among the negro slaves of the South. The honorable
Senator seems anxious to take under his care the ballot
box, as he has the slave system of the country, and
direct who shall or who shall not use it for the redress
of what they deem a political grievance. Suppose
the power of the Executive chair should take under
its care the right of voting, and who should proscribe
any portion of our citizens who should carry with
them to the polls of election their own opinions,
creeds, and doctrines. This would at once be a
deathblow to our liberties, and the remedy could only
be found in revolution. There can be no excuse
or pretext for revolution while the ballot box is free.
Our Government is not one of force, but of principle;
its foundation rests on public opinion, and its hope
is in the morality of the nation. The moral power
of that of the ballot box is sufficient to correct
all abuses. Let me, then, proclaim here, from
this high arena, to the citizens not only of my own
State, but to the country, to all sects and parties
who are entitled to the right of suffrage, To THE
BALLOT BOX! carry with you honestly your own sentiments
respecting the welfare of your country, and make them
operate as effectually as you can, through that medium,
upon its policy and for its prosperity. Fear
not the frowns of power. It trembles while it
denounces you. The Senator complains that the
abolitionists have associated with the politics of
the country. So far as I am capable of judging,
this charge is not well founded; many politicians
of the country have used abolitionists as stepping
stones to mount into power; and, when there, have
turned about and traduced them. He admits that
political parties are willing to unite with them any
class of men, in order to carry their purposes.
Are abolitionists, then, to blame if they pursue the
same course? It seems the Senator is willing that
his party should make use of even abolitionists; but
he is not willing that abolitionists should use the
same party for their purpose. This seems not
to be in accordance with that equality of rights about
which we heard so much at the last session. Abolitionists
have nothing to fear. If public opinion should
be for them, politicians will be around and amongst
them as the locusts of Egypt. The Senator seems
to admit that, if the abolitionists are joined to
either party, there is danger—danger of
what? That humanity and justice will prevail?
that the right of petition will be secured to ALL
EQUALLY? and that the long lost and trodden African
race will be restored to their natural rights?
Would the Senator regret to see this accomplished by
argument, persuasion, and the force of an enlightened
public opinion? I hope not; and these petitioners
ask the use of no other weapons in this warfare.