Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-03-15

think that these ieterrogatOries are unfair en-
croaebments upon his time, and shall not
push them, if they are unpleasant to him.
Mr.. Wilson. not at all, sir; L am ready
to answer.
Mr.. BENJAMIN. should like to understand
if, under his own convictions, under the prin-
ciples entertained by those whom he repre-
reseuts, or by the population of the State OF
Massachusetts,, he really believes that in the
event of the repeal of the fugitive slave law,
fugitive slave would be captured and res
tored to his southern owner, under any cir
cumstances
Mr.. Wilson. I certainly cannot say what
Massachusetts would do, under any circum-
stances that may happen. But | will say that,
in my judgement, she would fulfil the obliga.
tions which the Constitution imposes upon
her. p '9'
Mr.. Benjamin That is satisfactory answer
Mr.. Weller. Yes, if they would only do it 4;
| do not believe they would. laughter
Mr.. Wilson have confidence in the fidelity
of the people of Massachusetts to the obligations
imposed upon them by the Constitution Of the
United States.
Mr. Rusk Will the honorable Senator allow
me to Interrupt, him for moment! As he isex-
: planning the opinion of a new party, which will
be important for good or evil, desire to ask him
few questions. First does that party regard the
States and their citizens as equal in fights under
the Constitution
Mr.. Wilson. SO far as know the sentiments
of the members of that party, tHey regard the SOW
ereign States of the Union as equals under the
Constitution This 10 the true American doc
5 trine; and certainly think they will go for the
3 equality Of the c,izens of all the States.
I Mr. Rusk ! desire to ask him another ques<
ton, although assure him am reluctant 10 in
: terrapt him. Does tha, party recognize the right
in tongress to exclude. either directly or indl-
u rectIy, the citizens of any State from equal rights
Of person and property in any ef The Territories
c Of the United States!
e MIR. Wilson. So far as the party with which
J.. | act in Massachusetts is concerued il has never
q taken any position upnn this subject but will
say that do not know man in the ranks of tina
I party who does not believe that the Congress of
the United States alone has the power to egislate
II for those Te riiores, and that nobody has right
!, to carry slave there and keep him in bondage
st without the permission Of congress. In my opin
f. ion, Congress has no right TO establish slavery in
the Territories, TO allow the people to establish
it.
10 MIR Rusk. My question is answered.
g Mr. Wilson. have spoken. Mr.. President, in
rs M spirit of undindness towards our fellow-citi-
&c zsns from the South Of the sentiments. feelings
to and purposes of the people Of the North. | do
r. refer to the action of political parties refer
-. to the people without distinction of party. Par
70 ty combinations are not strong enough TO repress
the utterance, or to control the action of the peo-
g. pie aroused at last to the indications of their
tie rights If politicians here or elsewhere, believe
they can make any political combinations that shall
~ ignore the issues forced upon the people of the
lis free States, tell them frankly that they will g-
Mt nomipiousy fail The people of The North are
beginning to realize the responsibilities and duties
= imposed upon them by the condition of the coun
u try. They feel that the hand of prescription has
10 been laid upon them, and they will NO longer con
all sen. to be prescribed for holding opinions sane
mt toned by patriotism, humanity, and religion.
ID, These sentiments and opinions are the matured
oh convictions of my judgement, and while have a
an seat in this Chamber shall adhere to them with
y" fidelity, and support them with frmness | hope
nc at all times TO meet honorable Senators from the
H. South in spirit of kindness and Cancellation bu
al no fear of denuncation reproach or ridicuIe here
Is, or elsewhere, no hope of personal influence o,
e. political power, will ever deter me ON the vim
nd dicalon ofopnions which my heart and conscience
ri approve,