Washington sentinel., 1854-02-24

importance whether the north or the south has
a majority in Congress. Why is it that one
portion of the Union should be denied an equal
participationinthes settlement ofthe Territories?
Why is it that you cannot leave this question
where all other questions are left, to the free
and voluntary decision of the people who may
emigrate to that region? Has the south ever
failed to discharge her duty? In the hour of
trial and of danger, have they not stood BY
you? Sir, have seen many southern men,
standing shoulder to shoulder with northern
men, upon the field of battle; have seen them
stricken down by the balls OF the enemy, lying
side by side, their blood intermingling and
moistening the earth on which they fell. They
raised themselves up as the lamp of life was
about to be extinguished, and saw their COM
rades rushing on and on they saw their glo-
rious flag the emblem Of our common Union,
planted upon the walls of the enemy /; and they
fell back and expired, with a smile of Joy upon
their lips-a smile of joy because that flag,
around which all the warmest affections of their
hearts had been gathered, proudly waived in
triumph. And why is it that those men who
have aided us in the acquisition of the terri
tory, those men who have contributed their
money and their blood, shall be refused an
equal participation in the benefits resulting
from it?
Mr.. President / know not what may be the
feelings of others, but | only desire that that
portion of the Union from whence I.come
should be allowed to participate in the common
benefits of this government. We ask no exclu-
siye privileges, and we are unwilling to dis
criminate between the different sections of the
Union. We are willing to extend to others
that justice which we demand for ourselves.
Sir, the Father of his Country, in his fare
well address, toresaw that the formation of par
ties in this country upon geographical grounds,
northern and southern, eastern and western,
was calculated in itself to engender feeling
which must ultimately undermine the founda-
tions Of this government; and | hold now that
no man who truly loves his country, and who
desires to perpetuate the blessings of civil lib
erty, will give his aid and encouragement to
the Organization or support of a party whose
design is to perpetuate these geographical dis
tinctions. The ilustrious man to whom | re-
ferred said
:. In contemplating the causes which may dis
turb our Union, II occurs as matter Of serious
concern that any ground should have been fur.
nished for characterzing parties by geographical
discrimination, northern and southern, Atlantic
and western; whence designing men may en-
deavor TO excite belief that there is real differ
ence of local interests and views. One Of the ex-
ticuar districts is 10 misrepresent the opinions and
aims of other districts You cannot shield your
selves too much against the lealousies and heart
burnings which spring from these misrepresenta.
tions. They tend TO render alien 10 each other
those who ought 10 be bound together by fraterna
affection.
] would that these sentiments could sink deep
into the hearts of the men who are constantly
agitating sectional questions.
It has baaO said with oraat cplamnity that
this is a question between slavery and freedom
Is there a'senator on this floor who proposes to
increase the number of slaves in the United
States Is there any man here who desires to
put the bonds upoh single individual now
free? Is sitproposed to increase this evil? And
it is a political evil to say the least of it. Is
it proposed, ask, to increase the number of
those who are held in bondage? IF it be, then
il is question between slavery and freedom
But, sir, this argument, which has been used
by senators on the other side, is fully answered
in the reports which were made in favor Of the
suspension of the ordinance of 1857 in Indiana
and Illinois. | read from report, made in
the House of Representatives in 1906, by MY.
Garnett: ...
That, having attentvely considered the facts
stated IN the said petitions and memorials, they
are OF opinion that a qualified suspension for
limited time, of the sixth article of compact be-
tween the original States and the people and
States west of the river Ohio, would be beneficial
10 the people of the Indiana Territory. The sus-
pension OF this article is object almost unver-
sally desired in that territory 1t appears 10 your
committee 10 be question entirely different from
that between slavery and freedom, inasmuch as it
would merely occasion the removal of persons
already slaves from part of The country 10 an
other The good effects of this suspension in the
present instance, would be 10 accelerate the popu-
ation of that Territory hitherto retarded by the op-
Grafton OF that article Of compact, Shareholders
| emigraiIng INTO the western country might then
| indulge any preference which they might feel for
settlement in Indiana Territory instead of seek
ing, as they are now compelled 10 do, settlements
in other States countries permitting the intro
| duction Of slaves. The condition of the. slaves
| themselves would be much ameliorated by it, as il
is evident from experience that the more they are
4 separated and diffused the more care and atten-
ton are bestowed on them by their masters, each
| proprietor having it in his power TO increase their
| comforts and conveniences in proportion TO the
smalness OF their numbers"
/ Areport, basng their action upon similar
| grounds, was made III 1907 BY the committee
to whom this subject was referred, who use this
language:
| The suspension Of the said article would oper-
ate immediate and essential benefit TO the Ter
ritory, as emigration 10 1t will be inconsiderabe for
many years, except iromth hose States where slavery
pedien 10 force the population of the Territory,
yet II is desirable 10 connect its scattered settle.
ments and, in regard 10 political rights TO place il
on an equal footing with the different States
From the interior situation OF the Territory il is
not believed that slaves would ever become so nu-
rnerous as 10 endanger the internal peace or future
prosperity of the country. The current of emigra-
ton flowing 10 the western country the territories
ought all 10 be opened 10 their introduction The
abstract question Of liberty or slavery is not in
voved in the proposed measure as slavery now
exists to considerable extent in different parts of
The Union; it would not augment the number OF
slaves, but merely authorize the removal TO Ind-
Of such are held in bondage in the United
States. If slavery is an evil. means ought 10 be
devised TO render it least dangerous 10 the com
munity. and by which the hapless situation of the
slaves would be most ameliorated and, 10 accom-
plish these objects, no measure would be so eff
fectual as the proposed
A proposition that a citizen of Texas shall
be allowed to take his slave and 90 into the
Territory of Kansas, is construed by senators
upon the other side as question between
slavery and freedom The simple proposition
Isl whether the slaves who are now held in
bondage, and who now are in populous com
nunities, and are thus deprived of many of the
/ comforts OF life shall he alInwad to ha taLa,,