Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-03-18
SPEECH
OF HON. OWEN LOVEJOY OF ILLINOIS.
Delivered in the HOuSe Of Representatives,
February 81, 1859.

fanatIcism has made its appearance IN /
this counTy-a fanaticism at once mon I
strous and malign. Twenty-Five years
ago, by the universal sentiment of the
country, Slavery was deemed a moral,
social, and political evil; wrong to the
slave, an injury to the owner, blight
on the soil, detriment to all the best
interests of the communities or States
where it was found, and, in its reflex in
fuence, reproach and damage to the
whole country. By many, it may be,
this evil was considered incurable, but
still an evil. But within the period in
dicated, different sentiment has sprung
up. This fanaticism deems Slavery not
an evil, but blessing.
Formerly by all, and still by all right
thinking men, Slavery was regarded as
hag, ugly, deformed, wrinkled, and COW
cred with the daub and paint of harlotry;
but now we are told it is an angel of
beauty, virgin decked in bridal attire,
to be gazed on with complacency and
love! Candidates who aspire to guber-
material honors are made to renounce
opinions held a quarter of a century ago,
and give in their adhesion to this new
dogma, to wit: that Slavery is bless
ing. 1t is not any longer the question
how a cancer can be cured-whether by
knife or caustic, or other remedial agen-
cies-but to have a cancer is now pro-
claimed to be a sound and normal condi-
ton Of the human system, the highest
type of health, and, if on the face, an
ornament and beauty spot. Every one,
to enjoy perfect health, must have this
form of disease gnawing at his vitals.
The spirit of this fanaticsm has taken
possession of the Democratic party, and
worked therein a wonderful and almost
incredible transformation for, since the
Ages drew up the reins and started on
their journey, do not suppose they have
witnessed such a stupendous Lie as the
Democratic party now is. speak Oft the
organization, without any reference o. the
individuals who compose the party
From the sole of the foot even unto the
head, there is no soundness in it; bu
wounds, and bruises, and purifying sores
they have not been closed, neither bound
up, neither modified with ointment'-un
medicated and unbandaged, it drips witt
Its tetid putrescence.
Look at the Presidents message, nov
under discussion. 1t is instinct witt
stimulation and deceit. ProfessedIy h
deprecates the discussion and agitation
of the Slavery question, and yet tn
whole of the message is engrossed witt
it. Not leading topic Of that state pa
per that has not a direct or remote bear
ing on ii. What do we want of anothe
slice from Mexico? Is our populatio
pressing against our boundaries ? LIE
the vast regions within our present limit
yet unoccupied, and which will not be oC
cupied for the next half century, answe
that question. Why, then, does the Ez
ecutive urge the acquisition Of more {
the Mexican domain q? 1t is that Slav,
nv and Disunion, twin-born of Darknes
NAV have rail car in which to ride
This is openly avowed, in the other en-
of the Capitol. What Is that part {
the message relating 10 Kansas, but th
querulous last word Of an old man, who's
Pro-Slavery policy had been condemne
by the country? What occasion is the
for the doleful tone of the message
regard to the future decadence Of the K
public, which has given rise in EuroE
to so many prophecies Of i'll omen in r.
gard to our future? How eagerly ii
advocates of despotic government cat
up this Democratic SANDER, and foret'
the downfall of our free institutions.
But what is the trouble? Is there a
disloyalty to the Union among the R
publicans, or indeed among any class
the free States? No. Any disaffecii
toward our principles Of Governmer
None. What then has excited the fe'
Of this urbane and hospitable old gent
man? Did the Chief indlte the messa
under the influence Of too deep potato
from the Installations of Rye? No c
believes this. The Slavery-extendi
policy of the Administration had rece
ed a terrible rebuke from the people
They had repudated the Presider
Sancho Panza, the autocrat of the d
ncr table; and the poor man, shocl
and bewiIdered, and tearing his loc
like King Lear, thought the Governm
was falling to pieces, because Slav'
Propagandism had been reprobated
the popular vote. Hiac iaehrym'