Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-12-04
ADOLPHo WOLFE.
SLAVERY DEBATE IN THE UNITED STATES SEN
ATE

WASHINGTON, Dec 2-The annual message OF the
President received and read.
Mr. Fitzpatrick submitted resolution that the message
and accompanying documents be printed and that fifteen
thousand additional copies be printed Tor the Of the
Senate.
Mr. Hale could permit this occasion pass without
saying that he regarded the message very exraord
| nary and unprecedented The chief magistrate ia
common with other citizens had the right come before
the Senate whenever he had anything which his interest
or duty required him to present; but he
every other citizen did, by petition memorial The
y other means by which he could como before Congress
was in pursuance Of that provision Of the Constitution
which requires him from time to time to give information
the state Of the Union and recommend to their con
sdeaton such measures az be shall judge necessary
| eIpedient
But he regarded as an abuse of that privilege for the
President 10 argn those citizens Of the free States who
had thought proper exercise their constitutional rights
OF suffrage ia different from that which the Pres
ident preferred. He had desire say anything which
might be construed into Of all due courtesy Kindness
and respect the President for his present position was
such TO appeal TO the magnanmty rather than provoke
the hostility OF bis opponents. But while he regarded the
message arragnment Of majority Of the people
Of eleven States charging them with of fidelity
their constitutional obga and hostility the Union
and the Constitution he desired take the present
sion to deny them in toto.
The President had gone further than that and charged
these people In the free States with the high offence OF
deavoring to usurp the power Of this government That
the language To usurp according TO photographers
to seize by force without right lie had say that
he had observed attempt any section Of the country
aud last and least Of all in that section which the Pres
dent refers, TO seize upon the power OF this government
except by the regular constitutional discharge Of their OBJ
legations and duties citizens by going the polls and
voting according 10 their convictions Of duty No portion
Of the people North had said they would refuse to
submit TO the result Of the election whoever might be the
successful candidate. He was therefore, unwilling TO vote
10 circulate throughout the country any such unounded
charges
SO far no knew there nobody Of any consequence
who desired TO interfere with the institution Of Slavery in
| the States.
1 NJ 4. -
written by Lysander Spooner, containing an ingc.
NOUS and elaborate argument in favor Of the abolition Of
Slavery in a the Southern States by Congress- and
deavorng prove that Congress not only
power but that IL would be eEpedien for them exercise
IT, This volume was accompanied by note asking him
10 review his opinions this subject Tho statement had
been made repeatedly that when the proper time came,
there would be no division Of sentiment among the Nor.
thern people TO the they should make Slavery
in the Southern States.
The New York Tribune had published similar intms.
lions and ayowas had been made 10y Messrs Seward and
Wilson that when the North should be strong enough they
would strive for the abolition OF slavery everywhere In
Gods heritage where IL exists. Did that include tho
Southern States Were they outside Of Gods heritage
lie thought the President would have been derec OF du
~ il he had failed 10 lie up the voice Of warning against
this sectional spirit and be returned him his thanks lo
the manner in which he had spoken.
Mr.. Hale repeated that he had met an indvidna
who advocated the doctrine that Congress had power
abolish slavery in the Southern States There we're nc
doubt such persons but their numbers and influence wer,
very small lie had doubt the language used reatv,
10 the abolition Of slavery where Contemplated IN
abolition by the consent Of those States in which exist
ed, and not through any insurrectionary movements
Mr. Seward did not know TO which Of hS speeches Mr.
Brown alluded, but what he had said the subject o
slavery had not been said IN The Senator cou,
hnd bis opinions expressed there fully SO far he wal
concerned, he willing that those issues impcrfect
settled now should be left open tl 1860 for the people
20 determine.
NJ Mason said that constant agitation upon the subec
Of slavery had brought the people Of the Soutbo the con
vctOn that The preservation Of that institution restes
with themselves and them alone. As Of the repre-
entaves Of the South, he desired say that he took
further interest In H. or w any opinion which was enter
tanned At the North IN relation TO than no entertained
The hrm and decided hope that there public senti
mont yet remaining Al the North which ready unit
With the South in the desire TO per2etaate the Unon
And by the aid Of that public sentiment in the North HI
believed the Union would be preserved but further thar
That asa statesman, one responding for Of tb
: Southern States, where that institution prevailed.
The public sentiment AZ the North 70 him matte
OF Indifference TO the South whether those who desire h