &arery in the Seies, | am salts
Is fed"
S. II the sentiments of the passage ~refere,
to will bear another and better construction
m it is unfortunate for his reputation as an op
= ponent of slavery, and for his position as tn
to Presidential candidate of the fndependen
at Democrats that they are not rightly under
eiood.