The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-03-02

! slavery everywhere under the Constitution of
the United States-everywher within the ex-
elusive jurisdiction of the National Govern
ment-everywhere under the National Flag,
is at our own particular doors within the sphere
of our own personal responsibility, and exists
! Fathers and of the true principles of the Con-
stitution. -----..----- = - 49, 49,
[ 1t is a mistake to say, as is often charged,
| that we seek to interfere, through Congress,
with Slavery in the States, or in any way
to direct the legislation of Congress upon
| subjects not within its jurisdiction. Our Po-
htieal aims, as well as our political duties, are
oo-extensive with our political responsibilities.
| And since we at the North are responsible for
| Slavery wherever it exists under the jurisdic-
ton of Congress- it is objectionable in us not
to exert every power we possess to enlist Con-
| gress against it.
Such is our cause. To men of all parties
and opinions, who wish well to the Republic,
and would preserve its good name, it appeals.
| Alike to the Conservative and the Reformer it
| appeals; for it stands ON the truest Conserva-
| tism and the truest Reform In seeking the
reform Of existing evils, we seek also the con-
servation of the principles of our fathers. The
cause is not Sectional. Oh! No, sir, it is
| not Sectional; for it simply aims to es-
| tablish under the National Government those
| great principles of Justice and Humanity,
| which are broad and universal as man. As
well might it be said that jefferson, Franklin,
and Washington, were sectional. It is not ag-
gressive for it does not seek in any way to in
terfere, through Congress, with slavery in the
| States IL is not contrary to the Constitution !;
| for it recognises this paramount law, and in
the administration of the Government invokes
the spirit of its founders Sir, it is not hostile
to the quiet of the country; for it proposes the
| only course by which agitation can be allayed
| and quiet be permanently established.
| 1t is not uncommon to hear persons declare
that they are against slavery, and are willing
| to unite in any practical efforts to make this
| opposition felt At the same time, they phari-
| saically visit with condemnation with reproach
| or contempt, the earnest souls who for years
have striven in this struggle. To such would
! say-could reach them now with my voice
| if you are sincere in what you declare if your
| words are not merely hp-service; if in your
hearts you are entirely willing to join in any
practical efforts against slavery, then by your
lives, by your conversation, by your influence,
| by your votes disregarding "the ancient
forms of party strife seek to carry the prin-
| ciples of Freedom into the National Govern
ment, wherever its jurisdiction is acknowledge
3D. and its power can be felt. Thus, without
any interference with the States which are
beyond this jurisdiction, may you help to erase
the blot of slavery from our National brow.
Do this and you will most truly promote the
harmony which you so much desire. You will
establish tranquility throughout the country
Then at last, SIR the Slavery Question will be
settled. Banished from its usurped foothold
under the National Government, slavery will
no longer enter, with distractng force, into the
National politics-making and unmaking laws,
making and unmsking Presidents Confined
to the States, where it was left by the Consti-
tuition, it will take its place as local ipstitu-
ton, if-alas continue it must for which
we are in no sense responsible, and against
which we cannot justly exert any political pow
er. We shall be relieved from our pres
ent painful and irritating connection with
it. The existing antagonism between the North
and the South will be softened; elimination
and recrimin alton will cease the wishes of the
Fathers will be fulfilled, and this Great Evil
be left to the kindly influences of morals and
religion, and the prevailing laws Of social econ
omy.
am not blind to the adverse signs. But
this see clearly Amidst all seeming discour-
agements, the great omens are with US. Art,
literature poetry, religion-everything which
elevates man--all are on our side. The plough,
the steam engine, the railroad, the telegraph,
the book, every human improvement. every
generous word anywhere every true pulsation
/ of every heart which is not mere muscle, and
nothing else, gives new encouragement to the
warfare with slavery. The discussion will pro-
coed. The devices of party can no longer stave
it of. The subterfnges of the politician cannot
escape it. The tricks of the Office ecker cen
not dodge it. Wherever an election occurs,
there this question will arise. Wherever men
come together to speak of public affairs, there
again it will be. No political Joshua now, with
miraculous power, can stop the sun In bis
course through the heavens. 1t is even now
rejoicing, like q strong man, to run its race,
and will yet send its beams into the most distant
plantations-aye sir, and melt the chains Of
every slave.
4 But this movement-or agitation, as it is re-
proachfully called-is boldly pronounced inju-
rious to the very object desired. Now with
out entering into details which neither time
nor the occasion justify, let me say that this
objection belongs to those commonplaees
which have been arrayed against every be-
| nefcent movement in the worlds history
against even knowledge itself against the
abolition of the slave trade. Perhaps it was
, not unnatural for the Senator from North
Carolina Mr.. Badger to press it, even as
vehemently as he did; but it sounded lesf
natural when it came, though in more mode
Ioeo Pnioco Aou my oAoooSuAsn0u hAOnu
and colleague from Massachusetts,, MIR
| Everett The past furnishes controlling
!, example by which its true character may be
determined Do not forget sir that the efforts
of William Wilberforce encountered this pre-
, else objection, and that the condition of the
, kidnapped slave was then indicated, in Ian
gusge not unlike that of the Senator from
North Carolina, by no less q person than the
, Duke Of Clarence, of the royal family, in wha,
8 was called his maiden speech, on May Sd
. 1892, and preserved in the Parliamentary De
t bates. "The negroes" he said, "were mo-
treated in the manner which had 50 much agi
: tsted the public mind. He had been an atten
, tive observer Of their state, and had no doub
I that he could bring forward proofs to convinct
: their lordships that their state was far from
\ being miserable; On the contrary, that wher
: the various ranks of society were considered
Q they were comparatively in a state Of humbl
happiness" Aud only the next year this sam'
1 royal prince, in debate in the House of Lords
1 asserted that the promoters Of the abolition o