Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-08-24

4
about it? When you arrive at a certain dis
lance to tie Northtuf the line, there cannot
tc any doubt of the result; and so when yoa
60 certain distance South, the result will
be equally certain the other way. But in the
great central regions, where there may be
some doubt as to the effect of natural causes,
who ought to decide the question except the
people resulting there, who have all their in
terest there; who have gone there to live
with their wives and children? Any party
which attempts, by q system of coercion, to
force any institutions iyta regions not adap-
ted to them, violates the great principle on
which our government is founded.
"You now have my views on the subject
of slavery in the Territories. Practically,
they amount simply to this: If tue people
want slavery, they will nave it; if they do
not want it, they will not have it, and you
cannot force it upon them. If these princi-
Piles be recognized and adhered to, we can
live in peace and harmony together; but just
as surel ely q, you attempt to force the people
to have slavery against their will, in regions
to which it is not adapted, fanatlcism will
take control of the Federal Government"
These were the views which were express
ed by the Senator from Illinois, in his speech
at New Orleans. They were urged by him
before that speech, in his address to the peo,
pie of Illinois, and after'7artis asserted by
him on the floor Of the Senate Of the United
States.
In the speech delivered by Linn in the House
of Representatives OF the United States, on
the 26th of July, 1S48, when the House, in
Committee of the Whole, had under consid-
Grafton the bill to organize government foI
the Territory of Oregon, the Hon. Alfred
Iverson, in reference to the subject of slavery
in the Territories, said:
"Now, sir, whether the people, in their
Territorial capacity, can consttutionally or
rightiully exclude slavery, am willing to
leave to the decision Of the Supreme Court,
which many gentlemen contend is the proper
and constitutional tribunal for its decision, or
to the consideration and judgment Of the
people themselves. 1t is principle in human
nature, as powerful as universal, that politi.
cal action Of communities will be regulated
and controlled by the interests of tue parties
concerned. If, therefore, it shall appear that
slave labor may be proftably employed in
these new Territories of the Union, and the
people are left free to act, they will adopt
the institution of slavery. If. on the other
hand, it Shall be found that tue climate and
soil are not adapted to the profitable employ
ment Of slave labor, no slaves will ever find
their way into the country, however wide
the door may be opened for their admission.
All that the South, therefore, can or ought to
ask is, that tho people uf the Territories be
left to decide this most important question
for themselves. If their interest dictates it.,
slavery will be established in spite OF the
preiudices, either of Mexican residents or
those who may emigrate from the States Of
this Government. Experience teaches that
the Yankee, who moves to and settles at the
South, where slave labor is profitable, is as
willing and as ready to own slaVes-aye, and
to task them, too-as those who have been
born and bred up in their midst. That zeal
for human freedom, so patriotically cultivated
and proclaimed in their native land, like the
courage of Bob Acres, 'oozes out at their
fingers ends as soon as they come under the
genial sun of Southern slavery. The prompt
ings of ambition and interest soon overcome
the prejudices of early education. RI slave
ry, then, cannot be pro6tably introduced into
the country, it will never go there, although
you may pass laws recognizing its existence
and protecting its enjoyment.
If it be profitable, depend upon it, the
people will have it in spite of prejudice, il
you do not prohibit it by Congressional leg
islation. Let, therefore, this exciting, dis
tracing, disturbing subject, be left to the
judgment and decision OF those who will be
most deeply interested in it and affected by
it. There it will be coolly considered and
properly decided, and, as a Southern man,