Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-06-15
Mr.. Calhoun's resolution:


"Resolved, That the intermedling ofany State
or States, or their citizens, to abolish slave in this
District, or any of the Territories, on the ground
or under the prctext, that it is immortal or sin
full, or the passage of any act or measure Of Con-
gress with that view, would be direct and dan
gerous attack on the institutions of all the slave
holding States
On this resolution, Mr. Pierce, of New -Hamp-
shire said the Senate had come at length to the
ground on which this contest was to be determin-
ed. The District of Columbia was now empha-
tically the battle field of. the Abolitionsts, and
the resolution Immediately under consideration,
with, perhaps, some modification in phraseology,
would present the true issue here and to the
country-an issue which would raise, not mere
question of expediency, but one of a much high
er character, in which the public faith is direct
ly involved.
That my position, said Mr.. Pierce, may be
distinctly understood, some explanation is per-
haps due to the State which have the honor,
in part, to represent especially as there is man
ifest disposition, in certain quater to prevent our
votes and msrepresent our motives.
have given to the resolutions all the consid-
Grafton which Lam capable of bestowing, and have
listened to the de ebate which they have elected
with interest and profound attention.
If the grave objections suggested on the other
side were sustained by an examination Of the res
olutions themselves. or n course of sound areu-
mentation, they would insure my oppostion-
What are they? The first that reached my ear
was, that they contain latent notification. Ihave
waited to hear the particular resolution, sentence,
or phrase pointed out in which this heresy is sup
posed to be concealed, and have waited in vain.
Having, then, assertion on one side, ard what
appears to me to be the plain reading Of the res
oIutions and the frank and unqualified dcclara-
ton of the mover on the other, must be excu-
sed if do not take the alarm.
We have next eloquent dsquisitons upon the
liberty of speech and the freedom of the press
To every sentiment uttered upon these subjects |
yield my cordial assent; but why introduced on
this particular occasion, | have been at loss to
determine. Would any man here abridge the
liberty of speech, or assail the freedom of the
press? take it not. Is there any thing in the
resolution to sanction the invasion of either?-
Not syllable. That these are privileges most
dear to every American is freely admitted by ALL
Why such variety of changes have been rung
upon them in this debate, others may determine
1t is not my province to Judge Of motives, and l
would take occasion only to remark, that no man
shall make up an issue upon subject for m",
oppose the Aboltionists, for the very reason that
l entertain a sacred regard for these in common
with all other rights secured by the Constitution
But it is further urged against the resolutions
/oa,I 81, A. 4
tons. Sir, it is quite immatcrial what name vou
apply to them; sufficient is it that they meet tn,
case; that they encounter the Abolitionist upon
sound and tenable ground, aud furnish a concu
sive answer to his opportunities To say that
the petitions refer only to this District, and that
the principles asserted in the preceding resolu
tions are consequently without application is per
y ectly idle 1t is impossible to read single number