The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-16

sustained by the people. The Union
therefore must shift its point Of attack,
and level its denunciations against the
majorities in Congress, who have seen fit
to administer severe and we'll deserved
rebuke to the spirit of Bitter endism.
! Remarks OF MIR. KiIlinger, OF Lebanon Co.,
In the Legislature Of Pennsylvania. upon the present
Agitation.
We find in the Pennsylvania Telegraph
the subjoined report of speech delivered
in the House of Representatives of Penn
sylvania, by Mr. Killinger, of Lebanon
county, upon resolution which brought
up for consideration the present agitated
condition of the country. 1t breathes the
spirit of peace, of patriotism, of forbear-
ance. Such legislators are much needed
now, both in the National and State coun-
ellis. A few words spoken in the temper
which turneth away wrath will avail more
in the present crisis than all the war and
| havoc speeches Of which the times are SO
prolific.
| Mr.. KILLIsGER said he deprecated the agitation
of the vexcd question of slavery at this time the
| deferment of the legitimate and pressing business
requirements of the Legislature. If any practical
| present or prospective good would come OF it, he
would be ready to throw wide open the doors of dis
| cusson, and would be glad to have general
preston of sentiment II had been suggested by
his venerable friend from Luzerne, (Mr. BEAU
MONT that in the present excited state of the
try on this subject OF slavery, the State of Pennsy
vania should express her opinions, define her posi-
| ton, and pour oil upon the troubled waters, so
furiously raging at the base of confederate Re-
public, and mmnently threatening to over
whelm in ruin the fair proportions of our national
| cdifcc.
| Mr.. X. considered that agitation here, us else
| where would be more likely to feed the flame of
discord, increase the bitterness of sectional ami
mosties, and, in some degree, hasten that crisis
| which, In the imagination of some gentlemen was
surely and speedily gathering over the country.
For himself, Mr. X. said he believed the crisis
such one we had outlivcd in other days, and
/ he doubted not the country would again escape
from its dark and rowning aspect If prudent coun-
| sells prevailed in the National legislature The ex-
element on the subject spasmodic, and the
body polite, purified by cxertion, would cast
off its evil humors, and return TO healthy and in
yigorated state of being
MIR. X could not see the necessity of asking for
committee OF inquiry TO discover the whereabouts
Of Pennsylvania upon this great question. While
deprecating the existence of domestic servitude in
the country, and while arraycd against needless
extension thereof, Pennsylvania would vet be found
NOR, as heretofore where duty points the way
She, the great Keystone of the federal arch, would
declare for the union of the States and the COM
promises Of the Constitution at all hazards at all
times and under all circumstances. In all her in
eress, and in all her feelings this State is welded
| 70 the Union, and TO the compromises upon which
| the Union is based Instead Of indulging in angry
denunciations, and using threatening Ian guage to-
wards other sections Of the country the people of
Pennsylvania cherish feelings of kindness towards
all. and are disposed 10 treat all fairly and in ac-
| cordancc with the principles enunciated in the
Constitution As her position is grsphically
central, 80 will Pennsylvana maintain an equi-
| librium between the fanaticsm of the extreme
North, and the ultraism Of the extreme South, ON
this subject OF slavery. Her people do not share
that spirit Of intolerance which proscribcs one half
the country, and which looks 10 agitation of this
veSed question merely for the sake Of agitation.
There are exceptions, 70 be sure Some evil minded
men there are who punue the one idea, until their
mental equilibrium is upset in the pursuit, and
they achieve unenYiablc notoriety before the
people. These men take no heed of the glorious
Constitution under which We live, and under whose
benehcent provisions We have attained the summit
Of political greatness and prosperity Such men
regardless Of the consequences OF their wild and
ianatcal conduct, and look upon this Union as a
rope Of sand TO be rcntin twain as passion or pre-
JUDGE may dictate. BIZ means Of this hobby, some
men Of this stamp had greatness thrust upon
them" and arc now ocrupying posts Of profit and
stations Of distinction n the country. Such indi
viduals are living examples OF the homely truth,
that high places were Ike the tops Of pyramids,
which reptiles might reach az well as eagles.
But Mr.. X. did not believe that Pennsyvsnia
shared 70 any extent ttn morbid excitement on this
subject which was unfortunately prevalent in some
sections Of the country AZ far as he was able TO
fgather from the ndca hons Of sentiment there had
been great and central upheaving Of the public
mind The masses, Fthe toiling millions" had
not assembled in their majesty, and in their prma-
~ meetings shown am appreciation Of the 'crisis
which the House was ted was upon them. Perhaps
Pennsylvania was dull Of comprehension in this
matter as she had beer represented in matters of
different character. Bat he thought not. Pennsyl
yania feels the responsibility upon her, as the great
central State Of the Uiion, and her people are slow
TO commit themselyes 70 any measures or projects
which tend, whether qesignodly not, to weaken.
ing the bond Of our 3ational Union and threaten
20 jeopsrdizo the vety existence of that Union,
Why, sir, said Mr.. n there but one or two be-
nChted corners Of the State, where ultraism upon
this subject has at al been allowed 20 gain foot
hold In thoee regionsthc population led astray
from the sublime teachings Of the declaration of In
I dependence, and III, Farewell Address Of the
n Father Of his Cobntry by too closely making Gar
rison's abolition speeches their text book, and
T Douglass's "Norh Star their political guide.
There Il may be, tha tho spirit Of discord and dis
union is rife, and there, Il may be- they would
preach crusade against all who dissent from their
views. Let them, AID let all turn our attention
Z 10 the sound political orthodoxy and eininently
national sentiments " the Declaration, and Wash.
ingtons Address. That Address Is a mine of wealth
TO us, and 70 all SUCCEEDING generations. II abounds
in lessons Of wisdoni suggestions Of patriotism and
u rich in the experience Of is noble author. Penn
) sylyania hecds its counseIs, and will act upon
North, nor yet withthe extreme South. She utterly
q loatbes her Wima, and she utterly despiscs
Foote, the hangms Of the, United States Senate.
G IL has been unlimited that this Legislature must
Lpropitiate the Soutlby unworthy concessions the
subjcct ofslavery, order 10 obtain from Congress
that protection 70 her domestic interests Justly
due 70 US II was said that unless Pennsylvania
came into measureb she should have no protection
for her coal and ird So be IL, said Mr.. X; IL the
price Of protection 10 coal and iron IL fixed
base subserviencysnd at sacrifice Of personal
our furnaces and fdges 70 be deserted and
proftlessl While Pennsylvania would not pander
10 the prevailing spirit Of intolerance and fansti-
oism at the North she would still less become a
party 10 a contractWith the slavery propagandists
which would dsgrfe her fair fame, and stain with
shame her pure esutcbeon. No sir, said Mr.. X,
we take our position in Pennsylvania upon the
: broad platform the Constitution, and there VIC
mean 70 abide. NSther threats nor promises can
? drive us from H. II is the rock Of our political