The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-04-07

highest bidder. III any crlmlnai upon eartu ue-
serves death, think those who commit such
revolving crimes should be the first to suffer !;
but are they more guilty than those members
Of Congress who put forth their influence to
keep 10 force the law which authorizes these
trauscendent iniquitiesa
But you are aware that both the late Wing
and Democratic candidates for President were
pledged to sustain the law that authorizes these
outrages--committed to sustain crimes at the
contemplation of which we shrink back with
horror and yet Christians were asked to vote
for them. And We know that every man who
voted for these candidates did, in fact encour-
age and sustain this commerce in human flesh.
| would not be understood as saying that all
who supported Scott and Pierce INTENDED to
WELD their influence to such purpose lspeak
not of their motives. | only state a most obvious
fact Il do not say that their moral guilt was
as great as his who deals in the bodies of moth
ers and children in Washington city they did
not view the effect of such vote in the same light
in which we view it but hesitate not TO say
that i would as soon have voted to continue the
slave trade, or deal in human flesh myself, as
would vote for any man pledged 10 uphold it;
nor can think God of justice would hold me
less guilty for voting in favor Of q man who
crime, than he would for dealing in the bodies
of mankind.
! am happy in saying that the popular senti-
ment on this subject of moral responsibility,
connected with political action has also great
ly improved We no longer hear men denounce
others for connecting moral principle with their
political action; indeed, the man who now votes
without regard to moral duty, is considered
aifh ipHA in Ill
proper appreciation of his obligations to God
and man.
The tone of our pulpit oratory has greatly
changed. We no longer hear preachers of the
Gospel exhort us to reverence and obey the in
famous Fugitive Law; nor do they now at
tempt to argue that slavery is divine institu-
ton. No slower lawo sermons are now print
ed and sent over the land, to insult Christian
people.
have not time to speak of the changes in
Congress Of gag.rules; of trampling upon the
right of petition of the insults, threats, and
assaults upon members who in former times,
advocated the great truths which lie at the
foundation of our Government These things
have passed away; they exist now only in his
tory.
At no period of the world has popular SEN
timent been undergoing such rapid improve
ment as at the present day. The literature
of our nation, of England, and of Continental
Europe, is putting forth powerful influence
in favor of liberty, of truth, of justice and hu-
mainly teaching men to follow the precepts
of that Gospel which speaks peace and good
will to all men--which directs US to do unto
others as we would have them do unto u.s.
Nothing more distinctly marks tho age in
L. IL tIa.. h. r. L.
trines of our holy religion to the political du-
ties of Governments and of people. No real
distinction can be drawn between that inidel-
ity which denies the responsibility of human
action, and that political conservatism which
maintains traffic in human flesh indeed |
would far sooner share the responsibility of the
just, humane in6del, in the day of final retri-
button, than Of that slave dealer who pr0fanes
all that is sacred, and pure, and holy, by pro-
Tossing to preach of Christ or to love the Cos
pei.
The brotherhood of man and nations is rap
idly becoming the ruling sentiment of Christen.
dom. The heart of tho civilized world beats
Cor truth, isssice, and h1msntty !, and s.ano.s
every steamer from Europe brings US some
cheering, some word Of encouragement from
the philsnthropists Of the old world.
The Slave Power stands appalled, at these
manifestations of popular sympathy for thu
rights OF man and the laws of God Already
have we set bounds to oppression. give it a,
the conviction of my mind that slavery will
never pass its present limits if we continue
firm and unfaltering in the course which duty
go clearly points out
| Fellow-citizens, you have not been idle spec
tators of these changes-of this great reform
which now marks an epoch in the history of
the world You have been active agents in
bringing about these encouraging circumstan.
ces For myself desire no other or greater
earthly honor than that of participating
though in an humble degree, in this work Of
regenerating our Government-of separating
it from the support of slavery and the slave
trade-of purifying it from the crimes, the
guilt which now rests upon it, and thus far
contributing my humble labors for the eleva-
ton of our race.
1t is the cause of God, of humanity it can
not fail. Truth, present and enduring-eternal
justice--consttute the basis on which it rests.
The feeble attempts of man to separate Deity
from the beings whom he has created, or to tear
from portion of our race the rights with which
he has endowed them, must cease. AS surely
as God regns, our cause will triumph. Nor do
| think that triumph is far distant.
But wherher you or shall remain TO par
ticipate in that triumph, is of little Importance.
Let the progress of the past stimulate US to
more energetic efforts in future let our infiu-
encc, our moral and political enegries, be ex-
erted for the advancement of liberty and hui
mainly, against oppression in all its forms-for
the elevation and happiness Of mankind but
most especially let us strive to purify ourselves,
the people Of the free States and the Federal
Government from the blood of those victims
now annually sacrificed under the sanction of
Congressional law. Let us be careful that the
guilt and the odium of those national MURDERS
those savage cruelties, shall rest on those who
commit, who encourage and sanction them.
With these sentiments entered Congress
in that body ! have not failed TO maintain
them; you have generously sustained me in
doing 30 and now, in tho fullness of this spirit,
we separate; and in it bid you an affection
ate Con speed in all your future labors for the
benefit of mankind.
With feelings Of gratitude, Of respect and
affectionate attachment, ] am your obedent
servant J. X. GIDDIsGs.
Jeferson, March s, 1853.
FREE DEMOCRACY IN MAINE