Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-03-24

will not suddenly abandon it, face to the right
about, and again submit to the domination Of
tho slave power. They will not be deceived,
nor defrauded of their votes. They will sus-
tain no man for the Office Of President or Vice
President, because they do not know whether
he is right or agrong; but candidates, to obtain
support, must show by their past action OF
present pledges that they stand Internationally
upon these primal doctrines
| am aware that our opponents charge the
Republican party with abandoning their plat
form, because members of this body voted at
our last session for the amendment to the I.e-
compton Constitution, in order to defeat that
infamous measure Even the President, in his
repeats this charge. For the benefit
of that high functionary, and others, will
say that members of Congress did not make the
Republican Platform, and they cannot unmake
it. The people who framed it will see to its
preservation. True, the President has cause to
complain. We left eur fortress, and, by STRAIT
egy in the open field we captured his Lecompton
host; but it is not usual for prisoners thus to
complain of the superior science of their cap
tors.
1t has been objected, that political party
cannot stand upon moral and religious truth
reply, it cannot at this day stand without
such basis. The progress of Christian cIviliza-
ton has demonstrated that the popular mind
can be no longer satisfied with mere questions OF
policy, while the Government is made to sane
ton the most arrant despotisn, and encourage
crimes of the most fragrant character.
We do not say tho black man is, or shall be,
the equal of the white man or that he shall
vote or hold Office, howveer just such position
may be-; but We assert that he who murders u
black man s!ilsII Do hanged: and be who robs q
black man Of his liberty or his property shall
crime depends upon tho complexion of him
against whom it il committed 49,.
Sir, our Government should hayeied the IA
III il now too late y
position. Tho Bmperor OF RdsslA y, IN NY \,
tlaso engaged in freeing the slaves Of lls w.
|pire, while our President is seeking the extes5
sion of human bondage. England long slilss4
repudiatcd African slavery france lRlltated
her noble example. Several Mohauiinedatfl
Princes have shown themselves better Christians
than American statesmen, by abolishing slavery
and the slave trade in their dominions. Even
phlegnatio Holland is in advance OF us in the
great cause Of emancipation.
But 1t now appears to be generally expected,
both North and South, East and West, by
statesmen and people, that the Republican par
ty will come into power at the next Presidential
election nothing can prevent this but their
own divisions; and it is proper that we should
forewarn the people of Cuba, and of Mexico,
and Of Central America, that if, by any means,
they cume under the jurisdiction of our Con
stitution, its provisions acN be enforced; and
that " no person among them shall be deprived
of life, liberty, or property, without due process
of law" Having sworn allegiance to the doc
trnes of the fathers, We are expected to carry
them out in good faith.
Mr.. Chairman, from childhood have min
gled with the people. know their love of JUS
tlce, their devotion to liberty. The great
American heart beats in sympathy for the OPP
pressed, for Justice to ourselves and to man
kind. The popular voice demands the exercise
of our constitutional powers, to drive oppres-
sion from our Territories, from our ships while
sailing upon the high seas, from this District I;
to exclude it from all support by Congress, by
the Executive, by our courts; to condemn 1t as
au outlaw and that the legitimate powers of
Government shall be exerted for Freedom
Give the people an opportunity, and they will
elect President and Vice President, Il Senate
and House of Representatives, pledged not
merely to these purposes, but to put forth the
moral influence of our nation to drive oppres-
sion from the earth.
To the attainment of this object my official
labors have long been directed. Those labors
are now drawing to close and | shall soon
surrender the cause, so far as | am officially
concerned, to other and ADLER hands. My po-
litical pathway has been rugged-beset with
difficulties. | have been constrained to meet
many of my fellow-membcrs on the field of in
tellectual conflict, and at times those. conflicts
have been severe but am nit conscious Of
having assaied any man exespt in selG defence.
and separate from my opponents Without q
feeling Of unkindness; indeed, if my desire,
my earnest prayer, could avail, they should all
be just and wise, pure and happy. Here, for
many long years, have eopnselled with friends
and combattcd opponents. These scenes through
which have passed rush upon the recollection,
as am about to bid adieu to this arena of my
political life. shall leave it with emotions
but not with regret. | shall bear with me to
private life many interesting recollcctions of
the great contest which gives character to the
age in which we live. And beg to assure you,
Mr.. Chairman and gentlemen, that whether in
public or private life, in prosperity or adversely,
whether living or dying, my hearts desire and
PRAYER to God shall be. that every human soul
may enjoy that liberty which is necessary to
protect and cherish life, attain knowledge, and
prepare for heaven and, when | shall have
passed away, let my epitaph announce that l
hased oppression and lorong-that LOVED LIB
ERTY AND JUSTICE.