The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-04-25
Pro. Slavery Sentiments. Efforts t.
Extend.

Speaking in the midst ola great gather
ering of Massachusetts, wings at Springfield
in September, 1917, Daniel Webster said ;
~ am not prophet, nor the son of a
prophet; but if | were to prophesy, the
very last subject on which would venture
n prediction would DO the course OF the
Northern Democracy on this subject ofslay-
cry extension. The prediction of the Al
manac respecting the state Of the weather
would be Just as reliable as any could
make of their probable proceedings.
Respect for the dead admonishes us to
draw the veil of charity over the course OF
the illustrious speaker at period in our
nations history, not three years after this
was spoken. We quote for no such pur-
pose. Mr.. Webster had noted the course Of
the Northen Democracy on the Texas ques-
ton, and on other questions of kindred
character, and far seeing as he was, he could
not penetrate the future sufficiently to ven
ture prediction as to the course Of the
party on slavery extension. Had he lived
until this day, with the history of the past
ten years before him, he would have exper-
fenced no such difficulty. A less gifted
man might now predict with q reasonable
degree of certainty that the prophecy would
be fulfilled, that the Northern democracy
those who still adhere to its organization,
will in the Kansas matter, undisguisedly sup
port the extension ofslayery. Itisbut step
from the ayowal ola belief that people
may legitimizc slavery-rightfully establish
ito the point of advocating it and the re-
opening of the infamous slave trade. The
leaders of the Democratic Party are laborins
most earnestly to prepare the minds Of the
masses, yet within the pale Of their organ
ization, to take that step. No man who
has studied attentively the past history Of
the Democratic party, noted its changes
upon the slavery question, always sinking
from bad to worse, and gives attention to
the quarter from which 1t now derives its
sentiments, and Is q candid man, can deny
the fact that the democratic mind is being
debauched into the idea that Negro Slavery
is blessing,-that although IL contraycnes
all laws, human and divine, yet there are
circumstances existing which justify its OK
tension, and that the Southern Shareholders
have rights in reference to bringing their
Slaves into the Free States which were not
dreamed of until within few years. Years
ago when questions Of o financial character
divided the people the Northern Dcmoc-
racy had potent voice In establishing par
ty platforms, and gave direction and shape
to the party policy. 1t is not 10 now. In
the progress of time the voice that controls
comes from the South, and its voice Is su-
premc. 1t dictates tho policy and enforccs
submission. Before its wand Of power tho
leaders of the Northern democracy fall pros
trate, and exert themselves to do its bidding
IL called for the admission of Texas, to Sc
cure Z" the permanency Of institutions under
the protection of the general government"
lit demanded the surrender Of the power
to prohibit slavery in the tcrritories-it ask
cd for the passage of more stringent fu-
gitive slave law I; It required the repeal of
the Missouri Compromise; and all this
Northern democracy has granted, and not
satisfied, like the horse leech, Il now de-
mands the recognition Of doctrines and
principles which would virtually lead to the
Of slavery in oil the States,
and in due course Of time to the rc-opening
Of the Slave trade 1l- -r's.i |
The leaders Of the Northern democracy
aware of this intent Of their Southern
brethren, arc laboring to work the demo
cractic masses over to Southern views. See
ing that the party has already, or must soon
become under Southern lead, an open, I'M
disguised advocate Of Slavery in its most
extensive sense, these leaders are doing their |