8 in the repeal or passage of laws? True, for a little time they did make the existence of such laws a pretext for the course they were pursuing, and were determined to pursue, but how soon was that pretext abandoned I What they desire we cannot by State legislation give them; and the attempt to satisfy or reconcile them by passing, or refusing to pass, any measure through this body, is sheer folly. We have declared our sentiments upon the subjects which agitate the country, and proffered to the General Government aid, when demanded, for the enforcement of the laws. W e have sent commissioners to meet and confer with those of other States upon the condition of affairs, and strive for some solution of the dilemma in which we find ourselves placed. If by this, aught of good will be accomplished, is in doubt. But, having done thus much— having, as we believe, placed ourselves in the right—let us turn our attention to our appropriate business, the interests of our own people, of our own State, and leave consequences to take care of themselves. It does appear to me that there is no good reason for the passage of measures like that before us, or any of the many propositions of like nature, and for the same purpose, pending in the House. No good can come of them; they will only tend to degrade us, lessen our self-respect, and lower us in the estimation of those whose favor we may attempt to court. Having said thus much, I perhaps ought no longer to occupy the attention of the House; but having, since the opening of the session, been so often referred to, together with other members from the section of the State which, in part, I represent, as radical, and as among those who are not willing to give up party for the sake of the country, I hope to be excused in a few general remarks upon the condition of that country, and the duty of true patriots in the present crisis. Republican as I am, and radical as are my principles, it is only that in the prevalence and purpetuity of those principles that, to me, dawns hope for the best interests of our country. In the first organization of our government antagonistic principles were brought together, and, by compromise, united. One of these principles, full of life, of vigor, with the elements of expansion and success; the other, with the seeds of corruption and decay in its very nature, yet controlled with that strong bond of selfishness which ever holds its advocates fixed and united in purpose, for the accomplishment of any of its ends. Thus, by the love of power, have parties been led to employ the united advocates of this principle for their success, and through this influence, thus exerted, has slavery had control of this government almost from the very day that the system became profitable. Thus, from
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