Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard., 1853-01-15


property the rghtssof my constituents, and the
rights Of my neighbors We cannot live in peace
with other nations if we disregard the rights OF
property in those nations. Sir, human liberty ex-
lists only in and with the principles of the common
law. The reason why the South American repub-
lies have never been able to establish their liberty
has been that they have not the substratum OF
that embodied perfection of human reason, the
common law.
We sometimes speak of the two pence tax upon
tea as the cause of our revolutionary war That
led to the disruption, but only item in the
account. 1t the principle sought to be I'M
posed upon us of taxation without representation.
We were the descendants of the Cavaliers and
Puritans. The Cavaliers drove the Puritans from
England to Plymouth, and Puritans in England,
in turn, drove the Cavaliers to the mouth of the
James river. Yet, with these hostile parties in
England, what do we find at the commencement
of the Revolution z? Patrick Henry, the Cavalier
and Randolph, the Cavalier, with Adams the
Puritan, join in the summons to arms. Their an
cestors found-a temple in the wilderness, church
without bishop and State without King, and
Puritan and Cavalier united to perpetuate both.
1t rational liberty which they possessed, and
for it they cheerfully endured their trials.
[ look back with pleasure to the fact that I was
one of the few who refused to vote congratulations
upon that resolution, which threw out the king,
and threw up the Provisional Government Of
France. never believed there was anything there
worthy of admiration, and we have seen it advanc-
ing from one step to another, until we have seen
mushroom emperor clad in the paranhernalia of
great kinsmen at one time the conqueror. of Eu-
rope and the wonder of his age at another, and
at last captive on lonely isle of the sea. He
has passed over vows, constitutions engagements !;
and the voices lately raised in shout for liber-
ty equality, fraternity, shout long live the
emperor.
He has taken one more step towards ruin, one
more act in the drama SO frequently performed of
late years is re-enacted before the world-the end
is by-and-by-j Just another step.
Those who are worthy of freedom, and will take
care Of it, have it. Look over the whole broad
earth and show me men capable of elfgovernment
men worthy of liberty and her institutions, and
will show you men who are free.
There nsver more mischievous error than
that which that the people and the politi-
clans of this country, propagandsts of free pn
ciples and free government. With such people
and such politicians, have no afiiation
I will do justice to the President though he and
differ about many things and though have
never been a supporter of the present Adminstra-
ton, nor has its policy met with my appreciation.
Justice requires me to say that in regard to this
hHbustering spirit, he has maintained a position
which ought to secure to him the respect of this
people. Some of the processes of his reasoning I
do not concur in and some of his deductions re
pudiate. There are things in his message, with
which do not agree; but for his general policy
in discountenancing the invasion Of country with
which we at peace, take this occasion to say
he deserves the respect of the country. have yet
to learn that anything is to be gained by denying
justice to any man, whether of your own or any
other party.
But, sir, do not speak by the book [ not
in communication with those coming into power,
IL, IL
and of those who supported the election of
the President elect. But firmly believe, and
cherish the belief, that the incoming Admnistra-
tion will maintain policy upon this sub bject which
will be elevated and blameless. | have determin-
ed thus early in the session to make known my
opinions to those interested in them and to those
whom [ have the honor to represent; and to enter
my solemn protest against policy which looks to
the absorption of adjoining countries which dis
regards treaty stipulations, and must tend to the
acquisition Of still further territory undesirable at
the present time, and which must renew all the
agitation from which we have just escaped.
There is another view, Mr.. Chairman, of this
matter, to which l will refer. and to which espe-
ciay desire to call the attention of my friends from
the South. 1t would certainly be bad policy for
to acquire Cuba-slaveholding Cuba as it is-f we
could get it, so long as it can be peaceably held by
Spain, a disinterested stakeholder. Can any
one from the slavehodng country fail to see that
the slave interest in the United States is the focus
against which the sympathits the meddlesome sym
pathies, OF the whole world is directed? Can any
one fail to see the Importance of having as many
interested in that institution as possible? Sup
pose we could absorb Cuba to-day, we should have
the united opposition of all the governments of
the earth against US, and against our institution
Spain is now interested and Brazil is interested in
preserving that institution. Suppose we should
acquire Cuba to-day, we should have all the ma
chinery of all the fanatcism of all the world leapued
against us.
[ am one of those who feel no sort of hesitation
in saying thatthe institution of slavery is whole
some, good, and a valuable one socially, moral
ly and politically; that it is the only condition in
which the African in contact with the white race,
can be happy and useful Look over the broad
face of the earth, and there not three millions
Of Africans that as Christianized as civilized.
and as happy those who are depending upon
their masters, connected with the social institutions
of the South. These opinions are known to YOU,
and | do not now throw them out as new. l am
unwilling that Slaves should be drained off to
supply vacancy which the cutting off of the
slave trade will create in Cuba. If we acquire
Cuba, we get what is Of but little value to us. If
we take it by force, we get a Pandoro's box with
it.
], sir, adhere to the Monroe doctrine. am op-
posed to European interference with any people
struggling for liberty upon our continent. will