Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-02-24

ma in undisturbed until IT become chronic
and men began to look around for argu.
ments in favor OF its continuance. Those
of more desperate character began to deal
in slaves, making merchandise in human
flesh their regular vocation. Planters be-
gan to look upon these crimes as common,
became familiar with them, and eventually
justified their preparation by what they
termed the necessity of surrounding cir
cumstances. OF course, they viewed Nor
thern men, who advocated universal free
dom and justice to all, with distrust, and
soon after with determined opposition
This feeling become SO strong as to defeat
the election of Mr.. Adams to the Presidency
in 1928, although his previous Administra-
tion h had been able, pure, and patriotic.
1t was the good fortune of that renowned
Statesman 10 have lived at the time when
the Declaration of Independence was pro-
mulgated. He had mingled freely with the
patriots Who devoted their lives to the sup
port of its "selfevident truths;" he had
drank deeply at the fountains of Liberty
he had fully imbibed the spirit of that heroic
age. Soon after his defeat in the PresI-
Dental campaign, he became a member of
this body; and while here he adhered most
strictly TO the doctrines of the Revolution
and strove to develop the real issue which
then existed betu cen slave and free labor.
While the Slave Power. was constantly per-
scouting him, endeavoriDg TO PROSTATE his
influence, he was laboring to bring out to
the public view the secret doctrines and
motives which controlled its advocates. If
gentlemen will consult the debates of this
body during the time he served here, or his
biography, they will find that he was con-
slantly endeavoring to develop the precise
issue now existing between the Republican
and Democratic parties. | may be permit
ted TO cite an instance. In 1874, the Leg
islature of Massachusetts sent to this House
memorial, asking an amendment of the
Constitution, SO de TO apportion the repre-
sentation in Congress according TO the free
population of the several Staies. 1t was
referred TO a select committee of nine
members, some of whom were regarded as
among the abest statesmen of the South
As chairman, Mr.. Adams drew up report.
1t was based upon the selt-evident truths
that all men have equal ri ght 10 live, to that
liberty which is necessary to acquire knowl-
edge and attain happiness. 1t was read to
the committee, and cons idered maturely.
Of the eight members besides himself,
| alone signed this report; but no one de-
MED its docu me-. He and | had hoped
that Governor Gilmer, of Virginia, and oth-
er Southern members, would have had the
moral courage to admit or deny its princi-
pies; but they evidently feared to do so.
! will give another instance, illustrating
his confidence in the truths of that instru-
ment When Southern men had long been
in the habit of threatening dissolution of
the Union, some people of Massachusetts
became tired of the bombsst, and sent pe-
tition to this body, praying Congress to
take measures for the peaceful and immedi-
ate separation of the States composing our
Confederacy. Its presentation bv Mr..
Adams created great sensation IN this body;
and resolution of censure was immediate
ly offered, and the aged patriot was forth
The enemies of Freedom were loud in their
Civilizations; they fully expected to PROSTATE
his influence. A distinguished and eloquent
son of Kentucky was appointed to manage
the prosecution. Some Of Mr.. Adams's
friends faltered, others became ala rmed,
and made indecent haste to deny all SYM
pa,by with him, and publicly to repudiate
his doctrines; but these things did not move
him. A deep and absorbing interest perva-
ueu IDIs BODY anu Ine community generally.
Every member was in his seat. The spa
cious galleries were crowded to their ut
most capacity. Against him were array ed
G liner and Wise and Cooper and Johnson,
and host of distinguished men from the
slave States. Marshall led the assault in
an able snd effective speech, showing, TO
the apparent satisfaction of all Southern
members, that Mr.. Adams had been guilty
OF treason 10 the people and to the Govern
ment of these States, by presenting the Pc
tition.
As Marshall closed, the distinguished
statesman rose from his seat. His more
ments were deliberate, and his whole bear
ing was dign fled. His form was erect un-
der the weight of nearly four-seore years.
There he stood, venerable for his age, for
his great learning. for his important SER
vices, for the high houors bestowed on him.
He entered upon no argument. He put
forth none of that terrible invective which
had so often caused his enemies to tremble
and turn pale. H merely called for the
reading OF the "first paragraph in the De-
clorstion of Independence" and the Clerk
read that portion which sets forth the nat.
nrai rights Of "al men to life, liberty, and
happiness" And with unusual emphasis
he read that part which declares "Govern.
ments to be Instituted among men to secure
the enjoyment of these rights" and when
he had read the sentence which declares
that "whenever any form of Government q,
becomes destructive of these ends, 1t is the
right and the duty Of the people to modify
or abolish it," Mr.. Adams stopped him, ant
in q loud, distinct, and solemn voice, re
peated the last member of the sentence
then turning TO the Speaker, he declared
o "if there be any principle dear TO the Amer
ican heart, it is the right of the people I,
. modify or abolish their Government when
n ever it becomes destructive of the liberte
+ or happiness of any portion of its inhabt
ants" And having avowed these doctrine
as the basis of his vindicntion, he bold
4 challenged them to the issue. Every per
p son present Tel: the strength Of his position
Hiss falwnrt foos uo,a ,ac,ddopIy'nro,,r,tod cd