Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1849-07-05
From the Independent Democrat.
COL BENTONS SPEECH.

COL. BENTONs SPEECH.
We this week complete the publication
of Col. Bentons triumphant defence oil
himself against the assaults of the slave
So overwhelming and irrl-
sistible is the argument, so bold and states
manlike the views, and SO awfully annIhlla-
ting the blows he deals upon his assallants,
that we feel that any generous language Of
approval, or dissent from particular posi-
ton, were not only unnecessary but pre-
sumptiye 1t is a great speech, consider
iny the circumstances under which, and
the audience to whom it was made, 1t makes
an epoch in the history of our country
1t is blow at the slave power, from which
it can never recover. As such we accept
it, and thank God for it; not for a moment
doubling that man who, III slave state,
to an audience of shareholders, dares pro-
nounce slavery a wrong which ought never
TO be extended, will not be long in finding
that its existence ought also not to be tole'
rated anywhere upon Gods earth. 10 this
Mr.. Benton must come. Having thrown
the gauge to sIaverys champions, there is
no resting place short Of this. To this po'
sition his enemies will drive him, whether
he will or no. There can be no release
from the war on which he has entered. To
use his own strong words between him and
them, the slave plotters is hencelorth and
forever a high wall and deep ditch! and
no communion, no compton, Sc" God
grant it may be so.
In SAYING thus much, let US not he UNDER
stood as approving all the sentiments OF
Col, Benton's Speech. What he says Of
the right of Congress, to prohibit slavery,
we accept with our whole heart. The po-
sition is nobly taken, and unanswerably sus-
tanned. Not less true is his position that
slavery cannot legally 60 into New Mexico
and California, without positive legislation
in its behalf Still it is not true that the
Wimot Proviso is unnecessary. 1t IS nee
essary as the ordinance of 1857 was neCes-
sary to keep the curse of human bondage
from the great North West. While, how
ever he thinks slavery will be kept out of
our new territories without the proviso, we
are led to infer that if it should become ne
cessary, he would assist in applying it TO
every acre of our Pacific possessions
OF some other points in Mr.. Benton's
position, we cannot better speak than in the
language of the National Era.
Mr.. Benton is STAKEHOLDER. Herein he
frankly conesses that his profession and
e conduct do not agree. We thank him for
y this admission it is lamentable to decline
+ compliance with the obligations Of Justice /;
ii is base to make our non compliance a
ground for denying them. Mr. Benton is
' not chargable with this baseness. There
is hope Of man, who amidst his frailties
y and Inconsistencies, still recognizes Idea
d Truth; who will not suffer faults Of his
+ life" to breed errors in his BRAIN" who
= will not bring down the requirements of
+ duty to the level of his imperfect perform
e anccs who refuses to adapt his theory Of
rights, to his practice Of wrongs. 1t is
e Gear that his good angel has not yet de-
If parted-hs better nature yet survves-the
II principle of sound spiritual vitality still
1t struggles for Development. There is hope
e that he may yet bring up his practice to his
ideal standard of duty-that the truth to
e which he does homage in his heart, may
come to live and move in his life.
:, We repeat, we thank Mr.. Benton for the
I admission that slavery is wrong, is against
/ the natural brotherhood of man, against
If natural right-for to this length, as we I'M
= derstand him, the admission goes How
z, long will powerful, logical, self regardful
e mind be content to rest in lamentabe in
a consistency, which courageous heart con-
!. fesses AS the recognized head of the real
l. democratic party OF the country, to say no.
thing ofthe paramount obligations every man
e is under to his Maker. Mr.. Benton has
1t higher responsibilities than any he sustains
= to his state. That party to great extent
r is destined to control this country, to whic /
e nc tells us the struggling nations of the Old
IS World are looking for Model Democracy
; These nations put an end to slavery, some
III oil them while under monarchical rule, some
m since their republican regeneration Nei
6, ther in their hour of oppression or of their
ct triumph, could they be blinded to the alb
IS horrent nature Of personal slavery. Its alb.
v clifton either preceded or followed their DO.
J. lltlcal regeneration. When, then, they
K turn their anxious looks to u.s. for an ex.
IN ample of pure Repubicanism-Justice
~ IL Generosity, Magnanimity-how must their
IA hearts be chilled by the sad spectacle of Z
ID STAKEHOLDER at the head of the Wing party,
IN stakeholder at the head of the democratic
party Alas in no spirit of sorrow or bit
terness, do we quote the language of Mr.
Benton: "Our example is against them
and If the present struggle for liberty shall
again miscarry in Europe, we may take te
n. ourselves large share Of the blame" Ii
or is the Possessors Of despotic power in tn,
,r United States who lead on its great parties
~ and control its government. 1t is at the
n. option of Henry Clay and Thomas Benton
j. by dlvesting themselves of power identi
i. cal in nature, with that which is now nut
a. Ting forth its mightiest energies to crush tn,
lie People OF Europe, at once 10 work a peace
at fuI revolution in this country, and to be
of come allies in fact, as in sympathy, of the
az liberalsts of the Old World