The true Democrat., 1857-01-13

l the Senate, the other day, in reply to Mr. Trum- bull, spoke as follows. His words are full of significance, and they should impress them- selves upon the minds and hearts of every southerner:
 1 Mir. Mason. MR. PRESIDENT: The constant and obstinate agitation of questions connected 1 with the institution of slavery has brought, 1 am satisfied, the public mind, in those States where the institution prevails, to the convic- tion that the preservation of that institution rests with themselves, and with themselves only. Therefore, at this day, when 1t is the pleasure ot Senators again to bring that nst- tuition under review upon this floor, in any con- nectlon wh tever, one of the representatives Of the south, lake no further intetest in the discussion, or ill the opinion which is entertain eI at the north in relation to it, than as it may confirm the hope that there Is public senti ment at the north yet remaining, which unites with the south in the desire to perpetuate the Umon and that, by the aid of that public senli- nent at the north, the Union will be preserved. But further than that as d statesman: and AS one representing a southern State where that lnsututon prevails more largely than in any other, the public sentiment of the north is a matter indifferent to me- because 1 say again, we have attained the conviction that the safety ot that Institution will rest, and should rest. with the people of the States only where it prevails
 should have taken no part in this debate, but that am lndisposed to allow any opinions to go abroad, that of the south entertain a very great interest in the hues of dlscrimna- ton or the shades of distinction which may be drawn as 10 the extent ot the alleged power on the bart of the government of the United States 10 Interfere with the institution at ali, in any form or shape, or |" have 1t supposed that we take an Interest Tn having 1t narrowed down 10 the question whether that interference when It IS exerted, IS to be confined to the institution outside of the States, and Is not to affect it within the States. l know, as has been sad by the Senator from New Hampshire, in the course oi the last canvass, occasionally in pub. lc discussions, or ln the newspapers d disclai- 'her mas been made of any purpose to interfere with slavery Ill the States know, as has been sali by the honorable Senator from Mississippi, that others at the north, perhaI $ few, and per maps or those who may be styled the fanatical poruon, have assumed right or have declared r9ht exists to interfere with the institution within the States. What 1 want to declare here Tn my place on this floor is, that to the south cuch distinctions are matters of inmate rial concern. If the federal government AS. sumes right, or if those get into power who assume right with a purpose to exercise 1t to h'eFlere with the institution anywhere where It exists within ;he United States. it is A matter perfectly indifferent to us, whether it is to be done within the States or outside of the States l ake not the slightest interest in the distinc. ton which Is sought to be drawn
 olr, l hold this to be the constitutional doc. tfihe: he institution of slavery existed when the constitution was formed; it is recognised there as an existing social institution. It is not only protected by the duty imposed upon the federal government to see to the rendition of fu gtives from It, but 1t is elevated into the ele. ment ot political power by the constitution: it IS represented and made an element of political power That Is the contract into which we ehtefed say, then, that being so under the constitution, and Tn the spirit and tone of the constitution, we have right to the just and
 legitimate expansion of the institution: and i, there were power in the federal government to restrict or limit that expansion. it would be perfectly indifferent to Us whether it should bs exercised by prohibiting its expansion within the States where it exists, or outside their | limits.
 It was guaranied to the States retaining it as an element of power, for which full equivalents were exacted and conceded; and its capacity for expansion, fully to be enjoyed, is a necessary part of the contract
 say again, therefore, for myself, and as far as know the opinions of my people, we take no Interest In northern opinion on this subject, as to any lines of demarkation beyond which federal power over the institution may not ex- tend, except so far as respect and loyalty to the contract will lead them in union with the south, to preserve and perpetuate the constitution, which otherwise must be destroyed.