Wabash express. [volume] (Terre-Haute, Vigo Co[unty], Ind.) 1841-186?, 1860-07-25
Paris q. DunnInR.

The gentleman. whose name heads this
article. made very lengthy speech in
this city prior to the meeting Of the Doug
las Democratic District Convention on
Thursday. he seemed to be boiling over
with enihusasm for the Little Giant, and
maintained the doctrine that the slave
holder bad the right to take his slaves
into the Territories. but they might then
be driven from thence. by the Popular Sow
sreigns or by unfriendIy legislation, This
same Paris @. Dunning happened To be
Governor OF Indiana, in I549. and in his
annual message to the Legislature he oc.
eupied the following truly Republican
grounds:
"By treaty OF peace recently entered
into between the United States and the
Republic OF Mexico, our government has
acquired large extent Of territory which
must, at no distant day, be erected into
separate State governments, and proyid
ed with organic laws. The public mind
has become too much agitated upon ques-
ton OF vital importance connected with
! the character Of these organic laws, to be
passed over in silence upon the present
occasion. There IL but little diversity Of
sentiment amongst the people OF Indiana
upon the question Of human slavery: vet.
as decidedly rs are the opinions uf our peo-
pie opposed To the institution, we have
ever manifested an unwilllugnese TO inter
iere with the constitutional rights of our
brethren Of the slave States upon this very
delicate subject. The territory thus ac.
quired has come to us free. The question
is now presented to the American people
whether this territory shall remain free
Ii cannot be doubted that the response Of
the people of the State of Indiana To this
momentous question, will be in favor OF
freedom. Whilst we are in favor OF free
dom. let us exercise that forbearance to.
wards our political brethren of the slave
States of this Union, which characterizes
the conduct OF the patriot and statesman.
Nevertheless, it is our imperative duty to
assert our rights as members Of the same
great family. and manfully resist, by all
legal and constitutional means, the further
advancement Of slavery into the territory
belonging to the general government
That Congress possesses this power does
not admit Of doubt, and the only remain.
ing question 10 be determined is, whether
IL is oxpedient TO exercise tn at right. To
decide this question affirmatively, the re-
flecting mind need only glance over the
history Of our beloved countryside rise
and progress Of the arts aud sciences-in
manufactures, mechanics, internal im.
provements, and every other great element
Of social aud political happiness in the
States of this Union, but too plainly ad
monish US that bounds should be pre-
scribed to the baneiul infueRce OF human
slavery. II may be said, however. that
this territory was acquired by the com
mon blood aud treasure Of the nation, aud
consequently we shsuld not agitate this
subject, TO this objection il may be well
answered that this territory is common
property, aud the common welfare must
ever be submitted to the wisdom and dis.
cretion OF Congress. The proprlety OF
expressing. by a joint resolution OF the
General Assembly. The voice of The people
OF Indiana upon this exciting question. II
respectfully suggested"
This. then. was Democratic doctrine
now it IL just the opposite.