And now mark the distinction. The testimony which we bear against Slavery, as against all other wrong, is, in different ways, according to our position. The Slavery which exists under other governments, as in Russia or Turkey, or in other States of our Union, as in Virginia and Carolina, we can oppose only through the influence of morals and religion, without in any way invoking the Political Power. Nor do we propose to act otherwise. But Slavery, where we are parties to it, wherever we are responsible for it, everywhere within our jurisdiction, must be opposed not only by all the influences of literature, morals, and religion, but directly by every instrument of Political Power. [Rounds of applause.] As it is sustained by law, it can be overthrown only by law; and the legislature having jurisdiction over it must be moved to consummate the work. I am sorry to confess that this can be done only through the machinery of politics. The politician, then, must be summoned. The moralist and philanthropist must become for this purpose politicians,—not forgetting morals or philanthropy, but seeking to apply them practically in the laws of the land.
It is a mistake to say, as is often charged, that we seek to interfere, through Congress, with Slavery in the States, or in any way to direct the legislation of Congress upon subjects not within its jurisdiction. Our political aims, as well as our political duties, are coextensive with our political responsibilities. And since we at the North are responsible for Slavery, wherever it exists under the jurisdiction of Congress, it is unpardonable in us not to exert every power we possess to enlist Congress against it.
Looking at details:—
We demand, first and foremost, the instant Repeal of the Fugitive Slave Bill. [Cheers.]
We demand the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia. [Cheers.]
We demand of Congress the exercise of its time-honored power to prohibit Slavery in the Territories. [Cheers.]
We demand of Congress that it shall refuse to receive any new Slave State into the Union. [Cheers, repeated.]
We demand the Abolition of the Domestic Slave-Trade, so far as it can be constitutionally reached, but particularly on the high seas under the National Flag.
And, generally, we demand from the National Government the exercise of all constitutional power to relieve itself from responsibility for Slavery.
And yet one thing further must be done. The Slave Power must be overturned,—so that the National Government may be put openly, actively, and perpetually on the side of Freedom. [Prolonged applause.]