Page:The Collected Works of Theodore Parker volume 6.djvu/295

282 They can force the Administration to this act of justice, simply by refusing to vote a dollar of money until Kansas is free. If the House will determine on that course, the two Executives—the Presidential and the Senatorial—will soon come to terms. This is no new expedient: it was often enough resorted to by our fathers in old England, under the Tudors and Stuarts; nay, even the Dutch used it against Philip II.

But perhaps there is not virtue enough in the House to do this; then let the State legislatures which are now in session send instructions, the people—who are always in session—petitions, to that effect.

But perhaps the people themselves are not quite ready for this measure; and the House and Senate cannot agree. Then the question goes over to the next presidential election, where it will be the most important element. There will be three candidates, perhaps four; for the straight Whigs may put up some invertebrate politician, hoping to catch whatever shall turn "up." It is possible there shall be no choice by the people; then the election goes to the present House of Representatives, where the choice is by States. In either case, if the matter be managed well, the progressive force of America may get into the presidential chair. I mean to say, we can choose an anti-Slavery president next autumn—some one who loves man and God, not merely money, loaves and fishes,—who will counsel and work for the present welfare and future progress of America, and so promote that Christianity and Democracy spoken of before. I shall not pretend to say who the man is: it must be some one who reverences Justice,—the higher law of God. He must be a strong man, a just man, a man sure for the fight. Let there be no humbug this time, no doubtful man.

If we once put an anti-Slavery man, never so moderate, into the presidency, then see what follows immediately or at length:— 1. The Executive holds 40,000 offices in his right hand, and 70,000,000 annual dollars in his left hand : both will be dispensed so as to promote the welfare and the prosperity of the people. All the great offices, executive, judicial, diplomatic, commercial, will be controlled by the