The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-02

ais in the North, charged by the South upon the
whole North indiscriminately. On the other hand,
extravagant individuals at the South utter oblec-
tionabe sentiments; and these are bruited all over
the North southern sentiments and therefore the
South Is denounced. In the same way, sentiments
springine from the Abolitionists OF the North,
Which no man of character and sense approves, are
spread in the South; and the whole North is there
charged as botionists, or being tinctured with Abb
olionism Now, one side is just as fair and as true
as the other. IL is prejudice of which both sides
must rid themselves if they ever mean to come to-
gether as brethren, enjoying one renown, one des-
lny, and expecting one and the same glory hereai-
ter. II we mean 10 live together, common pru-
dence should teach us to treat each other with re-
spect
The Nashville address has been alluded to, and il
has been charged upon the whole South, us sy la
bus OF southern sentiments. Now do not believe
word OF this. Far be II from me TO impute 10 the
South. generally, the sentiments of the Nashville
convention. That address is n studied disunion ar
gument IL proceeds upon the ground that there
must be separation OF the States, first, because
the North acts inuriously TO the South that the
South must secede and, secondly even lift were not
So and better sense of duty should return 10 the
North still such is the diversity of interest that
they cannot be kept together.
Mr.. BARNwELL, (nterposing) Will the honor
able Senator refer to that portion of the address
which contains the sentiment which he declares
contains the desire for disunion in any event
whatever? for that ! understand is the charge
against the address.
. Mr. WEBSTER. What | understand about this
address Is this say the argument of the address
ls, that the States cannot be kept together; be-
cause first, the general disposition of the North is
to invade the rights of the South, stating this in
general language merely; and then, secondly,
even II that were not so, and the North should get
into better temper in that respect still perma-
nent peace could be expected, and no union long
maintained, account of the diversity of interests
between the different portions of the Union. There
Is, according TO the address, but condition on
which people can live together under the same
,t,.t
tirely Identical An exact identity of interest ac-
cording to their notions, is the only security Of
good government
Mr.. BARNwELL. With regard to the first part,
the honorable Senator Is correct, and | have no
doubt at all that is the character of the address, that
unless great change be produced in the temper of
the northern people, and the treatment which they
give TO us on account of our institutions, perma
nent union between could exist. With regard
to the latter part, contend that the address con-
talns no such sentiment. Ii states distinctly that,
in the position which the different portions. of the
Union occupy with regard 10 each other, with the
want OF that identity OF interest between them, is
absolutely essential to the South that its sectional
interests should be independent Of the control of
the North.
Mr.. WEBSTER. And what does that mean but
separation,
Mr.. BARSwELL. Not at all II means what
have always alleged, that the North has no right
to interfere with the institution of slavery If that
interference is stopped, we do not contend that
there il any necessity for dissolution of the Union
But If II is persisted in, then the opinion of the adj
dress is, and believe the opinion of large portion
OF the southern people Is, that the Union cannot be
made TO endure.
Mr.. WEBSTER. 1t is hardly worth while, as the
paper iS not before US, for the honorable member
from South Carolina and myself TO enter into
discussion about this address If ! understand it's
argument, il is | expressed il, that even if the
North were better behaved, there is want Of iden-
tity of interests between the North and the South
which must soon break up the Union As far as
regards the other remark, that the North must alb
stain from any interference with the peculiar in
situations of the South, why, every sensible man in
the North thinks exactly so. | know that the SEN
sible men Of the North of opinion that the inst
tuition Of slavery, as it exists in the Saes was in
tended originally TO be, has ever been, and now
justly 49, entirely out Of the scope and reach of the
OF this Government; and this everybody
understands.
But / was saying that can and shall not impute
any sentiment OF dlsunion 10 the South, generally.
Why, whom do ! sit among, With whom have |
been associated here for thirty years? With good
Union men from the South. And in this chamber
and In late years, have there not been men from
the South who have resisted every thing that threat
ened danger TO the Union, Have there not been
men here that, at some risk of losing favor with
Their own people at home, have resisted the Mexi-
can war, the acquisition OF territory by arms; nay
men who played for the last stake and resisted the
ratification OF the treaty after the conquest was
made, by which these Territories we're brought un-
der the control OF this Government Sir with these
racter OF these gentlemen, and with these acts
which attest the entire loyalty of the great body OF
the South TO the Union shall indulge in no gene.
raj complaint against them; nor, far il comes
within the power Of my rebuke, will | tolerate
It, They have the same interests, they are de.
scended from the same revolutionary blood and
believe the glory Of the country to be az much
theirs ours; and verify believe they dcsire a.
secure as perpetual an attachment TO the North as
the most intelligent men Of the North do 10 perpct
uate such an attachment with the South I believe
that the great masses Of the people, both North and
South, aside from the influence of agitation are
for the Union and for the Governments; and God
grant that they may remain 30, and prevent every
thing which may Oyerturn either the one or tue
other. lApplause, instantly checked by the Presi-
wac sorry to hear, because thought il was
quite unjust that all the folly aud madness Of the
recent expedition 10 Cuba was cAarrcablc upon the
South, generally. The South had nothing more 20
do with n than Massdchusetts, or the CITY of Boa
ton, Or the city Of New York IL is unjust 10 saw
that such violation Of the law was perpctrated by
che South, or found more apology or Justification 10
the general southern mind, than 1t found in New
York or in Massachusetts,.
Mr.. BUTLER, I'm his scat) Not bit more
Mr.. WEBSTER. Now, the Senator from Conncc-
ucut told the truth the other day. and am obliged
10 him FOR telling the truth. Laughter. ! do not
mean that % Is unusual for him. renewed laugb
teri but mean that il Is a great deal more On.
usual IN the course Of this debate % hear the real
truth spoken, than 10 hear ingenious sophs4ns and
empty aoatrhCtous But be told the truth in
respect % these territorial acquisitions that il was
not the North the South that were the real au.
thors Of that conquest, but that Il vas the party
that supported Mr.. Polk for the Presidency, and
that supported bis measures while in the Prcsi.
dency. The South, undoubtedly, as the party most
"a favor OF the administration, took the lead: and
that part Of the North that upheld the administrs
ton followed, not az little Iulus followed hi.
iather-''n0n pdssibtn equis"-but with the same
stride az fts leaders Aud therefore / was glad
that my honorable friend from Connecticut in.
stead OF giving We a normal, stereOtyped speech
against the South, told the truth Of these transac.
tiOns.
There arc other topics, which pass over / said
something formerly about the Imprisonment Of the
black citizens Of tic North who 20 South, engaged
10 navigation, and are there arrested ThatI.
serious business, and VIC see that gland has com
plaincd OF IL, a. violating our treaty with her. !
think that u u evil that ought ~ be rodrcsscd;
ior n'ver could zee any necessity for IT, and atn
July persuaded that other means can be taken To-
relieve The South from alarm without committing
an outrage upon those who, at home, are consider
ed as American citizens At the same time am
bound 10 cay that know nothing in the world 10
prevent any free citizen Of Massachusctts i'm
prlsoncd under the laws Of South Carolina, from
Tying the question % the cousfitutiouality Of that
law' by applying al once 10 any Judge Of the Uni.
ted states Tor wit Of haJcas c0ruus / do not
think, therefore. that There IN ans. srrt q