Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-02-01


this Union, and to keep our promises with a
religious sincerity 10 the people, to carry out
the very spirit Of the Constitutions We have
seen the Democratic party in the pride of its
power, with an organization around which men
gathered, aud to which they looked up because
of its integrity. It was irresistible yet that
Organization became corrupt.
Ard the leaders bad SO long promised pro-
lection to the people of the North that their
promises were finally received with suspicion
and at length totally dsbelievel; and hence
their utter destruction. Let US act follow in
their footsteps, but come up manfuliy aud pro-
pose to the South what we will do; and hav-
ing done that, if We should be unfortunate as
not to arrive al any eonciliatory measures, then
we will sustaia, as my resolutions aV0w, all
measures instituted BY the Chief Executive Of
the whole patton for the preservation of the
Union, the enforcement Of the Constitution
and of the laws. This is the duty Of Penn
sYlvanians, aud the Republican party OF our
State can afford to say and do just what is
right aud liberal in the eyes of our fellow cit
zens in every section Of the Union / was
sorry to hear Senators talk of rolling IN the
dirt aud running under beds, which was pro-
claimed here to-day. Such talk might crafty
the FOLLY of youth, but il does not become
grave Senators. Because some of the south
eTn States have gravely erred, aud set the
Constitution aud laws at defiance, is that a
reason for us to b9 less just than we would
under other circumstances? Surely no.. Ii
because the South does wrong, is that reason
for us committing an error? If such doctrines
are held here, We will eventually place our
selves ia no better position than that of South
Carolina. 1t is mere folly for US to talk about
standing upon our digpity, aud about fighting
few misguided whites and degraded blacks in
South Carolina, after haGing lived for eighty
years 10 peace and prosperity under the com-
promises of the Constitution of the country.
Tho principles endorsed by the people at
the last election cannot be misunderstood aud
they cannot be changed. The South canuot
alter or abridge them, nor can We fail to advo-
cate them as heretofore, because the neoessi-
ties of our people require that We should have
protection for our labor. The people of onF
own State are determined to protect free labor,
and Il the sixty or eighty millions o. dollars
annually expended to carry on the Government
of this country, be judieioualy levied on cur
Imports, the North will obtain all the protec-
tion she desires.
The cotton States may get along without
that protection by which we are so greatly
benefited, because their labor receives no
compensation, but that of seanty clothes and
coarse food.
La the northern portion Of the confederaeg
the poorest man we have amongst as looks for
ward TO day when he may accumulate some-
thing ot competency for oil age aud deoTep
ltude. The slave Rlakes no such provision;
old age either inds him 10 the hands of kind
mlster who cares for bis wants, or in the hands
Of a cruel Que, who soon Puts old age and de-
crepitude to rest where the lash will not be re-
CURED to performtits task. Ii does not in re-
ality affect the interests of the cotton States
adversely to allow as this protection, for il
makes both New England aud Old England
markets for their products. As il was not my
when | arose, to make loag speech
viii merely ruu over the few remaining points
| intend to make in advocacy of the resolu-
tious wnch have offered
When the Missouri Compromise Line was
OUT northern people pressed it up
Oh the south, and when the Democratic party
repealed IT, large portion of the south hesi-
tated long time before they aeeeded to the
Mr.. SMITH. Under which king does the
Senator dghl?-io favor of the Douglas doc
irlae Ct Squatter Sovereignty, or tie Missouri
Compromise?
Nj. WHARTON. l answer The Senator
by saying that | am il favor Of any honorable
which will restore peace and Ear-
nony to our distracted country, and prevent
civil war and disunion.
The question Of squatier sovereignty is not
entertained in the resolutions offered. The
doctrine Of Mr. Douglas allows one hundred
Or one thousand people to go into territory
and regulate the question OF slavery there
My resolutions contemplate the formation of
the territories into States; and that when they
come into the Union as such, the people may
have the right to say whether they shall choose
slavery or freedom. Abraham Lincoln, the
President elect, in his answers to Stephen A.
Douglas during the canvass for United States
Senator OF Illinois, stated that if the people
Of State wauted slavery, be would vote for
its admission into the Union; he would not at
tempt 20 aAnul their wishes. | hold that this
is the doctrine of the Republican or Peoples
party Of Pennsylvania. Such il the doctrine
Of popular rights. Il is an easy matter for us
10 talk Of war, but We viii fnd il different
matter when we come to vote supplies in order
to mlintain au army. Now whist the excite
uent in the country is AZ fever heat, men NAY
20 TO great lengfhs in their declarations OF war
and Of Rhich they may regret 10 their moments
Of sober second thought. 1 believe II TO be
the duty Of the Democracy on this floor TO vote
for the resolutions have offered, and thereby
show to The country that they will sustain be
Executive of the, National Government, and
that they are opposed to the treachery Of the
government officers who have lately resigned
their lnnch abused official positions.