13 to be correct principles—we must consent to constitutional changes—must give guarantees—must get down and humbly ask our Southern bretheren what legislation will suit them, then must haste to grant it. Can we do all this ? more is desired. Not only must we do this, but we must refrain from saying aught against the system of slavery ; we must cherish it, must look upon it as a beneficent, a Christian, a divine institution ; must say to it not only use what you have, but spread and occupy to your fill. Wherever the flag of our country floats, there shall go slavery, there to be encouraged, fostered and protected. We beg to demur. To us the Constitution is good enough—that constitution, as made and administered by its authors. We will abide by it. It requires of us duties repugnant to our sense of right, of humanity, yet those duties shall be discharged. But we say plainly, unequivocally, that we do not, can not, will not admire the institution; can not love it, will not cling to it, and shout around it in our self abandonment, as a system containing the ne plus ultra of all that is right, lovely, and of good report. Neither can we consent to its extension. In the States where it now exists, keep it as you desire, make the most of it. We have no power, neither have we the inclination to interfere with it, but no farther extension. Thus far has it come, and no further shall it go. What is the object of constitutional change. The recognition of the right of property in man, and this in some form to be recognized I understand to be the real object of such change. The constitution now recognizes slavery as a local institution, the subject of local law. The change is desired that it may be nationalized. Can this be done? Will the people of the North sustain such a change? Never. For one, I should be very much pleased at an amicable adjustment of questions which now agitate the country, but it must be confessed the prospect is dark; clouds lower around our political horizon, and it seems very doubtful if any power shall be able to drive them away, and restore us to a condition of peace and quietness, prosperity and happiness. It has seemed to me, it yet seems, that firmness and decision, calm and resolute determination, with fixedness of purpose to do and yield what was right to all sections and all parties, both by government and people, was that which was most needed, for the purpose of finally extricating the country from difficulties which now surround it. That there is much acrimony and bitterness of feeling between the different sections of the country, there is no use to deny. That this has been much increased by intemperate denunciation from both sides, there is no doubt. Of its still greater increase by misrepresentation for personal and party ends, 1 do not hesitate to aver my be.
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