they circulated, the image and superscription of LIBERTY, have lost their power.  The slave-masters, few in number, amounting to not more than three hundred and fifty thousand, according to the recent census, have succeeded in dictating the policy of the National Government, and have written SLAVERY on its front.  The change, which began in the desire for wealth, was aggravated by the desire for political predominance.  Through Slavery the cotton crop increased with its enriching gains; through Slavery States became part of the slave power.  And now an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism is applied, not only to all who express themselves against Slavery, but to every man unwilling to be its menial.  A novel test for office is introduced, which would have excluded all the fathers of the Republic,—­even Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin!

Yes, Sir!  Startling it may be, but indisputable.  Could these revered demigods of history once again descend upon earth and mingle in our affairs, not one of them could receive a nomination from the National Convention of either of the two old political parties!  Out of the convictions of their hearts and the utterances of their lips against Slavery they would be condemned.

This single fact reveals the extent to which the National Government has departed from its true course and its great examples.  For myself, I know no better aim under the Constitution than to bring the Government back to the precise position on this question it occupied on the auspicious morning of its first organization by Washington,

     “Nunc retrorsum
     Vela dare, atque iterare cursus
     . . . . . . relictos,”

that the sentiments of the Fathers may again prevail with our rulers, and the National Flag may nowhere shelter Slavery.

To such as count this aspiration unreasonable let me commend a renowned and life-giving precedent of English history.  As early as the days of Queen Elizabeth, a courtier boasted that the air of England was too pure for a slave to breathe, and the Common Law was said to forbid Slavery.  And yet, in the face of this vaunt, kindred to that of our fathers, and so truly honorable, slaves were introduced from the West Indies.  The custom of Slavery gradually prevailed.  Its positive legality was affirmed, in professional opinions, by two eminent lawyers, Talbot and Yorke, each afterwards Lord Chancellor.  It was also affirmed on the bench by the latter as Lord Hardwicke.  England was already a Slave State.  The following advertisement, copied from a London newspaper, The Public Advertiser, of November 22, 1769, shows that the journals there were disfigured as some of ours, even in the District of Columbia.

“To be sold, a black girl, the property of J. B., eleven years of age, who is extremely handy, works at her needle tolerably, and speaks English perfectly well; is of an excellent temper and willing disposition.  Inquire of her owner at the Angel Inn, behind St. Clement’s Church, in the Strand.”