Page:The landmark of freedom.djvu/55

Rh slavery then covered every inch of soil belonging to the National Government, Louisiana, an immense region beyond the bounds of the original States, was subsequently acquired, and, in 1820, after a vehement struggle, which shook the whole land, discomfited freedom was compelled, by a dividing line, to a partition with slavery. This arrangement, which, in its very terms, was exclusively applicable to a particular territory purchased from France, has been accepted as final down to the present session of Congress; but now, Sir, here in 1854, freedom is suddenly summoned to surrender even her hard won moiety. Here are the three stages: at the first, all is consecrated to freedom; at the second, only half; while at the third all is to be opened to slavery. Thus is the original policy of the Government absolutely reversed. Slavery, which, at the beginning, was a sectional institution, with no foothold anywhere on the national territory, is now exalted as a national institution, and all our broad domain is threatened by its blighting shadow.

Thus much for what I have to say at this time, of the original policy, consecrated by the lives, opinions, and acts of our Fathers. Summoning to my side the majestic forms of these civil heroes, whose firmness in council was only equalled by the firmness of Washington in war, I might leave the cause in their care. But certain reasons are adduced for the proposed departure from their great example, and,