Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-07-13
Edward Everett and slavery.

E0WAEO everett anu SAAHeFy.
Our time has been SO much engrossed and
attention drawn off by the difficulties which
have beset the Democracy, that we had al
most entirely lost sight Of the fact that our
pious, Union-saving friends had really made
their appearance in broad day light, and
were sanguine contestants for Presidential
henors. A moments reflection, however,
has flashed upon our mind the truth that
some notice will have to be taken of the
| Opposition candidates, and hence we give
below chapter in the political history Of
Edward Everett. their candidate for Vice
President.
We call particular attention to the letter
of Mr. Everett, and the character of the
RESOLUTIONS to which that letter refers. We
may look in vain through the record of Lin--
coin and Seward to find more intensely
hostile expression against slavery. Mr.. E.
is as deeply stepped in the passions and
prejudices of the abolitionists North, as is
Lincoln, and the only reason why be does
not row occupy as prominent position on
this subject in the public eye, is because he
has been devoting his time to an enterprise
which has necessarily drawn off the public
mind from an investigation into his politi-
cal status. The syren song ofthe 'Union,
the Constitution, and the enforcement Of the
Laws" will not avail in Southern com.
munity unless he can "cut with this damned
spot" Read the statement below:
In 1885, the Hon. Nathaniel Borden, Of Massa-
chusetts, propounded to Nj. Everett the following
interrogatories:
l. Are you in favor of the immediate abolition
by law of slavery in the District of Columbia, and
of the slave traffic between the States of the o.
MON 2
q Are yea opposed to the admission into the u
Mon of any new State, the Constitution of which
toerates domestic slavery?
The following is Mr.. Everett's reply:
WASHINGTON, Oct. ~, 1859.
DEAR SIR: On Saturday last l only received
your letter Of the 18th, prOpounding to certain
swer,
You are aware that several resolves on the sub
ect of these enquiries and their kindred hopes
| companied by very able report now introduced
last, by joint committee of the two Houses, of
which the late lamented Mr.. Alvord was chair
man.
These resolves, after having been somewhat en-
larged by amendment were adopted by the Legs-
lature. They appear to cover the whole ground
Of your two interrogatories Having cheerfully
CO operated in the passage OF the resolves, con-
curing in the general report by which they were
of the committee, respond to both your enquiries
in the affirmative.
The first of the three subjects embraced in yoar
enquiry is the only one of them which came be-
fore Cory 'ess while | was a member. | voted in
the negative on the motion to lay upon the table
the petition Of the American Anti-Slavety Society,
for the abolition of slavery in the District of Co
umbia, and on other motions of like character in
troduced to cast Oft the consideration of this cl&ss
of petitions.
am, dear sir, very respectfully,
Your friend and servant,
EDWARD EVERETT
Hon. NATHANIEL BORDEN.
That our readers may better understand tf!s
matter, we here suboin the resolution adopted by
the Massachusetts, Legislature, they being the same
to which Mr.. Everett refers and which he "cheer-
fully co-operated' in the passage Of:
Resolved, That Congress has, by the Constitu-
tion, power to abolish slavery and the slave trade
IN the District of Columbia, and that there is moth
ing in the terms or circumstances of the acts of
cession by Virginia ard Maryland or otherwise.
enforcing any legal or moral restraint OF its exer
else.
Resolved, That Congress ought to take meas
pres to effect the abolition of slavery in the Dis
trict of Columbia.
Resolved, Tat the rights of humanity, TIE
claims of justice, and the common good. alike de-
mand the suppression, by Congress, OF the slave
trade carried on in and through the District IF Co.
lumbie.
Resolved, That Congress hes, by the Constit1,
ton, power to abolish slavery in the Territories
of the United States.
Resolved, That no new State shall hereafter be
admitted into the Union, whose Constita ion of
Government shall permit the existence Of domestic
slavery therein.
Resolved That Congress has. by the Constitu
ton, power to abolish the traffic in slaves between
the differ ent States of the Union.
Resolved That the exercise of this power is de-
manded by the principles ofhumaniey and jus tce.