The Yazoo Democrat., 1852-06-30
Gen, Pierce ON Abolition.


On the question of Abolition, from the first
Gen Pierce has fought the agitators from behind
the ramparts of the Constitution. Maintaining
The doctring of strict construction he has always
held up the great truth before the eyes Of the
misguided men who have attempted to induce
the Federal Government TO interfere with the
institution of slavery, that it belongs exclusive
ly to the States-which alone have control over
it. In support of this assertion we ask the at
tention of our readers to the extaact we append,
Of speech delivered by him in the United
States Senate, in 1888, on the resolutions presen-
ted by Mr.. Calhoun, in reference 10 the petitions
which were being poured into Congress- asking
for the abolition .of slavery in the District Of
Columbia, and III the Territories
We point with heart felt satisfaction at the
icrowaing honor in the character Of our nominee
Of his public career to the present day, he has
been the uncompromising opponent Of the Alb
olitionists in their assaults upon the rights OF
the MssissiPpian.
ReSolued That the intermeddling of any State
or States or their citizens TO abolish slavery IN
this District, or any of the Territories. on the
SrOuHu OF unueI lilS plcttAl lIdl II 10 lAhnAOioi
or sinful, or the passage of any act or measure
of Congress with that view, would be dlIect
and dangerous attack on the institutions OF all
the slaveholding States"
Mr. Pierce of New Hampshire said the Sen
ate had come at length to the ground ON which
this contest was to be determined. The District
| of Columbia, was now emphatically the battle
field of the abolitionists and the resolution i'm
mediately under consideration, with, perhaps,
cC N rlbr xV0ni0
the true issue here and 10 the country-an issue
which would raise, not mere question OF expe-
diency, but one of much higher character, IN
which the public faith is directly involved.
have given to the resolutions all the consid-
eration which | am capable of bestowing, and
listened to The debate which they have elected,
with interest and profound attention.
If the grave objections suggested on the other
side were sustained by the examination of the
resolutions themselves, course OF sound ar
gumentation, they would insure my opposition.
What are they? The first that reached my ear
was that they CONTAINED latent notification. l
have waited TO hear the particular resolution,
sentence or phrase pointed out in which this.
heresy is supposed to be concealed, and have
waited In vain. Having, then, assertion on one
side, and what appears to be the PLAIN reading
of the resolutions and the frank and unqualified
declaration of the mover on the other, must be
excused if do not take the alarm.
eloquent
the liberty of speech and the freedom of the press
To every sentiment uttered upon these subjects
yield my assent but why introduced on this
particular occasion, have been at loss todeter-
mine. Would any man here abridge the liberty
of speech, or assail the freedom of the press?
take ii not. Is there anything in the resolution
to sanction the invasion of either? Not a sylla
ble That these are privileges most dear to eve
ry American, is freely admitted by all. Why
such variety of changes have been rung upon
them In this debate, Others may determine. Ii
is not my province to Judge OF motives, and
would take occasion only TO remark, that no man
shall make up an issue upon subject Tor me, |
oppose the abolitioniss, for the very reason that
entertain a sacred regard for these in common
with all other rights secured by the Constitution
But it is further urged against the resolutions, |
(said Mr.. PIERCE that they are mere abstrac-
tions. Sir, II is quite immaterial what name
you apply to then sufficient is 1t that they meet
the case, that they encounter the aooiltionlst
upon sound and tenabe ground aud furnish !
conclusive answer te his importnnities To saw
that the petition refers only to this District and
that the principles asserted in the preceding res
olutions are consequently without application,
Is perfectly idle. 1t is impossible to read sln-
gle number of the leading abolition perodicals,
without perceiving that their object reaches Tar
beyond this District. and stops at no point snort
of emancipation in the States. And vet sir, |
suspect that YOU would find few intelligent alb
who would assert that Congress mas
the constitutional power tointerfere with slave
ry in the States; bntadmitting the want OF pow
er here they hold it their duty, as individuals,
to persevere in the cause.
Regarding the institution nf slavery as moral
" wrong or sinful, if you please. they consider
themselves. as citizens of the Union, response
bic for It's continuance. wherever 1t may exist
within our borders This feeling has its origin,
to some extent, in misapprehenslon OF the
structure of our government. and this error lhe
preceding resolutions are calculated to correct
They assert in effect that the citizen oI new
Ham pshire is no more responsible, morally or
Officially, for the existence and continuance OF
this domestic institution in Virginia or Mary
and. than he would be for the existence OF any
i1mllar institution in France or Persia. WhY
Because these are matters over which the States,
when deecating portion OF their
1owers to be exercised bv the genetal govern |
nant, retained the whole and exclusive control,
md for which they are alone responslb bic.
Now. let these doctrines be universally under
stood and admitted. and take one great step
owards satisfying the consciences of honest but
Misguided peorle. in one section of the country /
md quieting the irritation, for which there has
,een too much cause In the other. This we have
attempted to do We are bound to go further
nd frankly declare to these petitioners that so
ong as slavery shall continue in Virginia and ]
MARYLAND. it is in vain for them to expect It's I
bolition here that we are forbidden to legls {
ate upon this subject under existing clrcum-
tances, bv obligations hardly inferior to the
Constitution itself: that Congress cannot abol-
shaslaverv in this District, against the wishes OF
he inhabitants, without gross breach of pub q
lc faith, and an outrageous infraction of private
ights.
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