Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-10-06
SPEECH OF FRANKLIN PIERCE

OF Neto Hampshire, Mr.. CahOun's Resolutions.
Mr. PIERCE, of New Hampshire, rose and said ::
The Senate had come at length to the ground on
which this contest was to be determined. The Dis
trict of Columbia was now emphatically the battle
field of the Abolitonists, and the resolution imme-
diately under consideration, with, perhaps, some
modification in phraseoogy, would present the true
issue here and TO the country-an issue which would
raise, question OF e1pediency, but one OF
much higher character, in which the public faith is
directly involved.
That nv position said Mr.. Pierce, may be distinct
ly understood, some explanation is perhaps due to
the State which have the honor, in part, to repre-
sent, especially as there is NANTES disposition in
certain quarters to pervert our votes and msrepre-
sent our motives.
have given to the resolutions all the consideration
which l am capable of bestowing, and have 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 an examination of the resolutions
themselves, a of sound augmentation, they
wonld ensure my opposition. What they? The first
that reached was, that they contain latent null
LITIGATION. have waited to hear the particular reso-
luton, sentence phrase pointed out in which this
heresy is supposed 10 be concealed, and have waited
in vain. Having then, assertion one side, and
what appears to me to be plain reading of the reso-
luons and :he frank and unqualified declaration of
the mover on the other, must be excused 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 par
ticular occasion, have been at loss to determine.
Would any man here abridge the liberty Of speech,
assail the liberty of the press l take it not Is
there anything in the resolution sanction the nva-
sion of either? Not syllable. That these are
privileges most dear to every American is freely ad-
mitted by all. Why such variety Of changes have
been rung upon them in this debate others NAV de-
termlne 1t Is not my province to Judge of motives,
and l would take occasion only to remark, that no
MAJ cho llroaI do
l OPPOSE THE ABOLITiONSTS, 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 (said
Mr.. Pierce that they mere distractions. Sir, il
Is quite lmmaterlai what name you apply to them
sufficient is it that they meet the case that they en-
counter the AbolitionIsts upon sound and tenablt
ground, and furnish conclusive answer to his i'm
portunities. To say that the petitions refer only
this District, and that the principles asserted in the
preceding resolutions are consequently without ap
pllca'ion Is perfectly idle 1t is impossible to
single number of the leading abolition periodicals.
without Perceivng that object reaches far beyond th
District and stops at no point short of emancipation
in the States; And yet, sir, repeat that you woule
find few intelligent Abolitionists, who would asser
that Congress has the constitutional power to inter
fere with slavery in the States; but admitting tn
want of power, here, they hold it their duty as ndi
viduals, TO Persevere in the cause. Regarding tn
institution of slavery as morally wrong or sinfnl
You please, they consider themselves as citizens y
the Union responsible for its continuance. whereve
it may exist within borders. This FEELING ha
its origin, TO some extent, IN A MISAPPREHEN
SION OF THE STRUCTURE OF OUR GOV
EMINENT, AND THIS ERROR THE PRF
CEEDING RESOLUTIONS ARE CALCULAT
Ed TO CORRECT. They assert, in effect, thu
,ne cIllzen OF New Hampshire is no more respons
pie, morally or politically, for the existence and COZ
unuance OF this domestic institution in Virginia {
Maryland then he would be for the existence of an
sig.lla. 1 1Hs'G H in France Persia. Why
bENAo"H THESE ARE MATTERS Owe