The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-04-24
MR.. CAMPBELL's POSITION.

Some time since, we reprinted, from a report
in the National LnteUigencer, so much of a
speech delivered by Mr.. Campbell, of Ohio,
at Fillmore Ratification meeting in this city,
as related to the question of Slavery. There
was another report Of his remarks, that APP
peared in many newspapers but as it seemed
to us to be caricature, we did not print it.
Mr.. Campbell has forwarded to us pamphlet
copy of the speech then delivered, with an ap-
pendix, containing his antecedents, with re-
quest that we will do him justice. We have
not done him injustice; and to prove this, as
well as to satisfy him, we shall reprint from
this REVISED speech, delivered at the meeting, J
all that relates to the Slavery Question:
at is an interesting point to observe what has
caused this disruption of these great parties. 1t
is due to truth and frankness TO say that it was
that "vexed question" of Slavery question
which has, from the foundation of the Govern
ment, given us, AS a nation, very great trouble.
That question has destroyed the Wing party !;
it has split into fragments the Democratic par
ty, and now threatens to divide and render
powerless the American party. Yes, gentle
men, it is the distinguished gentleman from
Africa - laughter who was at an early Pc
Rod dragged to this favored land of ours, Ito
which he didn't belong,) by the cupidity of
Northern as well as of Southern men-he has
done this thing 1t is the "colored gentle
man in the fuel" or (if may be permitted to
| express it in vulgar parance) the niger IN
the rood pile" who has given us all this trouble
Cheers and laughter. He ought never to
have been put in our fuel and if l could have
my way, would take him out, and send him
back to his native home in Africa, where he
belongs. Renewed cheering. Ny opinions
ON this mischievous question of Slavery are
well known here, and everywhere, where / am
known. L always have maintained, maintain
now, and expect to contend hereafter, that all
the powers of the Constitution ought to be ex-
erclsed to prevent its extension, and that the
North should freely accord to the slave States,
in good faith, all that as guaranteed to them
by that American bond of Union which makes
us one people, and binds US all to a common
destiny. Cheers and applause.l On this sub
ject intend hereafter, as heretofore, to think
for myself, act for myself, and on proper occa-
sions, speak for myself, as an American may
do, independent of party drill and party plat
forms. Cheers.
But, sir, when this American party was first
formed, Slavery was regarded as an outside
issue, having no legitimate connection with the
reforms which it intended to accomplish. / re-
greet that circumstances afterwards occurred
which prevented its continuing to be an outside
issue. That mischieyous act which repealed
the long-acquesced-in Missouri Compromise
and startled the whole country, has forced into
the American party this disturbing element
Yet, sir, (said Mr.. Campbell, turning to Mr..
Crittenden, of the Senate, and Mr.. Puryear, of
North Carolina, of the House, who sat imne
diately on his left, such is my confidence in
the honor and patriotism of the two distin-
guished gentlemen from the South on my left,
that / believe we could retire to an ante-room
and although it would be two to one as between
North and South, fix up platform in reference
to the merits of that act, upou just and concila-
tory terms, in ten minutes. Cheers. But the
trouble is, it would not stay fixed, laug liter,
because, unfortunately, there are extremists in
both sections, who seem determined to defy the
Constitution, and jeopardize the Union, and to
disregard plighted faith.
"But, Mr.. President pass from this melan
choly theme, which it may not be proper to
discuss on an occasion like this, to brief con-
sideration of some of the more legitimate top
ics-to the principles for which your organi-
zation was originally formed"
Mr. Purycar OF North Carolina voted with Mr. ca,nn
bell against the repeal of the Missouri Connromise nd
Mr. Cnuenden is understood TO regard as measure
fransht with evil 10 the country
D.