Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-12-05
Governor Adams, Message.

Gov. Adams of South Carolina sent in his
message to the Legislature on the oath.
lie fears that the late victory in the Prcsi-
Dental contest twill be barren triumph
that it will prove to be at best, but brief
respite Of icvcrish, exhausting excitement,
destined to end in embittercd feeling and
distracted counsel among themselves
"Savcry and Free Soiism can never be re-
conciled. Our enemies have been debated
not vanquished"
lie thinks the institution of Slavery dcscr
wing of the highest care.
"Thc outward pressure against the institution of
Slavery should prompt us to do all we can to fottiy
it within Our true policy Is to diifuse tho slave
population as much as possible, and thus secure in
the whole community the motives of seiinterest for
its support have no doubt Of the inherent abili-
ty of the institution to maintain tsolf against all
assaults. II is the basis of our political organism,
and it would not be difficult to show that the poor
est white among is directly concerned in its
preservation but the argument of sclt-interost
is easy of comprehension and sure of action. re-
commend the passage of n law exempting from sale
(unlcr contracts to be hereafter entered nto) at
least one slave. Such an immunity would stimulate
every every one to exert himself to possess his
family at last of property in some degree above
the casualties Of debt As you multiply the num-
Der who acquire the property, so will you widen
and deepen the determination to sustain the insti-
tuition.
lie is troubled at the growth of cotton in
the East Indies and says;
"Thc amount of cotton now grown in tho East
Indies should open eyes to our true policy. The
idea that African slaves only can successfully grow
cotton, is an entire mistake Under British domi-
nation, FIRE SLAVES are now producing in the East
more than the entire crop Of the United States in
1870. Whenever England and the Continent can
procure their supply of the raw material elsewhere
than from us, and the cotton States limited to
the home market, then will our doom DO sealed
Destroy the value Of slave labor and emancipation
follows inevitably"
What then is to be done to head off this
dangerous competition Here is the Cover
nor answer
"The East Indies abound in fertile land and
cheap labor. France too, is encouraging and stimu
lating its growth in Algeria, with like advantages oil
soil and labor. To maintain our present position
must have cheap labor also. This can be obtain
ed in but one way-by reopening tire African slave
now, I am persuaded that the South would not con
sent to close it, and this is, perhaps, the best an
swer to the argument derived from the sent
ment that is arrayed against the proposition
Irrespective, however, OF interest, INT
act of Congress declaring the slave trade as piracy
is brand upon us which think it important to re
move If the trade be piracy, the slave must b
plunder and no ingenuity can avoid the logica
necessity of such conclusion. My hopes and for
tunes are ndissolubly associated with this form o
society. I feel that would be wanting in duty, i
I did not urge you to withdraw your assent to al
act, which is itself direct condemnation of gu
institutions But have interests to enforce
course of sclf-respcct. believe, have alread.
tated, that more slaves neccssaryto a continu
ance of cur monopoly in plantation products"
Touching certain resolutions sent to hin
from New Hampshire, he says
{" have received " Resolutions of tho Legisla
'' ture Of New Hampshire in relation to the lat
" acts of violence and blood he'd pcrpetratcd by tn
g Slave Power in tho Territory of Kansas and a
" the National Capitol In the exercise of dis
erection which think rightfuly nppertains to tn
Executive department. decline to lay these reso
buttons before your honorable bodies. | care no
what may be the theory of State Intercommunica
ton, | will not submit to be made the medium o
transmitting from any quarter an insult to my ow
State. The Constitution imposes no such duty OF
the Executive. The usage Of the better days Of tn
Republic commands my respect, but it cannot re
conce mo to acts of courtesy to those who wou
gloat in seeing the torch applied to our dwelling
and the knife to throats."