Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-10-15

man raises a question concerning the terrific
RIGS North of 3G deg. 80 min.
We regard their destiny as determined foi
freedom. South of that line there is but on,
territory where there can be any struggle
that territory is the Indian territory bu
where is that situated II cannot be on
hundrodth part so difficult to secure that ter
ritory as to secure Kanzas would rathc
contend with the opposition in Arkansas an,
that portion of Missouri bordering on the In
dian territory, than contend against the poo
pie Of the Platte purchase that borders on the
territory Of Kauzas
Now, if it is a fact that We arc able 10 dc
better and do more for freedom without law
than with law then. | say, that instead OF
its being the duty of Congress to legislatc ioi
the territories, it is the duty Of Congress ia
take the best steps for the extension of free
dom; and, in my opinion, the true ground for
any party desiring to secure the freedom of
the territories. is the work for absolute non
Intervention. right by Congress. by the icd-
oral executive. or by any non-rcsidcncc power
whatever. And ! do not borrow this doc
trnc from the Democratic party, or from any
principles OF that party. It is the doctrine
that lies at the foundation of this government,
and which was first inaugurated by the early
settlers. 10 was In accordance with this doc
trinc that the early Congress of this country
was founded. II was embodied in the char
ter that was given TO the Plymouth colony,
New Haven colony. and Providence planta-
ton. And SO we have earlier authority than
the Democratic party for its cNistance now
and better authority.
Now. them can this doctrine be safely APP
piled Is there any hazard in its apphca-
tion ] have quoted to you already the in-
stance ot kan2as, where | show YOU not only
theory In its favor. but actual fact. Not
withsiaudiug all the power which the chief
executive could WELD, Notwithstanding the
power his patronage could bring to bear upon
the people and in spite Of the proximity OF
Missouri. the lrccmcn of that territory are to-
day triumphant. In view then of these facts
and of the safety with which the application
Of this principle may be made, in view of it's
potency, superior to that OF law. for one am
ready to adopt it. do not ask the support
of this Convention. know there arc some
who are not ready 10 endorse these views. /
submit these views on probation. Should
they be examined further and found to be
good and true, ! hope the Republican party
viii be ready to occupy the platform, for we
cannot aflort to lose any wcapons and ! think
the weapons are offensive not defensive.
We have been standing ON the defensive too
long. When the slave power has been pur-
suing we have reiterated But the slave pow
cr has no defensive weapons. when free men
come into the conflict. tell YOU, gentle
mon, that had rather have slavery in Nir-
gnia, 40 far as is an obstacle To our progress,
than dense fog ON the Aieghanics There
are entreaties coming from many southern
States for New England colonists. and the cx-
istcnco Of slavery in those States is great in
duccment for them to occupy the land which
they can procure at slave State prices and
then hiring it up to free State prices, thus in
creasing the value of their property from eight
to ten times. Thus the existence of slavery
instead of being an obstacle to our progress.
is actually an inducement and encourage
ment.
tell you there is no power in that institu-
ton to withstand irecmcn and free principles.
And it is a libel upon freedom to say that it
cannot triumph except when sustained by
municipal law. We cannot extend Chris
tanity or freedom by law ; but by hard work,
by working men coming in contact with those
who sustain opposite views and sentiments
| never will ask for such a law. ! would "a,
soon ask for an appropriation to build breast
works to protect Monadnock and Mount Tom
from the South wind. If you want tree State,
in this country, do not sit in your parlors and
talk against slavery, but 90 to work and maAC
them. If you want to extend hristianity
60 to work and extend it. You cannot legis
late men into Heaven; they must 90 ther,
by other means. daughter and applause
Now, then, what class of men do | dcsir
to raise up in this country to work agains
slavery or any other evil; Working mon
and not class Of sentimcntalists. | have n,
sympathy with that philanthrophy which can
not endure pryations and hardships that mer
must encounty in order to extend free princ
pies and free institutions never have beet
one to "shrek for Freedom or to complain
of the agrcssions Of slavery, and never will
If the slave power having but 1.-THE of tho
strength Of the free States, is able to trampl,
us under foot, am one to be tramplcd under
foot. But | say to that power, I'VE are will
ling to meet you on your own ground, Will
whato1tr weapons you choose 70 enter tht
conflict" applause.
We are ready to meet YOU ia discussion on
this matter by an appeal to the economical in
terosts of this country. We are willing t,
meet you by political action, and decide tn,
question Of freedom or slavery in the Terrific.
ries, or, if you please, we will settle the quos.
ton by prayer and fasting. Laughter ant
cheers. But tell You there is nothing it
good wishes, nothing in the exercise of senti
mentality, and in giving way to emotion AN,
feeling That does nothing except to max,
dwarfs and cripples of as ALL unless it leadi
to action. 1t is work that man need to de
yelope his energies; it is work he must have
if he would be free and so | say that nevc
have been the man to deprecate the hardship
our brethren in Kanzas have endured, 70
wf,nout ,hvui N.~y e@Nll s.a,f-s hauo boon thl
heroes they have become. Where did yoi
ever see such class Of men Go into AN
mud hovel, and you will find men ready Il
discuss the laws, the Constitution. and th
Bill of Rights, or any political question o
this day, and you will be astonishod at thu
extent of their intelligence and shrewdness
Why, every man in kanlas has pocket con
stitution he has made for himself, and ever,
child six years old can say something intelli
gently to you about the Constitution and tn,
laws. Half the people Of Kansas ought tC
have Ill. ID. opposite their names. laugh
/ teri
The operations of this government hav
compelled them to study the Constitution am
the laws and the means by which they coul
resist the entertainments of sloverv and secur