The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-07-18

federacy, and Of all the places in this Republic,
this high place should be the last, in which they
should be expressed. The Constitutions Is IN no
danger. II has survived many shock, and 1t
will survive many more Ii is yet fresh in its
strength. No iufrmity has come to tell us that
its dissolution is near IL is no longer an expert
ment, but experiepce--no longer promise, but
performance IL has fulfilled ALL and more than all
its most ssnruine advocates dared predict IL is
at this moment stronger in the affections OF the
American people, than at any other period OF It's
existence Like the cliff Of eternal granite which
overlooks the ocean, and drives back the ceaseess
that assal its base, so will the Constitution
resist the assaults that may be made upon IL
come how or when or whence they may.
These were the eloquent, courageous words Oh
a statesman, which found ready response in the
hearts of the people. They were uttered at
time when strong party organization was OPP
posed to the prosecution Of the war. NOW thst
the war is over, when nothing agtates the coun-
try but the simple question OF organizing GoV-
ernments for the acquired country, cannot the
Constitution stand as rude shock2 Aud was
not the same distinguished Senator frightened
from his proprety, and does he not tamely sur
render to the dictation Of an insolent minority,
when he writes for publication sentiments like
the following2
"Whatever impressions may prevail elsewhere,
suppose there is no intelligent observer at the
seat Of Government who is not seriously disturbed
at the present state of things. Whether the dan
- - 49, ------- -" ~~"-- ---~-'N ~-a
questions about winch men may diner; pus
know no lover Of his country who does not view
the crisis as an alarming one, and does not see, in
the signs Of the times, the approach Of one of
those political commissions which, if not averted
by wise and timely measures may be fatal to us,
and to the cause Of freedom throughout the
world
1.-THE Union is in danger The first step to-
wards safety is, TO believe that the danger exists;
and when the Waterman asks, What of the
nightp he who does not sound the alarm, is
neither true to his duty, nor to the interests
Of those who have committed part of the for
tress of their liberty to his keeping n-Fsbruary
10, 1850
Sir, in the days Of Andrew Jackson this U MON
was really in danger Then sovereign State
threatened to nullify the laws, and prepared to
carry that threat into execution. But the brave
old soldier, who had met the enemies of his coun-
try, and saved the beauty and booty of New Or
leans, nothing daunted, issued his mandate: The
Union-I must, and SHALL be pTeSerUedW Those
memorable words produced talismanic effect
and the disturbers Of the peace-the agitstors,
daunted eye and his imperious will. These same
agitators these same nqllifers7-threatea, the
peace or the Union nov. Shall we tamely sur
render? Shall a slaveholding minority always
control the lsstiaies as this Republic2 Shs22,,
that cursed institution be permitted to march on,
like resistess current, across the continent
Do they not already possess much the larger and
better portion of the soil of these States? The
treasures of freem>n were freely given to acquire
this new terrtory-wby should it not remain the
abode Of freemenl The blood Of freenen was
freely poured out to enrich its soil-why should
it be polluted with the sweat of the slave
Mr. Chairman, the Union is in no danger
The will of the majority must be obeyed the free
soil Of the country must be preserved as the in
heritance Of the free laborer and his children
IL their Representatives fathless to the trusts
confded to them, the people must rally in their
might and assert their rights and their true dig
nifty California-the free State of California
must be admitted and if all other leaders desert
us, the intrepid BENTON is here-the same who
grappled with, and triumphed over, the monster
United States Bank; the same who SO persever-
ingly guarded the fame of Andrew Jackson, and
carried the "expupgingn resolutions; the same
who labored 50 zealously to give the people
sound specie currency by the passage of the gold
bill the same who has always fearlessly de-
nounced notification, whenever it has shown its
demon head, as he does now, in the following ex-
tract:
"The time has gone by for HOLIDAY professions
in favor of the Union-the time has come for
works The condition Of the country requires
new tests for the Democratic party. Reputation
of the Nashville Convention Interpolation of null
LITIGATION and disunion, as remedies for political
evils-submission to the laws of the land until
repealed by the people or invalidated by the Ju-
dietary. These are the tests which the times re-
quire, and no communion with any one who will
not adopt them and work up to themp
MIR. Chairman, a brighter day win soon dawn
upon u.s. This deep-seated hostility, this des-
perate opposition to the admission Of the free
State Of California, is one of the dying throes of
the slave power. 1t has controlled the destiny of
this country. IL has dispensed its patronage 1t
has grasped the Executive, Judicial, and Diplo-
matte functions of this Government Our North
ern politicians have bowed down before its shrine
and worshipped; and it has moulded them like
clay in the hands of the potter. But its dream
of great slave mart on the shores of the Pacific
will never be realized-henceforth it is shorn of
its power. The fat Of the people has gone forth
No new slave territory, no new slave StatesD
is the popular cry and he fingers far behind the
progressive spirit of the age who doubts its literal
fulflment. Henceforth, as in California, new
countries are to be seized and controlled by free
labor, and its dignity will be asserted. Let us
hope that slavery, the only stigma upon our great
Republic, the living libel upon the Declaration of
independence, will gradually disappear, and that
the day will soon come when the buying and SELL
ing of human beings will be known only like re-
ligious intolerance, or the burning of witches, or
the African slave trade-among the things which
an enlightened age condemns.
Mr. Chairman, | have spoken frankly and
earnestly the promptings Of my Judgment and my
heart. If, upon this momentous question, it is
my fortune to differ with others, have no dspo-
siton to question the purity Of their motives or
the sincerity Of their patriotism. Coming, as |
do, from the laboring classes should have failed
to discharge my whole duty if | had not spoken
and acted, when ] thought their interests in
jeopardy. AS the Representative of free white
laboring men, | mean to defend their rights |
have no desire for political preferment have
no ambition for fame. | shall be content if |
leave no stain upon my memory aud if hereafter
my descendants should, perchance refer to the
records Of these proceedings trust it will inspire
them with an honest pride, to be able to say, He
opposed the extension Of SLAVERY"
FROM MAINE.