, 1861-02-08


such deputies or commissioners ~ may be ap-
pointed by other Of the United States, In de-
yfAIng and discussing all buch alteratlonh,
clauses, articles and provisions ~ may be
thought necessary to render the Federal Com
stitution entirely ADEQUATE to the actual situa-
federated States; and South Cart lima has.
pledged herself that when the Constitution
shall be approved aud agreed to by q majority
OF the deputies, md duly ratified and confirmed
~ the several States, the aame shall be con-
sdered as cffectually providing for the e1igen-
eies Of the Union" GApplnuse.l :. -.
General Warren, Of Massachusetts, said: ::
+" have listened attcutivc1y to what has been
uttered by those' who aided In framing the
Constitution. Their sentiments accord with
tue opinions Of those who, at an earlier day,
vlndicated the rights Of the people, even to the
sacrifice Of their lives. II say now, as said af-
ter the Boston massacre, that personal freedom
is the natural right Of every man, and that pro-
perty, Or an exclusive right to dispose Of what
he las honestly acquired by his own labor,
necessarily arises therefrom, are truths which
common sense has placed beyond the reach Of
contradiction. And no man, or body Of men
can, without being guilty Of lagrant injustice
claim right to dispose of the persons or ac-
QUESTIONS OF any other man, or body Of men,
unless it can be proved that such q right has
arisen from some compact between the par
tics, in which it has been explicitly and freely
granted"
Pat lick Henry here sprang to his feet, and
exclaimed:
My sentiments exactly. honor the pa
triot who gave them utterance and sealed them
with his blood. Is life 80 dear, or peace SO
sweet, as to be purchased at the expense Of
chains and slavery? Forbid it. Almighty God
I know not what course others may take;
hut as for me, give me liberty or give me-
dcathv
John Adams said he would only remark:
"Great is truth-great ia iberty-great is
humanity; and they must prevail Sink or
swim, live or die, am for the Constitution"
DR.. Franklin asked leave to cay word or
two:
4'That mankind are all formed by the same
Almighty Being, alike objects of his care, and
equally designed for the enjoyment Of happt'
ness, the Christian religion teaches us to be-
lieyc, and the political creed of America fully
ctincides with the position. The blessings Of
liberty ought rightful1y to be administered
without distinction Of color, to all descrip-
tions Of the people Of this country, Equal
liberty was originally the position, and is stu
the birthright, Of all men. Let Congress then
step to the very verge Of the powers invested
iu that body tor dlscouragiug every species Of
traflic in the persons Of our fellow-men. I
conclude by reiterating, U6i Ibertas, ibi
Rttria: Where Liberty dwel]s, there is my
country"
james Monroe remarked:
1--WE have toundthat the evil of slavery has
preyed upon the very vitals Of the Union, and
his been prejudicial to all the States in which
it has existed"
John Jaw said:
"Till America comes into this measure [the
abolition Of slayerrl her prayers to Heaven
world, and believe it to be maxim in His
as in our court. that those who ask for equity
ought to do It,"
Dewitt Clinton desired to say:
"Dear is my country; liberty Is dearcr. I
caunot conceal. on this occasion, the deep
the consideration OF the general government,
aud which is unfortunately calculated to pro-
dace geographical distinctions. Highly i'm
portant as it is TO allay feelings SO nauspicious
yet consider the Introduction Of the extern
sion Of slavery q paramount consideration.
Morally and politically speaking slavery is an
evil Of the first magnitude; and whatever may
be the consequences it is our duty to prohibit
!, its progress in all cases where such prohibit
tton is allowed by the Constitution. No evil
can result from its inhibition more pernicious
than its toleration."
John Quincy Adams spoke as follows.
II know the present temper and spirit Of
t}lc people of the free States too we'll to be-
lierc fer moment that they would become
t,trticipis crininis in any suitable contrivance
Tor the irremediab!e pe.petuatton of an institu-
tion which the wisest and best men who form
ed our Federal Cons tuition, as we'll from the
slave rs the Tree States regarded as al eaal and
a curse, soon to become extinct under the
operation Of laws to be passed prohibiting
tile slave trade, and the progressive influence
Of The principles Of the revolution"
Daniel Webster rose and said:
i"Whcn it is proposed to bring new mem
hers into this political partnership the old
members have right to say on what terms
slch new members are to come in, and What
| they are to bring along with them. On the
general question of slavery great portion OF
| the people is also strongly excited. The sub.
| jtct has not only attracted attention as ques-
tion Of politics, hut it has struck far deeper
| toned chord 1t has arrested the religious
| feelings Of the country; it has taken a strong
| hold on the conscicnces Of men. He is q rasa
| man, indeed, little eonversant with human ma
ture, who snpposes that feeling Of this kind
| Is to be tri1cd with or despfsed. desire that
every citizen Of the whole country1ook to this
| government with no other sentiments than
| those Of grateful respect and attachment But
| cannot yield even to kind feelings the cause
OF the Constitution, the true glory Of the coun-
| try aud the great trust. We cannot, We must
1.Dt, we dare not omit to do that which, in our
| Judgment, the safety Of the Union requires.
Not regardless OF consequences, we must yet
meet Consequences; seeing the hazards which
surround the discharge Of public duty it must
yet be discharged"
Henry Clay then remarked:
"CoInins from 4 slave State, 4. do, owe
| it to myself, I owe it to truth, owe it to the
subject, TO state that no earthly power could
| induce me to vote for q specific measure to1
the introduction Of slavery where it had moi
l'.,fure existed. Coming, as do, from slave
| State, it is my opinion, deliberate and We'll
silst,ired determination, that 60 power-nc
earthly powcr-ehail compel me to vote fol
tine positive introduction Of slavery"
Several others sprang to their feet, lesi1out
IT utteriug their sentiments, but it was
deemed best to close the meeting. The ques
lion was taken on the adoption Of the resolu
lions, and there was unanimous vote in favol
oftheu. The Convention WAS then adjourned
sine die.