Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-03-23


Inflated vessel, and from the miserable loosened
fragments is formed that human anomaly
Northern man NTH Southern principles. Sir
No such man can speak for the North.
! Here therewas an Interruption of prolonged
applause in the galeries.)
The PRESIDENT, (Nir. STUART in the chair.)
The Chair will be obliged to order the galleries
to be cleared, If order is not preserved. No
applause will be allowed.
Mr.. SUMNER. Mr.. President, | advance
new to considerations of more general char c.
ter, to which ask your best attention. Sir,
this bill is proposed MS measure of peace In
this way you vainly think to Withdraw the sub
jcct of slavery from National politics. This is
mistake. Peace depends on mutual conf
dence. 1t can never rest secure on broken faith
and injustice. And, sir, permit me to say,
frankly, sincerely, and earnestly, that the sub
.ect OF Slavery can never be withdrawn from the
National politics, until we return once more to
the original policy of our fathers, at the first
organization of the Government, under WASH
ington, when the National ensign nowhere on
the National territory covered Il single slave.
Slavery, which our fathers branded as an
''evil, a ''curse, an "enormity," "neiarious
Institution, is condemned at the North by the
strongest convictions of the reason and the best
sentiments Of the heart 1t is the only subject
within the field of National politics which ex-
cites any real interest The old matter which
have divided the minds Of men have lost their
importance. One by one they have disappeared,
leaving the ground to be occupied by aquestion
grandcr far. The Bank, Sub Treasury, the Dis
tribution of the Public Lands, are each and all
obsolute issues. Even the Tariff is not ques-
ton on which opposite political parties are
united in taking opposite sides. And now, in
stead of these superseded questions, which were
filed for the most part with the odor of the dol
lar, the country is direatly summoned to consid-
or face to face u cause which is connected with
all that is divine in religion, with all that is
pure and noble in morals, with all that is tr'iy
practical and constitutional in politics. Unlike
the other questions, ii is not temporary or local
in its character. 1t belongs to all times and to
all countries Though long kept in check, it
now. by yoar introduction, contronts the people,
demanding to be heard 70 every man in the
land it says, with clear, penetrating voice, care
, You for Freedom, or are you for Slavery "
And Every man in the land must answer this
"a stion when he votes
Pass this bill, and it will b, in vain that You
! say, the Slaveryquestion issettled Sir, nothing
CUH nc StftUu uffLN 10 HUt TfSh. 4'ol'iiiio "''
b. settled which is adverse to Freedom. God,
n repudate any such false seeming settlement.
Now, sir, mark the clear line of our dnty.
And here let me speak for those with whom in
minority and defeat, am proud to be associat-
e ed, the Independent Democrats, who esponso
e that Democracy which is TRANSPORTED in the
, Declaration OF Independence, and the inunc-
tions of Christianity. The testimony which we
bear against slavery, as against all other wrong,
t is in different ways, according to our position
The slavery, which exists under other Govern
l ments-as in Russia or Turkcy-or Ill other
States of the Union, as in Virginia and Carroll
t ma, we can oppose only through the influence OF
literature morals, and religion, without IN any
way invoking the Political Power Nor ~ 1t
= proposed to act otherwise. But slavery, where
we are parties to it--whero We are responsible
[ for it--cverywhere within our .urisdiction-must
be opposed, not only by all the influence Of lite
nature, morals, and religion, but dirccly by
every instrument of Political Power. In the
States it is sustained by local laws, and although
we may be compelled o share the shame, which
its presence intlicts upon the fair fame of the
country, yet it receives no direct sanction at our
hands. Weare not responsible for it. The
wrong is not at our own particular doors 1t
is not within Our jurisdiction But slavery
everywhere under the Constitution of the United
), StA,es-eyerywher within the exclusive i,lris-
diction OF the National overnment-every-
where under the National Flag, is a, our own
particular doors, wi hin the sphere Of our own
personal responsibility, and exist there in def
ance of the original policy of OR Fathers and
OF the true principles Of the Constitution.
, 1t is Il mistake to say, as is often charged, that
, we seek TO interfere, through Congress, with
Slavery in the States, or III any way TO ir'ct tho
, legislation Of Congress upon subjects not within
It's Jurisdiction. Our p0iitirat aims, as well as
G our po}'ticdl duties, are co-extensivc with our
y poL1irm responsibilities, And since WE al the
e North are responsible for Slavery wherever it
e exists under the Jurisdiction OF Congress. it is
s unpardonabla in las nol 10 eXcrl every power W.
1 poss 81 to enlist Congress againt it,
Such is our cause. 10 IN N .. all par lis and
= opinions, who wish we'll t, tn R'pl3iie, and
a would preserve its good name, itAppells. Alike
Q to the Conservative and the Re 'ormer ii appeals
: for it stands on tac trust Cons ryAtism and the
4 truest Reform. In seeking the reform Of existing
e evils, we seek also the cons ryation Of tn pin
: cipes OF our fathers. The c,.s, is not ,ctona.
s On, no sir, it is not sectional; for it simply
+ aims to establish under the National Govern
: nent those great principles OF Justice and ilu-
0 manty ,w!lc. are broad and universal ;ts man.
t Is well might it b. said cAat Jefferson, Frank
= lin, and Washington, We're sectional. 1t is not
L aggr ssive Tor it does not SEEK in any way to
{ interfere, through Congress, with slavery in the
I States. 1t is not contrary TO the Constitution for
it recognizes this paramount law, and in the ad-
e mnis:ration VI the Government invokes the spi-
rit of its founders. Sir, it is not hostile to the
| . e
/ course by which agitation can b, alayel and
quiet be permanently established
1t is not uncommon to hear persons declare
s that they are against slavery, and IRE willing to
i unite in any practical efforts to make this oppo-
u, sition felt At the same time, they Enthusiastically
a visit with condemnation, with rcproac! or con.
tempt, the earnest souls who for years have strv-
e en- in this struggle To such would say--could |
n reach them with my voice-if you are sincere in
4 what you declare; if your words are not merely
1 iip-seryice; if in your hearts you are entirely
1 willing to join in any practical efforts against
e Slavery, then by your lives, by yoar conversl-
n ton, by your influence, by your votes-disre-
. gArding " the ancient forms of party strife -
seek to carry the principles Of Freedom into the
y National Government, wherever its Jurisdiction
$ is acknowledged and its power can be felt. Thus,
without any interference with the States, which
c are beyond this jurisdiction, may You help to
d erase the blot Of Slavery from our national law.
Do this and you will most truly promote the
. harmony which you 80 much desire. You will
e establish tranquility throughout the country.
c Then at last, sir, the Slavery Question will be
n settled Banished from its usurped foothold
}, under the National Government, Slavery will no
d longer enter, with distracting force, into the
s national politics-making and unmaking laws,
= making and unmaking Presidents. Confined to
g the States, where it was left by the Constitu-
G ton, it will take its place as local institution
: it, alas continue it must for which we are