Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Speech of Mr. James McDowell, of Virginia, on the Formation of Governments for New Mexico and California: Delivered in the House of Representatives, February 23, 1849
Since the discussion of our territorial question commenced in this Hall, and the interest. And agi tation of it has extended to the country at large, we have heard more than ever before of a certain' mysterious but malignant and corrupting slave power, by which, it is alleged, the free action of this Government and the liberties of our people are trodden under foot. Slave power! Oh, sir, how the truth of history, in the very matterim plicated, and how the warm and. Kindly sentiment of national relationship which glows in the bosom of every American, Wherever his home, 'how are they alike invaded and outraged by this'offensive phrase, and the more offensive ends of sectional prejudice, animosity, and deception, to which it is so'often and so wrongfully applied! The'free ac tion of this Government and\ the liberties of our people stricken down by the slave power! Why, sir, does not every one of us know, that of all the positive or governmental checks by which the spread ofslavery has ever been restricted, the most efficacious and comprehensive of all others, by a thousandfold, is that which was put upon' it under the lead, and with the hearty concurrence 'of slave holding statesmen and s'laveholding States? Was it not the restrictive or anti-slavery article of the ordinance of 1787, which, if not' prepared at the suggestion and by the hand of Mr. Jefferson him self, was certainly prepared with his assent, and sustained 'upon the assent of Virginia also? Was it not this which has protected the finest territory we ever owned from the approach and the pres ence of the slave? - a territory of larger capabilities for the growth, and'sustenance, and wealth, of civilized man, than any other equal area, it is be lieved, upon' the surface of the globe. And yet, citizens coming from that very country, no less than citizens coming from. Other places, rise up in the midst of us here, and brand with abusive epi th'ets the very men and the very power that gave this magnificent empire a bridal dowry to free'labor and to free soil.
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