Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1856-12-19
The Real issue in the Presi-
Dental Contest.

uGulldl OOnlCSis
I'm U. s. Senate, December
Mr.. MASON Of Va.-Mr. President the
constant aud obstinate agitation of questions
connected with the institution of slavery has
brought, am satisfied, the public mind, in
those States where the institution prevails
TO the convection that the preservation Of that
Institution rests with themselves and with
themselves only. Therefore, at this day
when it is the pleasure Of Senators again to
hiring that institution under review upon this
floor in any connection whatever, as one oil
the representatives, Of the South | take No
further interest in the discussion, or in the
opinion which is entertained at the North III
relation to it, than as il may confirm the hope
that there is public sentiment at the North
yet remaining which unites with the desire
to perpetuate the Union, and that by the aid
of that public sentiment at the North, the
Union will he preserved. But further than
that, as a statesman, and as one representing
southern State where that institution pre-
walls more largely than in any other, the
public sentiment Of the North is a matter IN
different to me, because, | say again. we
have attained the conviction that the safety
of that institution win rest, must rest, and
should rest with the people OF the States
only where It prevails.
| should have taken no part in this debate,
but that / am indisposed TO allow any opin-
ion to 90 abroad ihat we of the South enter
tain very great interest IN the lines OF dis
crmination or the shades ofdistinction which
may be drawn as to the extent Of the alleg
cd power on the part Of the Government Of
the United States to interfere with the in
stitution at all, in any form or shape, or to
have j. supposed that we take an interest in
having it narrowed down TO the question
whether that interference, when it is exerted,
is to be confined to the institution outside Of
the States, and is not to affect it within the
States. know, as has been said by the
Senator from New Hampshire, in the course
OF the last canvass, occasionally 10 public
discussions, or in the newspapers dlsclalm-
er has been made Of any purpose TO inter
fere with slavery in the States. know as
las been said by the honorable Senator from
Mississippi, that others at the North, per
haps few. and perhaps Of those who may
be styled the fanatical portion, have assum
ed a right or have declared that right ex-
lists TO interfere with the institution within
the States. What want to declare here in
my place on this floor is that to the South
such distinctions are matters Of immaterial
concern. If the Federal Government as
sumes a right, or if those should get into
power who assume right, with purpose t.
exercise it to interfere with that institution
anywhere where it exists within the UniteC
States, il is matter perfectly indifferent t
us whether it Is to be done within the State
or outside Of the States. | take not thu
slightest interest in the distinction whicl
is sought to be drawn.
Sir | hold this to be the constitutional doc
trine the institution of slavery eXlste
when the Constitution was formed it is re
cognized there ae an existing social instltu
ton. II is not only protected by the dui
imposed upon the Federal Government I
see to the rendition of fugitives from it, bu
it is elevated into an element of poitlct
power by the Constitution It IS represente
and made an element Of political power.
That is the contract into which we entcre,
say, then that being SO under the Consttl
ton. and in the spirit aud tone Of the Col
stitution, we have a right 10 the Just an
legitimate expansion OF the institution; an
if there were power in the Federal Coy
eminent to restrict or limit that expansion,
would be perfectly indifferent to US wheth,
II should be exercised by prohibiting It's e.
pansion within the States where 1t exists,
outside their limits.
II was guaranteed to the Suites retainin
il as an element OF power, for which FL
equivalents were exacted and conceded an
its capacity for expansion, fully to be emo,
ed is a necessary part of the contract.
! say again, therefore, for myself, and
far as | know the opinions Of my people, "
take no interest in northern opinion on III
subject as 10 any lines Of demarkation b
yond which Federal power over this institl
ton may not extend, except so far as re
pect and loyalty to the contract will lea
them, in union with the South to proser,
and perpetrate the Constitution, which otho
wise must be destroyed. II is only becau
Of the earnest and anxious hope which Ell
terrain, that a fabric Of Government viii,
has had no predecessor in the world, viii,
if honestly and legitimately administers
would make US the greatest people that h
ever yet existed, both IN moral and physic
power, should be preserved and perpetuate
that have said thus much
The honorable Senator from New Ham
shire facilitates himself that this is the !,
message which is TO emanate from the pro
ent Executive, and therefore he is dspos
TO lei Il pass with less severity Of CONNER
lie may well ieicitate himself; for if |
not mistake humanity, the bold truths, Il
PanioliS Hhe manly TONE OF luht Nesshl
will penetrate the northern heart, and eau
il 10 throb with puisauons and purposes n
exactly in unison with those Of the Sem,
and the party with which he il acting. |
not doubt, aud avail myself Of the occasi
To declare it as my judgment, that tie sen
menls aud the reasoning Of that messa
will find a responsive yea where,
throughout the word, the great principles
civil Liberty are known aud appreciated
Sir, aU inspired with new hopes in
result of the late election 10 find that
northern mind In four Of the most impor,s
States of the Union, where this institute
does not prevail, concuuing with the vie
now given in the message, did unite "
the South in keeping out Of power pa
whose success must necessarily have I,
this Union into fragments. Two mldC
States, Pennsylvania mud New Jersey, a
two western States, Indiana and Illinois,
pudiated, upon direct issue in the canvi
made, naked, uncovered, open, any power
the Federal Government to interfere W
the extension Of slavery into territory
common property Of all the Suites, by n
critics which carried the Presidential els