Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1849-03-09
Gen. Wilson's Great Speech.

WASHINGTON, Feb II, ls49.
The Eouse Of Representatives has awakened.
We had yesterday an earnest, powerful, manly
speech from General Wilson, of New Hamp-
shire, on the slavery question. It was an adnii-
rable effort in every respect. The orator minced
mattsrs not at ALL He threw himself boldly in.
TO the lists as the un6inching champion Of free
DOM The speech was like the refreshing rain
on n parched soil. 1t seemed suddenly TO ferti-
lie and make beautiful the sterile plain of dull
debate. II did what had not seen any other
speech do in the House IL commanded the nj.
,ention Of every member and kept that Babel
entirely still during the whole time Of its deiv-
cry. Even the Speaker who was released from
his accustomed duties, in consequence of tho
House being in Committee of the Whole, and
who usually evais himself Of every such occa.
sion to escape from its walls, became delighted
listener. General Wilson may well be proud of
bis oratorica triumph. His sincere and ardent
manner, the energetic fullness of his language,
the kindling FIRE OF his just and noble sentiments,
and the rich flow Of beautiful imagery which
adorned his periods-all combined 10 enchaiu
the audience, and enstamp his effort upon their
minds with a iorsible aud lasting impression
New Hampshire has reason TO be proud Of her
eloquent Representative.
But il was the matter, and the true Northern
tone, Of General Wilson's speech which consti.
tu,ed its chief merit The orator was ecpsed in
the man. No one who listened 10 him could fail
TO be convinced that he was expressing the hon.
est convictions Of a sound Judgment, aud true
and generous heart. II is much in this world to
find raj able maj, - one who il honest, straight.
forward elear-Leaded, constant, and nAexible
Such men arc ut once rare and valuable. New
Hampshire has not always had src,i men for her
Representatives. II will be a pity if the num-
Der she now has shall be Diminished
We cannot undertake to follow General vii
sons course of remark. or attempt any report Of
bis speech. We merely design to throw out
hint of the impression il made upon the nearer
Yet We can hardly refrain from abiding to one
passage which was uttered with great effect. IL
rare specimen Of rapid and forciblc argumen
tation, General Wilson declared himself utierl,
opposed TO the rule Of slavery, and the spread O
slavery. This institution had governed the aoun
try long enough The slave power had FREEDOM
mated and controlled the action Of the govern
ment ever since the war of the revolution. ]
had been the revolving point Of our poliiica
system from the beginning Il had. beside, al
ready added five slave States 10 the Union.
had brought Texas and the war with Alcxico-
It was now making gigantic efforts 10 CONVEX
the immense territories Of New Mexico an,
California into another enormous slave district
lie was iuyincibly opposed to this last and mos
important OF all It's movements But aside from
the political aspects of the subject, other consid
eraiions operated with intense force upon hi
mind. Slavery he regarded as a terrible ours,
to any country. The brown decay which ever,
where marks the face OF the country, even her,
in the fruitful valley Of the Potomac; the loope,
and Widowed vfrtchedncss visible from tn
dome Of this very Capitol, tells US of the ours
of slavery. Its witliered witnesses stalk in thes
streets. II speaks in the ragged, lettering, blacl
equestrian, who guides the motley and uncout
teams upon the highways; in the wreiched I'M
p!ements of hushandry; in scared and exhaust
ed fields in puny and shriveled animal life.--
Why, sir, the very beasts, whose bony frame
rattle beneath their tattered harness rs the
slowly drag the crazy, crcakng wagons of pas
ages, which often lumber the streets OF this city
cry out against slavery. The earth groans, an,
the air IS vocal with anathemas upon this institu
ton. Tell me not of the dangers Of dissolu
ton of this eoniederacy Of States If we aiiemp
to stay lis further spread. am not TO be deter
red by any such considerations. do not be
lieye in any such dangers. But il | did, il would
make no difference in my action ut this grea
crisis. No, sir! Sooner than give my consen
to the extension OF human slavery over a sinQl,
hairs breadth OF territory now free, would say
Let the Union be dissolved Nay, air, La
TIE USIvERsE Discover
Cures. Boston C0tnie,