The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-16

New BEpFoRp, OcT. %, 1850.
! To Hon. ZENo ScUppKa.
| SIR Since you the nominee Congressional o
the Wing party for the 10th Congressional dis
trict, il has become our duty, a committee ap
pointed for this purpose by the colored citizens o
New Bedford, to address you upon subject of the
utmost importance TO US, and respectfully solicit
your unequvocal answer TO the same.
Sir we wish TO know, if you should be elected to
the office for which you candidate, whether
you will or will not use your entire influence for
the immediate repeal of the Fugitive Slave Bill
Whether you will cast your vote for the entire
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia
And TO your influence, far in your
power lies, to prevent any more slave State, or Ter
rltroiesi
Finally, to accelerate, both by vote and influ-
ence, the abolition of slavery in all of this United
States of America, if said question should become
the business of Congress during your term? All of
which most respectfully subject to your candid
considerations, with request for an immediate an
swer.
While we remain your obedient,
John w. A. Smith, WIN. Piper, David w. Rug
giles, for the committee.
Bella c. PERRY, Sec'y.
Address b. c. Perry, Sc Union street.
Now, what answer should an honest man
have addressed to these misguided citizens of
color? Leaving out of view all the interroga-
tories but the last, how should he have an
swered question as to the acceeration by
his vote and influence ''Qf the abolition Of
slapery in all Of this United States Of America,
if said question should become the business Of
: Congress during yo,r (his) termm Why,
Il 4
them that there was no constitutional power in
Congress to accelerate the object of their wishes
What says Mr.. ZENo ScUDDER2 We copy
his reply at length, for we wish to do him en-
tire justice:
BARNsTABLE, Der. "A, 1850.
GENrLEMEN: On my return from a short alb
sence, find your communication of the 22d inst,
before me.
am happy to say that fully recognise the right
and duty of the citizens of the Tenth Congressional
District to know the views and feelings of those
who stand in the position that now occupy on all
measures that are likely to affect the freedom and
prosperity Of our country, and particularly upon
the important measures of which you inquire.
Declarations and pledges by those who in
nomination for office are not always the most
liable source for security and information. The
public acts and votes of a candidate, upon subjects
identical or analogous to those inquired of evil
dence of a higher nature, and, in my opinion,
more satisfactory to an honest inquiring commu-
nifty.
For knowledge OF some Of my expressed senti-
ments and views upon the subjects of which you in
quire permit me to refer you to certain resolutions
which were passed in the Senate of Massachusetts,
in the year lS47, at which time had the honor of
being member OF that board, viz: "Resolve con-
corning the extension Of slavery within the jurs-
diction of the United States" and "Resoves con-
corning the Mexican and the institution of
slavery" all of which may be found in the 'Publc
Acts and Resolves Of that year.
then had the pleasure of recording my yea in
favor of said resolves. They had my hearty sup
port SO far as my ability to advocate and uote could
affect them. | have not since any reason to
regret my course, or change my mind In relati
thereto.
In common with you, and, | think, large
majority of the citizens Of our Common wealth,
sincerely lament that the humane principles and
declarations contained in said resolves have not
been fully adopted and carried into effect by
our General Government
That vast territory has been annexed to our
national domain, without proviso against slave
y
been organized into legal government, without
such proviso, lie matter of deep regret. II ia
moral and political calamity, which should arouse
the friends of human freedom, and cause them to
put forth unremited exertions to stay the evils in
Dictated thereby.
The new and greater facilities which have re-
Gently been provided for -enslaving our fellow
citizens whom we have heretofore considered as
free ourselves, by denying them the rights Incl
dent to the common tribunals Of justice, s, in my
opinion, most fragrant abuse of political power,
and burlesque upon the genius of our free instu-
tons. For the credit of the Republic, trust that
they will not long abide in the letter Of the law but
be alien thereto they are TO the hearts Of
the people.
Ia regard TO your specific inquiries, gentlemen,
have only 10 say that whether the ctizeus Of our
Congressional district should honor me by eecting
me as their Representative in the next Congress,
permit me to remain at home in the pursuit Of my
own private business, shall at all times and under
all circumstances, az a matter Of moral principle
and political duty, advocate and act for the repeal
OF the law, called the Fugitive Slave Law
shall alec continue TO exert what ability possess
for the repeal Of all laws which countenance yes
tigo Of slavery in the District Of Columbia, and to
prevent the admission Of any new slave States or
the organization Of any new slave Territorial Gov
eminent Indeed, shall ever claim it privilege,
in the exercise Of the feelings Of my heart to
exert all the Legitimate influence in my power to
restrain and abolish the anti republican institution
Of human slavery in our great and growing coun-
try. In 90 doing shall have the pleasure Of con-
tributing in come degree to the diffusion and OPP
pcdtion Of the principles Of Massachusetts freedom,
often declared by the Wing party in their State
Conventions and Legislative Assemblies.
With much respect and esteem, your obedicnt
servant, and fellow citizen,
ZENO sCUDDER
To Mr.. Bella c. Perry and others, Committee, &c,
New Bedford Massachusetts,
In this letter Mr.. ScUDDER out Giddings
GIDDINGs himself Even the Ohio agitator
avows, in the speech so strongly denounced by
the Alias, that Congress has no power to inter
fere with slavery in the States; and yet Mr..
ScUDDER, by obvious implication. leads the
colored citizens Of New Bedford to understand
that their notion about accelerating the aboli-
ton of slavery in call Of this United States Of
America" is very reasonable and proper-a
suggestion that they had every right in the