Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-10-17

not new question in political history. Neither in Great
Britain France, has any difficulty been found IN abolish
ing it. or in the consequences emanating from such act
The courts of law in Great Britain long since held that
could have no legitimate existence that country In Par
lament every argument of expedency the claims Of vest
ed rights Of the rights to property and even the authority
of the HOLY Scriptures urged by the West India plan
and the mercantile interest connected with then IN Ia
of its continuance in their colonies and were urged IN
vain. Their arguments were efectually senced by the
eminent and by the prelaes OF their church.
and in language too which this country is treated as u
and anatica. The language Of our Declaration OF In
dependence when incorporated declaration OF rights
the constitution of neghborng state, was held by the
learned judicial tribunals of that to have Immediately
effected the abolition of slavery that state 1t not con-
tended by any one that law enacted by the Legislature OF
any this subject have have any operation be-
yond its territorial limits The extent OF the powers OF the
General Government may admit of more doubt am not
disposed discuss this question: at this time to attempt
to define the limits of their constitutional powers, within
which they restrained and will only observe, that
limited construction of the powers OF Congress- than
was exercised by them the incorporation OF Texas with
the United States passing the late act IN relation to
held service state and escaping into anoh-
err would give the General Government all the authority
on this subject which the most ardent friend of freedom
could DESIRE
have of knowing how far the late action OF
Congress upon the several matters connected with slavery,
is satisfactory majority of the people of this State all
of those did receive the sanction OF the vote
of their representatives. it lead to more thorough In
vestigaton of the powers of the General Government and
inquiry what rights secured and what duties en-
joined may be productive OF useful results AT any rate
it will tend determination exercise whatever author
ity may yet be left TO protect liberty and freedom The
people of Vermont will they always have DONE yield due
submission whatever majority within their appropriate
limits may enact and will resort to no threats OF hostile OPP
positions but when the time and opportunity shall arrive,
that they can unison with majority OF the people and
Congress- exercise any legitimate authority on this
subject they will be found the uncompomsng enemy OF
any and every attempt to uphold extend continue sys
tem uncongena to the spirit of republican nstltu-
tons and so abhoren to the principles of christianity
will only add that for myself assent to the propo
ston which has been advanced that any State
may establish slavery where not now recognised, or
that among the enumerated powers OF Congress- to I'M
pose any obligation their to admit any State
thereafter without such restrictions they might think
proper ANY such attempt of the aw-making power must
be considered encroachment the rights OF their
successors and interference with the department. to which
the constitution has entrusted the duty of making treaties
which to be the supreme law of the land.
NV opinions these subjects probably well known
my fellow citizens they have been formed upon careful
and deliberate inquiry have been thus frankly and fearless
y expressed, and will influence in all my public rela-
1t not for TO say, how far they are the opn-
ions of others profess speak, in this NATTER in the
of any party class of my fellow citizens The
great body of the people read reflect and decide for them
selves and will undoubtedly ultimately act together on all
the important subjects which affect the general welfare,
and on this particular. have the highest respect
for the opinion of those who entertain different views and
whose convictions of duty not the same NINE and
measures promote the and happiness of
mon country should be wanting in that indulgence,
which claim for my opinions if should, on that
count dss their integrity patriotism, or endeavor to
cast reproach upon their motives.
have no fears that any action of the General Govern
ment within their constitutional limits this any other
subject will any way endanger the existence OF the I'm
ion or produce dangerous collision between the General
Government and that of any of the States peace
able method provided to settle any controversies be-
tween Them We have no reason believe that any
siderable portion of fellow citizens any single State
or any number combined will incur the hazard OF trea-
senabe opposition the laws of the United States, with
out anv prospect of success where they
expect sympathy of any part of the civil
lied world and when either defeat must be alike
fatal to the institutions which they pertnaciousy adj
here
Whatever may be the destiny of this confederate repub
lie hereafter may say with confidence that the
people of the State of Vermont the first to obtain adms
sion the Unon will be among the foremost in their at
.achment the of civil liberty aud freedom and IN
their determination maintain the integrity of the Union
and the last countenance, exenuae apologize. for
spirit reasonable dsunon rebellion, against the author
.ty of the United States.
have received from my predecessor communications
from several of the States which WILL at an early day. be
transmitted to you. Among these, is a communication
from the Governor of Virginia returning the resolutions OF
he legislature of this State transmitted to him at their
quest 1t will be recoected, that similar proceeding
had by the State of Virginia, few years since Accom-
panving this communication of the Governor of Virginia.
copy of resolution of their General Assembly,
questng that the resolutions from the State OF Vermont
be returned the Governor of Vermont, and that |
the Governor of Vermont be informed that the Legsa-
of Virginia understand their constitutional rights and
mean defend them" How far such resolution f.
ports with the dignity of the State of Virginia dis
oosed inquire, and it be determined by compare
similar resolution from any other State has