Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-11-28

by Mr.. Colt instructing the Committee TO report
a bill prohibiting this traffic, but accompanied
with Preamble, offensive in its language to the
South, containing denuncia;ol of the Slave
Trade and indeed Of Slavery itself. speaking Of
il in terms Of decided condemnation and brand
ing it in the most severe language. However
true its stateDe nts might be, it certainly out
Of place, not rendering the resolution any more
potential and only calculated to Ieedlessly en-
bitter the heated feelings alreacy existing on
both sides. But the mover, UNIV Hing TO give
an opportunity to separate this surplusage from
the main resolution, called as he offered it, for
the previous question, which gagged down all
debate and anne ndmcnt, and forced members as
in the Of the Supply bill with is preamble
recitlng that 'War existed by the act Of Next
CO. TO vote against the whole because they did
not like a part, or to endorse the wisdom and
policy Of such Preamble. Mr.. Smith chose to
DO neither 1t was assed by a close vote, but
finally, upon more mature deliberahon, recon
sidered by largo majority. For this non-vo-
ting. Mr.. smith IS denounced as recreant bought
by the South, &c. But, to show the gross fasI-
~ and in Justice Of this base charge. let US iook
at the rseord farther. After the reconsideration
Mr.. Bolts moved to kill off the whole subject by
laying it on the table, but Nr- Smith, real
friend of the reform proposed, voted against the
motion--it was defeated--ant then he himself
introduced a resolution IF lie was acting the
recreant doughface Hhy die he do this - in
struefing the Committee to reIort ball effectu-
ally to prevent The bringing If Slaves into the
District either for sale. or y be carried else
where. And though other vote was taken
upon the subject, the Committee on the District
on Jsnucry 3lst, without Instructions, reported
bill in express conformity with MIR. Smiths
resolution. which however failed to pass. But
all these latter proceedings, proving Mr. smith
they do TO be most decidedly and earnestly III
favor Of abolishng the sale OF Slaves in the Dis
trict are as carefully concealed BY these dishon-
est caIunniators as if they hao never occurred.
Such fairness, such Justice, IS worthy OF sneh
slanderers.
few words in conclusion The Preamble to
Gotts resolution was looked upon by many
Northern congressman as neediessly irritating.
The resolution was intended to cary out much-
needed Reform, but, averse rs the South were to
its passage its friends did not litter 1t by en-
deavoripg TO make the dose more repulsive.-
The parent that gives his child aauseous med
cine does not add aIocs ipecac TO it to make
il still more Iouil-oine. II oOOd could be nchiev-
ed by doing, he would do r.ht-but If not,
he would be universally aud Justly condemned.
Nav more; If the course Of Mr.. Gott APP
propriatc, disc rect, ftting-tlen every Congress
man who has ever off. red the Whmot Proviso-
Wilmot GiddiugS, Smith, Hale aud nIl--havc
wofuily erred. Who heard of the Proviso
being accompanied with dcnunciatory Prenm-
Bile the depravity of Shareholders and the
wickednrss of Slavery. and how far would such
an adde ntinm 90 to further its success. If not
polite and advisable IN the one case how can IT
be in the otler'
The fact is Mr.. Smith look ed at that matter
not bigot fanatic, but a moderate.
though, decided man, firmly wishing to achieve
the desired object, aud vet to do II the man
ncr least Objectionable to all sections Of the Uni
on avoiding IS far possible all reedless Irri-
tation and all embittering confumeiy aimed by
one section III another. But that he has IN the
least degree bee traitor 10 his faith the facts We
have cited abundantly dIsprove. The future
will be. as it was to John Quincy Adams. his
most triumphant tindication.