Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-08-22

diminished by intermixture with an opinion
which is like TO be more powerful in the new
Territory.
We will therefore undertake to prove that
the South can gain little in Senatorial strength
by even planting its institution in spirit of
conflict, when nature and interest alike pro-
scribe it. We know there is an old theory
that the Senate of the United States is delib-
erative body, intended to regulate the fiuctua-
tons of the more democratic department Of
the National Legislature. Hence, some states
men have supposed, that if slavery can be le-
galized upon Northern Territory, it will be
maintained by the Senatorial representations
from the so-caled slave States. But modern SEN
ators contradict this theory. They are the
nominees Of the people, and invariably repre-
sent the numerical sentiment, unless the supe-
rior inducement of foreign mission, depart
ment, or an Executive nomination, is offered
them to 60 counter to the wishes of their con-
stituents.
This is shown by the geographical division
which runs across the Senate, just as it does
across the House Of Representatives. If then,
the title to slave property be recognised in the
new Territory its influence in the Senate is
lost in the superior influence of the free opin-
ion, and the sovereign representation Of the
State is with the majority, and not with the
less influential interest.
What, then, is the probability that the slave
States can effect an aggression upon the free
States2 We have shown that the numerical
representation in the lower House cannot be
increased, whilst it may be lost by the power
Of predominant opinion. We have shown
by reasoning and existing facts that the Senator
represents and must virtually obey the numeri-
cal instructions Of this sentiment.
Where, then, is the danger that the South
can encroach upon the free States, or, in the
language of some alarmists, "extinguish the
spirit of freedom altogether"
There may be partial settlement of slavery
in some of the more southern portions of the
new Territory, but to expect that three mil
lions of slaves can invade and occupy 1,970,o77
square miles north of the Missouri line, and
066,0S9 south of it, is attributing an influence
to that institution, or cupidity to mankind,
from which all the provisos Of Wilmot could
not save the territory. Yet this is the appre-
hension that this terrible institution, occupy
ing the present area of S51 sos, at the rate of
3.75 souls to the square mile, shall expand,
overrun, and subiugate an additional aggregate
territorial area of 1896, 66 square miles We
should as soon expect to see the Mississippi
discolor the whole ocean. Nor can we believe
those sincere who, having examined this ques-
ton with any calmness, pretend to believe that
a minority so contemplate as the slaves, in
point of numbers, without a political vote, with
progress, led by only about 100000 slave
owners, shall achieve this great invasion and
effect this great conquest
We consider this bugbear Of invasion and
encroachment effectually exposed Massachu-
sets is safe, she may ship cotton, and spin cot
ton; she may refine sugar and consume sugar.
Connecticut may make cigars and smoke them
in perfect safety. Slavery cannot invade these
States. 1t came from the tropics. 1t requires
cheap food, cheap clothing, and profitable
staple. How unnatural that it should reverse
its current, and return to Massachusetts,, when
il has steadily marched on its mission, and the
rear of the column has halted in Maryland!
There is no danger that the gulf stream Of
immigration, which, going South, cuts its way
without dispersion through the ocean of free
population which surrounds it, will turn upon
its course and run back to its origin.