The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-12-26
POLITICS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.

We doubt whether the political events of any
State furnish an instance of regeneration more
revolving than the one we are about to notice.
The Rev. JoHN ATwooD, heretofore Secretary
OF State in New Hampshire, now the regular
Democratic candidate for Governor, having been
written to by certain Free-Soilers concerning his
opinion On the subjects of Slavery in the Terri
tories aud the Fugitive Slave Law, replied, No
vember 30th in a letter of which the following is
an extract
"ln early life | imbibed n sacred regard for
constitutional Liberty, Human Rights, Univer-
Sal Freedom, and the good Of the Race. And these
sentiments have been strengthened and increased
Dy the events of many years up TO the present
hour trust have learned 80 much of the Cos
pei OF the Son of God, that wherever an individ-
uai OF the human race is found, | look upon that
person as my brother, without regard to his ma
tional origin. And by these cherished sentiments
nope may be directed to the latest hour of nv
life ~
10 your first inquiry, Whet,er I am opyosed 10
M Ef'ensioH Of Siapay, | reply, that having for
many years regarded the whole system as n great
moral social, and political evil, inconsistent with
the spirit OF our republican institutions. and dan.
gerons to the well-being Of the Union, | am, in
Toe language Of the New Hampshire Legislature
OF 1919, 'hrml y and unalterlbly opposed to the
Iur'htr extension OF slavery over any portion of
American soil now free Believing also, in the
language Of the same Legislature, that Congress
mas the constitutional power to prohibit the intro
1u'.IOn OIL slavery into any territory now Free
H u iaYor OF the use Of that power in the terri
aJ'l'S recently acquired by the United States
- ieg'i euacinenrs in the organization of
i,IIlIorisl SoSsrGHItnt5 have not rendered it alb
soluteiy impracticabe.
10 your second inquiry, What are nv p;srrs in
,."io" 10 me present Faglire Stare Lar, | am free
T'ay' that while recognise the validity of that
s'use OF the United States Constitution which
Pro'lles that persons held TO service or labor in
~ o'ae' escaping into another shall be deliver
on claim of the person to whom such service
OF labor may be due cannot but believe that
tue present law contains provisions not warranted
~ 'he letter OF the Constitution, nor necessary to
lily out the spirit Of its requirements IL does
~ ~ 70 NE That the trainers Of that instrument,
; "uSn 'hey guaranteed trial by jury in all Grim
,,uHi prosecutions and in all suits nj common
Nv involving more than twenty dollars did not
;u.enu 10 deny the right to such trial In cases
'"'sJ,Nng the liberty of person for life
N IN uAsnoch as the present law denies this right
ana persons e'GiDIsd as fugitives from service
na also imposes obligations and services upon
mon - VI 'no lfce ctstes, Whicn, IN my Judg-
oni.. neither the Constitution nor Conscience re-
mr. az their hands. cannot give the measure
nsoPp9rt. Regarding many Of its provisions as
ysr,.I I.ueated, oppressive and liable TO be per-
10 the enslayement Of free citizens, shall,
psaosr'sr station ! may occupy, favor all proper,
q, s, and constitutional measures for its repeal
" essential medication
ihe bunker leaders became alarmed and In
a. ana the result Of their remons,rsnce adj
uo~ 'eu 10 their candidate was, formal repudia-
Rn a ~ him Of the sentiments OF the foregoing.
n. ne reptile manner in which he crawls out Of
ofnOtice: 'P''''''' "O''"'
DC, e. Ad'0r' The Men Hampshire Patriot:
J., GsNrLENKs; Having had NV attention o.,,.,
letter purporting to have been written by me