Democratic banner., 1849-05-21

question of opposition to southern & .SL1Ue-
holding Vofes. In the abortive attempt
made a few years since to remodel and re-
construct our Constitution, so well satisfied
were the people, with this institution, that
the provisions ofthe Contitution onthis sub.
ject were substantially ~re-adopted; and the
only proposition which looked to any inno-
walton whatever, upon the present relation
OF master and slave, under the Convention,
failed to receive the countenance of a
SINGLE Uote. 1t may therefore be safely aE-
frmed that the people Of Missouri are, not
only not dissatisfied with the institution of
slavery, but that they are more than pleased
with it.
In this state Of public opinion, while oul
people have hitherto manifested no incli-
nation to change the relation of the slave,
and have exhibited on all suitable occasions
Ia determination to retain the institution
as it is, it can scarcely be realized thattheir
are those in our midst--comparatively an in.
considerable number, I would fain hope
who are willing tamely to submit to a for
Ieign interference, to unite with the North
in producing that result which we have on
all occasions, and at all times, refrained
from attempting; and to aid in efecting in
directly and circuitously, and against our
consent, that which few if any among us
have the boldness even to propose. ] go
farther. and hesitate not to affirm, that
those in the slaveholding States, who are
endorsing the Wilmot Proviso--who are
willing that Congress shall exclude slavery
from that territory acquired by the late trea'
ty, are not only giving countenance to
Emancipation, but in truth are doing more
to effect Abolition, and its c%oncomitan:
Amalgamation, than ten times their number
in the non-slaveholding States. 1t is m vain
Ito disguise the real question presented in
the agitation of the sWilmot Provison II
is idle to say that the advocates of the Pro-
viso, disclaim any design or desire TO inter-
Ifere with slavery in the States! Let me
not be told that the Proviso, as applicable
to New Mexico and California, is of no
practical importance, because slavery will
never exist there! Let it not be said, that
Congress has exercised the same power
heretofore, and therefore, can do 1t again!
Disguise the matter as we may, Provisoism
lis but another name for abolition, not volun-
'tary but involutary abolition. Ii is the be-
ginning and the end-the Alpha and the
Omega of abolition. He that is conversant
with the abolition excitement at the North
its present conGition-the object at which
abolitionists aim-the means used to effect
their ends-and can not see that they
are making use Of this question, as an en-
ltering wedge to holder schemes, and tina,
it is but the forerunner of their darling and
cherished obiect-the abolition Of African
slavery in the States of this Union, may
be we'll likened to the Jews in the days Of
our STRENGTHENING perceived not, and
hearing did not understand" 1t has beer
but a few years since, that the abolitionist'
were looked upon, and spoken Of as a con
temptible faction of deluded and visionar,
fanatics, now their name is Legion, and
so strong have they become that each OF thu
two great political parties in several Of th'
northern States, are vieing with each othe'
in counting their favor, and seeking thei
support. Ten years ago, and much thu
larger part of these parties, invariably Vote'
with the south on all questions connected
with slavery. Now, the strength OF th'
friends of The rights Of the slaveholdin!
States in both houses is comparatively small
'IIn truth, a large portion of the WING ant
, democratic parties in the North, are in pro
cess of being merged into the abolition par
,,lty. Giddings once stood solitary and alon
in the House of Representatives; now he l
supported bynear q dozen abolitionists an
Amalgationists. How long since is it tha
> 1.-The arch traitor, Martin Van Buren,, on beIn
E indicted into the Presidential chair, Pledg
D ed himself to veto any bill, having for II
J object the abolition of slavery in the Dis ric
; of Columbia ?-and now mark the change
! [ use these facts { and hundreds of other
: might be adduced,) to show that there ex
5 lists a strong current of public feeling in sh
o North, that's prostrating every thing befor
it. 1t has become a ! political question there
eiPoliticians, feed and infame the excitement
and all men are more or less infected vii
, it. 1t has seized upon the religion OF tn
d north, and fanaticism and hypocrisy use
s to cloak their own crimes and vices. An
= what have not religious fanaticism, all
. thirst for political power done to accom-
plish their ends, and what will they not d
i again? But while these remarks are pal
. ticularly applicable to the six New Engian
St. NVorL and Ohio. there are Stl