Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-03-13
NUMBER l2..

providing for the repeal Of all laws pro-
hbi,ng the slave-trade. and giving to the
philanthropis,s who will engage in il. 100
acres Of land for each native African
brought into slavery!
must examine the morals involved in
this question Of slavery. Having learned
something Of the high tone Of moral
character accorded. justly no doubt. to my
honorable friend from Alabama. [ [Mr. flil-
lard, listened atten,ively 20 his eloquent
speech. expecting him 10 base his argu-
ment upon a different foundation. l
will not say he "dodged." but I do think
he evaded the question. for he was partic-
'hlar 10 state with emphasis, that he could
not discuss the question in its moral bear-
ings, because, he said. we had nothing to
do here with public morals! From what
little have seen here, | am induced 10
believe that the conduct Of many is made
to conform to this "platform." Sir, pro.
fess no extra degree OF morals. myself; but
| must be permitted TO say. considering its
source, this avowal shocked me!
Mr.. billiard. Will the gentleman from
Ohio allow me to explain and correct hintl
Mr.. Campbell. With great pleasure.
Mr.. billiard. | said. that would re-.
frain from discussing the question 40 .
moral one, because we hold no power to
legislatc on the morality Of the question.
To enter into discussion here on that
point might be deemed an admission Of
the jurisdiction Of Congress over the sub
ject:
Mr.. Campbell. have not niisunter.
stood the honorable gentleman, altho;iyh
| have not yet had the pleasure Of read.
ing his printed speech. To como direct
ly to the point. the gentleman can now tell
us whether he regards slavery as moral
evil or as blessing.
Mr.. Hilliard. do not regard j, as 4
moral evil in the States where il exists.
Mr.. Campbell. Well, then, Mr.. Chair.
man. il will be my duty as we'll a. nv
pleasure 10 prove that it is moral curse.
| shall do so by referring directly 10 tho
opinions of some men which notwith.
standing my high regard for the gentle.
man from Alabama, are entitled to far
more weight than his.
Mr. fIlliard. will ask the gentleman
from Ohio aquestion. Admitting il to be
morally ,crong. what right have We 10
legislate upon the moral question:
Mr.. Campbell. Sir, will answer the
gentle'nan's question by putting one 10
every member Of the committee. Admit.
ting ii to be morally wrong. how do you
make it politically right! You cannot
by any principle of philosophy that [
have ever heard Of, make that which il
absolutely morally wrong politically riaht
by legislation. Why! What power, asks
the gentleman, in a tone of apparent trl.
umph, have we, as the representatives Of
the people. to legislate with view to bro.
mote public morals! Is il possible that
such question IS seriously propounded.
and must be seriously answered! What
power! What right! A power which 10
the foundation Of all civilized Govern.
ment. The first great object of ali law
Of all Legislation, is to enforce that which
is morally right, and prevent that which il
morally wrong. 1t is to accomplish this
grand purpose that governments are in.
s,ituted among men.
But, Mr.. Chairman, let us proceed with
an examination OF facts bearing upon the
moral, social and political effects Of slave.
ry. and show how far southern gentlemet,.
in the frenzy Of their excitement, have sui:
fered themselves to depart from the prin.
! ciples and feelings Of their revolutionary
ancestors. And, sir, in this connection.
lay down what may be regarded by some
as bold proposition. I assert, that ono
cftAe rery designs Of the founders Of this
| Republic. when they rebelled against the
power of Great Britain, and formed n
union of the Provinces, aSas 10 preeenf tie
extension Of siarery; to do that which you
denounce us as mad fanatics for propos.
ing. and for which. when accomplished in
part only. according to their designs, you
say you intend to destroy the great work
Of their hands-this glorious confederacv
Of States-this happy Union-which se.
cures liberty to millions, and has com.
manded the admirnton of the world.
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