The Hillsborough recorder., 1861-02-13

because II that power were exercised Dy
Congress, our people take it for granted that
the next step would be to attack slavery in
the States. But il, as gentlemen propose,
they will give US congressional pledge upon
these subjects, and then give Us, as they pro-
pose, perpetual guarantee against the in
reference of Congress with slavery in the
States--the great area or held where II ex-
ists-for all time to come, by constitutions
al amendment, never to be,,altered or dlstur-
bed except by the consent OF all the States
of this Union. If YOU will do this, then |
conceive the apprehensions Of my people
will, in great degree, be removed as to
these diminutive localities. When the peo-
pie Of The free States have gwen them d
guarantee for the perpetual enjoyment Of
their institutions in these glorions fifteen
States, having nine hundred and fifty thou>
sand square miles Of territory, the best riy.
ers in the world, the most valuable produc-
tinns OF the earth, and the most desirable
climate, and also give them a reasonable
chance in the Territories whenever climate,
soil, and productions will invite their settle.
ment, then would address my people, aud
say that they should stay IL the Union.
With this constitutional. perpetual guaran.
tee as to slavery in the States, and con-
gressional pledge as to the District, arsenals.
aud dock yards, should consider all in.
ducements to interfere with slavery il these
very small localities retsoyed.
Gentlemen say thar this Is altogether un-
necessary; that you never intend to inter-
fere with slavery in the States; and that You
have no power now TO abolish il IN the States.
have repeatedly heard that said here.
do not gainsay il. But tell you, gentle.
men from the North, that the item OF . letter
which have read to you to-day, sent by the
Senator to the capital Of my State is only .
specimen Of what is preached all over the
South in every neighborhood; and the south
ern people do, whether justly or mt, honest
ly believe that the Republican party--a great
and powerful party at the North--,lo intend
to interfere with slavery where il exists in
the States; and if the North will come up in
this solemn manner. aud put this perpetual
guarantee in the Constitution against the
power Of Congress. then the men who dis
tract the South with this idea will be con
tradicted BY you in the most positive ant
lindubitable manner for all time 10 come
| And here let ME make remark to northern
gentlemen, in all kindness, and without
meaning any ofense to any one. You say
you have elected your President constitu-
tionally. | admit il. You express wonder
aud surprise that the South should be alarm
ed at this. Now, ilet me reason with YOU,
The presentation OF the converse Of prppo.
sition sometimes puts the question itself IN !
different light. suppose the position Of tn,
two sections Of the Union was reversed; sup
pose the slave States we're eighteen, and tht
free States fifteen; suppose the slave State
had majority IN this House, a majority q
the Senate, and majority in the eiectOra
college suppose the slave States were tt
hold convention, and appoint the place .
Injecting as far South as they could, say a
1 Mobile; that there should be no delegates il
that convention from the free States; tina
they should nominate two candidates, on
from Florida and tile other from Texas, an,
should wind up their proceedings BY the a
doption Of resolution intimating that il i
IN the power OF Congress, as well as the dut,
ot Congress, to provide that no more IRE,
States shall be admitted into the Union, ant
should elect their candidates nominated b,
the slave States alone; suppose all thes'
things we're TO happen, aud then speeches
assurances, and teiegrams, should be freel.
circuated through your country, that th
South intend 10 make all the States slave
holding States; submit to yol, my north
ern friends, would you not be very mucl
warmed up against that southern movement
and begin to feel that you we're but smsl
/ folks in this Government Would Won no
feel like looking ont for yourselves, At leas
to the extent OF asking for sope guarantee
i 1 throw out this idea by way Of some excus
or extenuation Of these rawlings and threaten
Iings TO the peace and quiet Of this country.
II is nv honest 0pini0n-and IN that | a
gree with the gentleman from Virginia III
MiIlsonl that our present territorial ques
J tion is substantially settled. and that it
! rather an excuse for agitation. 1 ncline /
the opinion that IN the future, as heretofor,
| soil, climate, and predictions would settl
this question Of slavery 10 the Territories,
peace aud quiet we're restored. After a
, that has been said and dune. Congress Ia
J never made free State out Of any l'erritor
that nature intended for slave State, an
. has never made slave State cut Of territor
where free labor could be proflably employ
ed. Yog cannot, by your Wilmot proyis
! prevent the establishment Of slavery in an
D territory where the people can use compu
!. sorry labor better and with more profit tha
) any other, aud where they can cultivate rIc
tobacco, c0ttnn. indigo. and sugar, bett,
/. than anything else. When such territor
: has got a population large enough for the e.
D Enlistment u government. aud you tend'
! them territorial government, with the wi
{ mot proyiso 10 il, they will throw il back
. your frees; and whsn they have su!iicieI
j, population for State, they will organize
1 government 81 their own, republican in form
{ and apply Tor admission, and. according
! your own principle, you will be bound to Al
! nit them. ! am only showing you what
/. yerY little thing il j that we have got ii
| country 50 much BY the ears about, aud
/. We get ii proper humor, how easy il wou
) be for sensible gentlemen TO get together al
! settle Il.
Why, gentlemen, pray what is this teri
torisl question: II is one that has only a