The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1854-03-17

Of this, there would be no desire for agi.
tation.
Mr.. Morrill, commented upon the manner
in which this Nebraska bill was brought
forward, and the hot haste in which lis au'
ihOrs sough, 10 press i, through Congress,
before the people could have an oPporiuni-
,y 10 speak on, their ioses of remonsirance,
closing with saying iha, he had not coniem-
plated making an elaborate speech when
he commenced, and i, was time tor him TO
pause. He had signifed his earnest oPpo-
silion TO the measure, had united his voice
with others who felt the time had come
when these multiplied concessions 10 the
South should be me, with spirit OF remon-
STRANGE, and tina, there should he unity Of
action among men in all parties in The free
States, 10 preserve inviOlate the sanc,iiy OF
compacis, and to prevent the extension oil
slavery into territories which had been SOL
EMMY dedicated 10 freedom.
Mr.. SpofarTs remarks were made IN
the evening, and a, the reques, OF MIR.
Thatcher, OF Bangor, seconded by others
who were present. Mr.. SpOfard sand -
Mr.. PRrsIDENr:-l have abundant rea.
son to exclam in The language OF one OF
old, "Savc me from my friends" Sir, they
know, well enough, that have just now re-
turned TO my sea, after iatiguing journey,
and have not the strength 10 address this
convention, aud besides this, that possess
the two prominent characteristics Of the le.
cal profession, which are, you know, er-
trene diGience and ereesSire mOdeSty, aud
have mol therefore the courage 10 make the
attempt. must be permitted TO say, there.
fore, that am by no means grateful 10 my
friend from Bangor, loi disturbing my quie.
enjoyment OF this meeting b. his call. And
there is another consideration, Sir. The
subject which has called this convention To-
gelher, has been now so long the theme OF
the press, aud even the pul pit and the
great national forum OF political controversy
lit has been so thoroughly aud ably dis
cussed here, in all It's bearings, relations,
and ,endencies-so completely "elueiddted'
that could not, even ut the call OF my
friend from Bangor, obtrude any remarks OF
mine upon your notice, did not deem i, OF
some importance, that the known sen,imen,
of the County have the honor in part 10
represent, should minsle in this full express
sion Of the State, against the mons,rous
proposition, to extend Slavery, with all lis
attendant evils, over the entire unorganized
territory of these United States.
Sir, my objec, is to indicate our deep feel
ing in relation 10 this last proposed en-
croachment Of the slave power-l will not
attempt an argument, should be able
only 10 reslaie, in feeble manner, what
has been already said, for n thousand and
one times. But, Sir, am glad this conven-
ton has assembled here. II was high time
there should be a full expression OF the feel
Ing OF the people in relation 10 The. further
extension OF Slavery. twill be remember
ed that in lS49, the State of Maine was, or
seemed 10 be, pervaded by strong free
soil sentiment The Resolutions against
the extension OF Slavery were adopted, that
year, with wonderful unanimi'y. Candi-
dates for ofIice,-who are always the best
expOnents of popular sentiment, TO which
they always manage 10 conform, -manilcs,-
cd a feverish anxiety TO be regargcd sound
upon this great question. Opposition 10 The
extension OF Slavery was, in lSi9, regarded
as the 'sinc qua non" Of political avail.
bility.
But, Sir, since that time, some how or
other, this opposition has shown itself, scarce.
~ anywhere, except among the members OF
the Free Soil Party. With the other parties,
TO certain degree, a, least, "Saring he
Union,n "COmpromises," Resisting and
discount enGneing agitation" have been the
popular doctrines. Candidates for the pop
ular suHrages, and especially for govern
mental appointments, who in lS49, were
enthusiastic free soilers-you might call
them aboliiionis,s, withou, their taking the
slightest offcnce-have, since that time,
been careful TO disclaim all free soil affini.
ty-repudia,e all free soil associations, as
incompatible with genuine patriotism, and
inconsistent with constitutional obligations.
They would have us believe now, in the
language Of Gen. Pierce's letter Of accept,
ance, "ihat no act Of their past lives, Ia:
been inconsistent with the principles EN-
bodied in in the resolutions OF the Baltimore
Convention Well, Sir, now iha, the sen
liihent OF the State has declared itself will
such clearness and emphasis, am curious
to see, whether certain politicians, that We
wo, Of will deem it eSpedient any longe
to make noisy demonstration of their anti
free soil proclivi,ies.
Mr.. President, said was glad this con
veniion had assembled here. Sir, | an
not sorry for the occasion Of its assembling
am no, sorry, that this attempt has beer
made, to open this free territory 10 Slavery
however palpable may be the breach Of
faith nvolved-however wicked and fla
grant the violation OF solemn Compac,s.
am no, sorry, Sir, because il puts al issue,
before the great tribunal Of popular iudg.
naked, unembarassed question. II comes,
now, associated with no element Of bar
eain-no consideration for compromise
Compromises may adjus, difficulties and re-
lieve from Temporary embarrassment; but
they establish no principles. Compromises
are implied waivers OF principle.
|, is now demanded, that Congress shall
legiSldie for the purpose Of encouraging aud
facilitating The introduction and establishment
Of SlGreTy ia Nebraska. This is the posi-
ton, tina, The opponents OF Wimot Proviso
and the advocates Of non-in,erveniion have
come a, last TO assume. The South first de-
clared 10 us, that Congress has no power 10
prohibit Slavery in the territories of the con-
federacy. Next, that the territorial Legs.
laiures themselves could impose no res,ric-
tons upon it. Then, that the Constitution
Of the United States carries Slavery along
with it into the territories; and it is nor de.
handed, that Congress shall legislaie Tor its
establishment. How stands the case, Sir !!
BY the Missouri Compromise was
passed by the Sou,h-enacted by Southern