Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-05-12
Gov. Wisee Thirty-Column Letter.


Gov. Wise'G Thirty-Column Letter.
Some out-of the way editor in Alabama, lav-
ing taken a fancy to Gov. Wise, nominated him
for the next Presidency. and then wrote him a
letter to know what his views were. Il WIS
just the opportunity the Oyster Governor
wanted NOR, particularly as he had just re
ceived some resolutions from our Legislature
touching upon Slavery. The Governor wrote a
reply thirty columns long, and dedicated it to
the man who nominated Inn. The length Of
this episte is not the only curious thing abou
it. 1t is the most rabid frc-cating document of
the season. Here is the doctrine-the very
doctrine which the stump speech in the k"n-
sas Bill was introduced to oy,rthrow-aTprovcd
by this candidate for the next Presidency:
That all the laws Of Territory arc legiti-
,nately either enacted by Congress, or derived
in their authority from the acts OF Congress,
and that Congress m0y al any time intrnar to
modify or repeal, or eadrt lolcs for a Territory,
and is bound 10 protect all persons and property
IN Territories against unconstitutional and OPP
pressve or unequal les islition in violation ol
the federal rights Of the States and their citl-
Zens
The Governor is evidently fighting this battle
on his own hook He las n ,tioIs Of his own,
and the man who runs him in 1860 will stand
smart chance to learn what those notions are.
How lovingly, tenderly, he discourses of his
chattcis:
81 am north of Sc deg. 80 min. north lati.
tude, and anna STAKEHOLDER myself, by inherit
ance and by purchase; and | would gladly own
u great many more than do if were able.
cherish fond regard for the race, and t. ose of
them who are my slaves love me- Nobody shall
ever disturb our patrarchal and happy home
relations, if | can hclpit. l will fight first
will fight for them and they, know, will fight
for me. They are easily made happy and easily
elevated to condition worthy of the tenderest
kindness and confidence but they need the care
Of good guardianship, aud they shall have mine
while live and that of My children when |
die"
And after the above burst of affection, tho let
ter naturally and easily runs into some fine wri-
ting respecting the "Frost King" "borcals
lights {" summer solstice," g music of the
spheres and winds off with komemighty fne wri-
ting in the statement that Slavery :" is all har-
monious as heat and cold" Not bit of doubt
Of it, And then this wise Governor comes in
with the pious dodge
Let us, then, before the sword of civil war is
ever drawn in the United States. all knce down
in pious and patriotic devotion before that God
who led our fathers through the gloom Of Rev.
oluton to sovereign independence, when we
were IA poor, despised, needy, and weak people,
and pray fervently that now we are IL strong
and prosperous nation, quintupled in power,
and wealth and population, and greatness, we
may not be allowed to throw all away by for
getting the Divine care which is the only reli-
ancr, after all, of free Republic for protec,
ton. Despotisms ale guarded by bayonets and
the people are degraded in order that brute
force may easily subdue them to tyrant,s will.
But We cannot and dare not rely upon force
we will not be degraded and will not submit
to tyrants. The laws Immediately guard us
but what guards the laws? Nothing but a re-
ligous sense and reverence, an enlightened
Christian conscience and reason, which alone
can preserve the wisdom and virtue of the peo-
pie"
Falling back upon " an enlightened Christian
conscience" as the last defence of Slavery Can
profane, basphemous impudence go any far
kther? We accord to Gov. Wise, however, one
merit he is frank, and says what he means
The Devil is not very dangerous when showing
his cloven-foot, and smelling of sulphur, and
Wise, we are sorry to believe is OH that account
not the Devil that will be nominated by the next
Democratic National Convention.