The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1856-06-11


the land OF his heathen fathers.
The efforts Of modern philanthropy, how-
ever we'll intended, have, in effect, repressed
and defeated the labors of those who, by
their position, and its federation, could alone
make for it ehectual provision. twenty
five years ago, Virginia, Maryland, and
Kentucky, had under serious consideration
the adoption Of measures looking to gradual
emancipation. The influences of freedom
were quietly, but not Extensively, pressing
upon slavery. The policy Of emancipation
was freely discussed by the people Of the
Southern States, in legislative assemblies and
constitutional conventions. Unfortunately,
al this very period, an organization for the
purpose OF systematic agitation, under the
leadership Of George Thompson and other
foreign emIssaries, sprung into existence.
Immediately, there was recol of the pub.
lie mind, resulting in united sentiment at
the South, and divided opinion at the
North.
Emancipation was thus pOstponed--the
entire system Of prospective legislation turn
ed back. There have followed charges Of ag-
gression, with ordinations and recrmina-
tions, each section striking at and wounding
the other, until the scars Of prejudice have
become so deeply engrayen on the popular
mind, that it will require years, many years,
to efface them. This condition Of things
desire to have corrected The North aud
the South should no longer be taught to re-
gard each other as enemies, and that tits ne. !.
cessary to employ their energies 10 resist
anticipated aggressions.
would have preferred that the legislation
Of the Thirty-fhirtl Congress had not been
enacted, and that the people of all sections
should have ablded by the compromise Of
1890, as a'mcasurc Of repose; because, under
the compromises Of 1850, peace, quiet, aud
social harmony had been generally restored.
1t might have ayerted the unhappy Difficult
ties existing in Kansas-would have saved
the country the long scene of disorganizaton
through which we have recently passed. |
would have let the compromise OF 1890
alone; aud did not favor the repeal, because
believed its effect, upon the public mind Of
the country, would produce injury and mis-
chief greater than any good it could possibly
attain. should have acquiesced in past
legislation, in the same spirit Of Cancellation
and Of compromise which governed the men
of Missouri when they agreed to come into
the Union under the operation Of the restric-
tive clause.
Now that the repeating act has been passed,
we have, as practical Legislators, to meet the
existing facts, and a different state Of the
case. We are not called upon to abide by
plst legislation, but we are asked 10 iegislate
anew for the establishment Of the restrictive
clause, under. the plea of a restoration to the
status quo before the Kansas bill was passed.
That restoration is now impossible. 10 at
tempt it can only produce irritation, sectional
alienation, and disturbance Of the public
peace Of the country.
Practically, so FAR as the extension Of sla
very is concerned, the South has gained moth,
ing; the North has lost nothing BY its repeal.
Il Is conceded. believe, by intelligent men
of all sections familiar with the country, that
neither the soil, nor The climate, nor the ma
tural productions Of the Territories thus
thrown open, can 0llcr any permanent in
ducement 10 slavery to enter there. The
cotton planter, the sugar grower, and the rice
producer will not feel il his interest to leave
his own warmer latitude, where, IN the mil.
lions Of acres OF un0ceupied territory, he has
ample room for present as well as prospec.
tiye,expansion. The law of interest-the ire.
/ pealable law ol nature-must operate there as
everywhere. True, there j. now a heated and
angry controversy IN the Territory Of Kan.
sas. The men Of the border. in natural an.
tagonism with aid societies elsewhere, have
been stimulated 10 associated effort for tie
purpose OF its establishment. Men may en-.
gage in, bul will not continue, struggle VI
unproductiyc labor. Ii this be true d Kan-
sas, il cannot be less so uf Nebraska. But
whether slavery will 20 into Kansas or not
whether il will ~ into Nebraska II mot
is a question ! shall leave with the citizens
who reside in those Territories TO determine
for themselves, when they cOme 20 form their
State constitution, and apply for admission
into the Uniun.
Entertaining these views, on the 10Th Of
December last, declared, ii The House, that
[ would vote for the admission Of kansa.
with or without slavery. One ofmy Colleagues
i R ur. Todd became suddenly and power.
lully and most uuuecountably excited. aud.
In warm and passionate address, declared,
with habitual emphasis, had be known such
Z to have been MY sentiments, his right arm
should have withered before he would have
given me his support.
was naturally prompted to respond al
the time, but felt restrained by the position !
then occupied. as we'll as the express wishes
81 members 81 The delegation irOm nv State.
I Nor should allude to 1t nov but for tle
fact that have been charged by some Of The
public journal. IN the gcntlsman's district,
sustaining his course in the election ot speak
er, with having led him to believe that wa.
sound anti Mebraske mill, according 10 the
standard by which lie judged mans sound.
ness; and that nv remarks here ftst dis.
closed to him the real views entertained on
the subject.
The charges thus made against me. i'm.