Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-01-15
TuEyERMoNT RESOLUTIONS.

E%ITHEGF -4EHETEL- ~ .-a--@ A=-E
A debate ofno little interest sprung up in the
Senate on Tuesday upon certain abolition
resolutions passedby the Legislature ofyermont,
finstrncting The Senators, andrequestiilg the rep
resentatives in Congress fromthat State to use
their e~xertions for the abolition Of slavery in the
District OF Columbia, aud the slave trade between
the States, and the: Inhibition OF slavery in the
territories. These resolutions were presented
to the Senate BY Mr.. Phelps, and a motion was
made to print them. Several members from the
South opposed their being printed upon Inc
grounds thatthey contained language lndecorous
and insulting to the South. Amongstthem were
Messrs. Ynlee, of Florida, Footc, of Mississippi,
and Borland, of Arkansas. They contendedthat
the South, by their Senators voting for the recep.
ttion and printing of such resolutions. gave en-
couragement to the North to go on in its course Of
arrogance and insult towards the South. We
think differently. We cannot believe thatthe
action of the North upon this subject in the re-
spect now under consideration, will be at ali ICON
trolled by the course that Southern members may
pursue in either house of Congress. We have
long since been convinced that the North is lost
to all sense of courtesy TO The South when any
question involving slavery, is concered. But
there is something due 10 ourselves, as well as
to the Senate ofthe u. States. Because others
adopt the tone and style of ~bIackguards, is no rea.
son why we should be wanting in those qualities
which would enable us to be respectful and cour-
teous. We adopt the sentiment of our Senator,
The Hon. JAMES M. MASON, upon this point
We agree with him in believing that it is due to
| Vermont, as one ofthe States Of this confederacy,
that the resolutions passed by her Legislature
and forwarded 10 her Senators, should have a re-
%spectful consideration when properly presented
to the Senate. We think the occasion was not
one to call for SO much 6iuSter and Storm about
Southern rights. We cannot think with the
Hon. Mr.. Borlaud that men should become OK
cited when they speak, or are provoked upon this
subject. Much more eau be done in tho way
of moral suasion, by being always calm and col
lected. aud at the same time open and firm
Southern members, by constantly bringing up the
subject when there is no important issuesinvolved,
must loose caste and it will become SO, after
awhile, that Northern men will view the speeches
by Southern men as perfectly meaningless, as SO
much gas that must escape before the speakers
are qualified for solid labor. We hope that
Southern members will show a little more dis
erection upon the subject by waiting until Me issue
ia fairly presented, then speak, but let speeches
be- to the point, and let them quit whom they are
done. Then, if The North choose TO rush head
long over the precipice, let Southern members
act, and act as become men determined ~to.resiSt
encroachments upon their rights, and we, their
constituents, are ready TO sustain them TO TIE ut
-termost. The States are prepared for 1.-THE peo-
pie are prepared forit, when the day of oppression
shall come. But our prayer to God is that it
may be averted-that the North may be awaken
ed to a sense of the wrongs which she threatens
to visit upon ua, that our glorious Union may be
saved. But there is no safety, save in the pro-
per respect for our rights.