Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-02-21
sion. aud unfliend'y to tho peace and harmony of

sion. and unfriend|y to tho peace and harmony of
the Union.
We have now brought TO close a narrative of
measures connected with the subject Of this address,
including those which are consummatsd, as we'll as
those which are in progress and think it will not
bedsnied that the contamination Of the latter would
afford just cause of apprehension TO the people of
slnvehoding States. If slavery were abolished in
the District of Columbia, and in tho numerous and
dispersed places in tho South, over which Congress
has exclusive jurisdctionto these measures be ad
ded the exclusion OF the people of the southern
States from the Territories Of tho Union, now or
hereafter to be acquired every outpost and barrier
would be carried and in the States themselves
the Institution of domestic slavery would be at the
mercy Of those who had so far successfully prosecu
ted their assault upon it.
we forbear to present to you detailed view of the
OWLS which must result from these measures, even
In their progress, and yet moro in their consumma
tion operating frs, the people of the South and
eventually on the American people at large. Hap
PLY these measures not contaminated. There
remains locus pGniientiG there is yet time TO pause
"a moment OF which intelligent, patriotic conser-
vative men in every quarter ofthe Cnion aloof from
the Influence OF party such subject, and efYac-
ing all sectional lines Of division, may avail them
selves to considerf there be any duty to be fulfilled
If there be any interest 10 be advsnced-if there be
any object to be attained b. tho prosecution of these
measures. which will justify the hazard (however
remote they may believe it to beg Of jeopardng the
tho peace and harmony Of the Union. All w i'll adj
rnit that the institution OF domestic slavery il ono
which it belongs exclusively TO the States in which
1t exists, TO establish, 10 regulate, to continue or to
abolish. Any and every interference with il by the
citizens of other States, whether direct or indirect
Is therefore a wrong which becomes aggravated
when il is committed by those with whom we arc
for certain purposes united as people, and who
avail themselves of this relation to make that inter
ference more fearful. Ii slavery is SIM he whoi is
not stakeholder is free from tho guilt Of it, WHY
should he desire to become his brothers. keeper
Is there no feeling-no thought-no act Of his own,
which requires his care, and which would better
reward his vgiance2 Is an opinion sentiment,
measure of sectiona policy, be urged and enfor
ced at the hazard of disturbing the peaceful rela-
tons of.wenty millions of people? why may not
this controversy be adjusted Does the District of
Columbia present the obstacle Cannot somo
mode DO devised to withdraw this disturbing ques-
tlon from the national Legislature Is it the ones
tion in relation TO the territories Why should we
not profit by experience The wisdom of those
who have gone before us was competent to the res
toration OF harmony in 1890; why should We not
follow In their stePs2 The intense excitement. of
that day was allayed by il, and its beneiicient in
huences were felt during tho next twenty years of
our political existence. When tho questions con-
nected with the annexation of Texas seemed likely
to revive that excitement, tho same American feel
fHS Pio'diieu, anu tHC udHyef WAS ayertS0. WhV
should it not be equally elficscious now Has our
love Of country diminislied-is il limited 10 a Sec
ton-oT does II not embrace our whole country 2 If
The territories which have acquired are unified
to the institutions Of the Soulful they cannot ex-
LIST there-why the denunciation OF them IC, be
said that the South is contendng for en- abstraction
because the right which che claims if il were con.
coded, could not DO exercised in these territories is
IT not yet more obvious that those who insist upon
The express denial of the right are themselves pur
suing phantom ; Are thoy not insisting upon the
solemn Legislative denial Of j RICH, which. (they
themselves being the judges whether it be affirmed
or Denied, can never be exercised? But the denial
is not confined to the Territories now held by the
United States it extends also to those which NAV
DO hereafter acquired, however peculiarly such Ter
riorles may be adapted to slave labor nav even al
though they should be- Territories in which slavery
exists. Is the claim Of the South to participate in
ouch territories and abstraction And again the
assertion OF that right, oven where it cannot DO ex
erclsed, cannot be an abstraction unless tho polit
cal equality which lies the foundation ofeur gov
eminent may DO deemed 80. But can the poace and
harmony of the Union be jcoparded by considera-
lions like these?
We have done Our desire has been 70 place
before the American people the facts necessary TO
enable them to stay this coniroveIsy--to exercise
the restraining influence which they alone possess
to give harmony TO our councils, and prosperity to
our country. We too, constitute portion Of that
people; and speedily resuming our places among
them, will unite our efforts for the accomplish
ment Of this beneficial result