New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-12-22
GERRIT SMITHS SPEECH


WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Dec. 30 1858.
Let the friends of freedom in the Union and of union
fer freedom mark to-day with white stone. Gerrit
Smith has not only sp0ken-but though only in brief
outline be has unoldcd his whole doctrine of the high
er law and universal liberty and what is more, he
has been listened to with earnest attention and cor
dial respect, and has been answered with manly
irankness vet high toned courtesy. The whole scene
was an omen that the OF angry strife between the
Free and Slave States is closing, ana that new of
faefnal cooperation in removing the only source OF
DisupiCn, las opened.
Nj Smiths air and manner a. once commanded the
ewes and ears of the whole House. HIS deep voice
filed the room the smile on his cOuntenance won
ynpathy; and the grace and dignity OF his noble
person seemed the symbol of riagnanmity. As the
speech will of course be reported in your columns it
is unnecessary here 70 sketch bis argument. 1t will be
seen that his declarations OF principle were uncOm-
promising, his criticism terribly severe, his assertion
of the claims Of duty as impartial as If IN The
name Of an apostle he had been warning his hear
ers Of their responsibility to the heavenly Judge
But the calmness gerteness, and dispasson-
ate tone with which he spOke disarmed anger, and
elevated his agditors-even those whom his words
most wounded-ntO a severe upper air oitruth, where
personal eaousies sectional feuds and the meannesses
Of party politics 0st sight OF and forgotten All
recognized in the speaker honest generous, Christ
lar gentleman who, strong in the consciousness OF his
own integrity, trusted in the henor of bis ell0wmen.
And his confidence was well placed rs soon as he
II.
speech of great dire cness and force Without denying
or in any way caving at broad principles Of right as
serted by Mr. Smith he TOOK the ground OF common OBJ
legation resting upon all the people OF the United States
10 respect the laws institutions and the several
States in entire good faith. All who sw0re 10 support
the Constitution thereby testified their purpose and
pledged their honor to observe its provisions uneqT
ocallv. What was remarkable in this speech Of Mr..
Prestons was the admission Identical wiki that lately
made In the address Of the Southern Agricultural
Convention that Slavery is transient stage OF So
ciety disciplinary in character and preparing the way
for civilization The speaker showed that, as al na-
tops had in their industrial development passed up
through serytude to free labor so doubtless time
would come when the black trained, refined and
educated would emerge into freedom D. an Irresistible
vet neacefll process Ee hnted as 3 hope cherished
Nv himself that the negroes would grayitate 70 the
South more and more, ana in due tine oy mlnglins
with the mixed races Of Mexico and Central America,
firm new state or nation under free institutions.
Mr. Preston was heard with respectful interest By al
the Slavery men in the House for they elt taat
they were listening TO the frank utiersnce OF sincere
convictions BY q tigh-minded thoughtful, true man
NAV this brief debate prove an auspieious sugHry-
How soon bow very might this greas NATION enter
upon course Of pollcy-n which emancipation nsI.
h. introduced bv A COMBINED MOVEMENT O.. tbe Free
ard Slavebodinp States-not only without violence,
disturbance or injurious effect upon any class or inter
est but with a new heShful, STRENGTHENING influence
felt throughout every department OF TIE national com
mopwealiL-if only S0uthelners and Northerners
would thus meet each other in spirit at once ranA
and flaternal. Cit; -.
10 r.,~ove@ lie. onr watclwOFi herce.1TtA Dc then
Union for Freedom. Freedom IN Un-on-a rec In.'h
forever. w. H. -