Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1856-09-11
HENRY CLAY ON THE ABOLITION eUEs
TION W.


TI0N.
That portion Of our community who think
that any good, either 10 The white or black
raee, can come from The political agitation Of
the subject Of slavery in the free States, ore
invited 10 peruse The following extract from
Henry CIaYs great speech on the Abolition
question, delivered in the United States Sen
ate few years ego. Il is 10 us matter OF
surprise that so large portion of the admir-
efs OF the great Kentuckian, and who so many
years sustained the principles enuneiated by
him, should so soon after his death consent to
be transferred by the management Of political
leaders, over to The sustaining Of the Abolition
and diSunio doctrines Of the miscalled Re-
publican party. Upon this question of a Unit
ed States Bank, Tariff, and oilers. we differed
from Mr.. Clay, but these questions are dispo-
sed Of, and are not now an issue. On the
slavery question he took the true ground
Though no friend of slavery he took the ma
tional and statesman, like view If the question.
Read his remarks:
am, Mr.. President no friend Of slavery
The Searcher of all hearts knows that every
pulsaiion OF my heart beats high in the cause
of liberty. Whenever il is sale and practica.
BILE, desire 10 see every portion Of the hu'
man family in the enjoyment Of it. But pre-
fer the liberty OF my own country, and the
liberty OF my own race to that Of any other
race.
They (the Abolition istsl instead Of advan.
cling the cause Of emancipation, have thrown
back for half century The prospects Of any
species of eman ipaton Of the African race,
gradual OF immediate, in any Of the States
The minority (Colonizationists) had increased
and was increasing until the Abolitionists com
menced their operations.
The people became alarmed and shocked BY
these Abolition movements, and the number
who would now favor gradual emancipation is
probably less than it was in the year 1893 8.
Prior 10 the agitation OF this question Of Abb
oliiioniSm, there was a progressive amelora-
ton in the condition of slaves throughout all
The slave States.
1t is frequently asked, what is to become Of
The African race among us? The true an
swer is, that the same Providence that has
hitherto guided and governed us and averted
all serious evil from the existing relation be-
tween the two Iacss, will guide and govern
our posierity.
Do not they-the bolitionists-perceive
that in coniounding all distinctions which God
has made between the two races, they ar
rOign The wisdom and goodness of Pfovi-
dence
Does any man suppose The two races would
become blended IN one homogeneous mass
Does any man recommend anna lgamation, that
revolving admixture, alike offensive 10 God
and man I?
II the amelioration OF The condition Of the
slave las been checked in some Of the States
the responsibility must attach IL the uafortu
pate agitation OF the subject Of Abolition
With them the rights Of property aro nothing
civil war, dissolution of the Union, and the
overthrow OF the government in which are
concentrated the fond hopes of the civilized
world, are nothing. A single idea has taker
i possession Of their mind, and onward they pur
sue il, overlooking all barriers. With this
class, The immediate abolition of slavery in the
I Distici OF Columbia, and The Territory o
Florida. The prohibition OF the removal of slaves
from State 10 Safe, comprising within its lin
its the institution of domestic slavery amonl
other and more ldmenlobe means they EN-
ploy, Of arraying one portion against anothe
portion Of The Union. With that view, in al
their leading prints and publications, the al
legged horrors of slavery are depicted in th'
mosi glowing and exaggerated colors, 10 excit
Tue llDdSIha iIOH anu SlHHuldtc tHe IaSo oi LH
people in the free States against the people il
: the slave States.
! Advertisements of fugitive slaves and slave
10 be sold, are collected and blazoned forth 1
infuse aSpnit of detestation and hatred aeainS
one entire section, and like another notoriou
agitator upon another theatre, they would hun
down and prescribe from the pale OF cIyilize
J; society the inhabitants OF that entire section
1t is at this alarming stage of their proceed
|, ingsI would severally invite every consider
!, ale man in the country 10 pause and delibeT
ately reflect upon that dreadful preciplc
! down which they would hurry US.
! To The ogency Of their powers Of persnasio
they now propose 10 substitute the powers G
: The ballot-box, and he must be blind to wha
Y is passing before US, who does not perceiv
] that the inevitable tendency Of their proceed
+ iugs is, iftbese shculd be found insufficient
. 10 invoke The more potent powers of the bay
onent.