| Summary: | In the statement the delegates list the main points of the Alabama Platform, which had been rejected by the convention, and then formally withdraw from the gathering: "The points of difference between the Northern and Southern Democracy are: 1st. As regards the status of slavery as a political institution in the Territories, whilst they remain Territories, and the power of the people of a Territory to exclude it by unfriendly legislation; and 2d. As regards the duty of the Federal Government to protect the owner of slaves in the enjoyment of his properties so long as they remain such. This Convention has refused, by the platform adopted, to settle either of these propositions in favor of the South. We deny to the people of a Territory any power to legislate against the institution of slavery; and we assert that it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its departments, to protect the owner of slaves in the enjoyment of his property in the Territories. These principles, as we state them, are embodied in the Alabama platform....Instructed as we are, not to waive this issue, the contingency, therefore, has arisen when, in our opinion, it becomes our duty to withdraw from this Convention. We beg, sir, to communicate this fact through you, and to assure the Convention that we do so in no spirit of anger, but under a sense of imperative obligation, properly appreciating its responsibilities, and cheerfully submitting to its consequences." The statement was printed in SPEECH DELIVERED IN THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION, CHARLESTON, APRIL 28, 1860.
|
|---|
