The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-04-04
VOL. W..

leave the country TO Judge who IL Is that usurps
power, and who IL Is that keeps up agitation
whether IL is the men of the North % Of the South
who are to blame for the present state Of excitement
In the country. As regards the threats Of secession
made by the Senator from South Carolina, apparent
ly regarding that as being the only remedy for the
evils under which the South is now suffering | have
only say that OF the proprioy of the measure II
is for them Judge, and for them TO decide in view
of the measure and Its consequences.
Let me say In conclusion, that that is not the end
nor the purpose at which aim, and at which
as far as l know, those with whom act aim
We desire action, not out Of the Constitution
or against the Constitution but in and under II
We desire TO see that Constitution carried nm,
as Intended by Its trainers and 10 see ii administered
in the spirit in which ii was formed And sir, we
desire TO see, Also the abolition OF slavery eJected
throughout the world. i will not undertake 10 saS
how IL is to be done but no action of this Covcr
ment il desired to effect il. We do not exnect ,ha,
public or political measures are TO effect II but bv
appealing TO the hearts and consciences of mon b.;
bringing home the principles OF Christianity and ,hs
appeals of humanity 10 those who have the nower
TO influence the men around them, and who have
hearts to feel we trust they will be induced 10 rem
edy or remove the evils under which the country
in this connection, labors. This is what we desir,
and aim at; and firmly believing in the proyden,
ces of God, we trust the day will yet dawn upon
this country when the word slavery shall be word
without meaning; and when those whose efforts
for universal freedom shall have, their fathers
hearty sympathies of those who live in the slave.
holding States and when every section of the
Union will join hands with the other in spreading
abroad the principles of humanity, philosophy, and
Of Christianity, which shall elevate every son and
daughter of the human to that liberty for which
they created, and for which they destined
by God.
That happy period, sir, viii yet dawn upon the
destnes Of this nations and then shall the united
and universal shout of regencrated people go up in
strong swelling chorus to the throne OF me Most
High, unmingled with the groans or prayers of the
victims of oppression, living under any human form
of government. These opinions, sir, we entertain,
and these hopes wa CHERISH and we do not fear 10
avow them here now, always, and forever we ask
not the aid this Government TO bring II ABOUT Tor
we know that under the Constitution you nave no
power to move in the work. and therefore any such
appeal of ours would be i-timed. What we have
right to ask and do ask in the name OF justice, OF
humanity and of liberty is that you place not this
Government in the way-that you do not by any
action of yours intepose TO extend the boundaries
of slavery or retard the progress of human freedom
and improvement. Sir, this great cause must pros
per, and it is of little consequence to the cause
whether this Government is found for il or against
il but il is of great moment 10 the Government lest
unhappiy in this great controversy, 1t be found
fighting against God.