Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/562

 "But we hasten to suggest the importance of the annexation of Texas to this republic, upon grounds somewhat local in their complexion, hut of an import infinitely grave and interesting to the people who inhabit the southern portion of this confederacy, where it is known that a species of domestic slavery is tolerated and protected by law, whose existence is prohibited by the legal regulations of other states of this confederacy; which system of slavery is held by all, who are familiarly acquainted with its practical effects, to be of highly beneficial influence to the country within whose limits it is permitted to exist.

"The committee feel authorized to say that this system is cherished by our constituents as the very palladium of their prosperity and happiness, and whatever Ignorant fanatics may elsewhere conjecture, the committee are fully assured, upon the most diligent observation and reflection on the subject, that the south does not possess within her limits a blessing with which the affections of her people are so closely entwined and so completely [sic]enfibered, and whose value is more highly appreciated, than that which we are now considering.

"It may not be improper here to remark, that during the last session of congress, when a senator from Mississippi proposed the acknowledgment of Texan independence, it was found, with a few exceptions, the members of that body were ready to take ground upon it, as upon the subject of slavery itself.

"With all these facts before us, we do not hesitate in believing that these feelings influenced the New England senators, but one voting in favor of the measure; and, indeed, Mr. Webster has been bold enough, in a public speech recently delivered in New York, to many thousand citizens, to declare that the reason that influenced his opposition was his abhorrence to slavery in the south, and that it might, in the event of its recognition, become a slaveholding state. He also spoke of the efforts making in favor of abolition; and that being predicated upon, and aided by the powerful influence of religious feeling, it would become irresistible and overwhelming.

"This language, coming from so distinguished an individual as Mr. Webster, so familiar with the feelings of the north, and entertaining so high a respect for public sentiment in New England, speaks so plainly the voice of the north as not to be misunderstood.

"We sincerely hope there is enough good sense and genuine love of country among our fellow-countrymen of the northern states, to secure us final justice on this subject; vet we cannot consider it safe or expedient for the people of the south to entirely disregard the efforts of the fanatics, and the opinions of such men as Webster, and others who countenance such dangerous doctrines.

"The northern states have no interests of their own which require any special safeguards for their defense, save only their domestic manufactures; and God knows they have already received protection from government on a most liberal scale; under which encouragement they have improved and flourished beyond example. The south has very peculiar interests to preserve — interests already violently assailed and boldly threatened.

"Your committee are fully persuaded that this protection to her best interests will be afforded by the annexation of Texas; an equipoise of influence in the halls of congress will be secured which will furnish us a permanent guarantee of protection."

The states of Alabama arid Tennessee had also adopted resolutions in favor of annexation. Hon. Henry A. Wise, in a speech in congress, Jan. 26, 1842, said:

"True, if Iowa be added on the one side, Florida will be added on the other. But there the equation must stop. Let one more northern state be admitted, and the equilibrium is gone — gone forever. The balance of interests is gone — the safeguard of