This is not a military monarchy, where the soldier is supreme, but a republic, where the soldier yields to the civilian.

But the law, as it now stands, gives to the soldier an absolute preference in a service which is not military, and which, from its nature, belongs to civil life.

The manufacture of arms is a mechanical pursuit, and, for myself, I can see no reason why it should not be placed in charge of one bred to the business.

Among the intelligent mechanics of Massachusetts there are many fully fit to be at the head of the arsenal at Springfield; but by the existing law all these are austerely excluded from any such trust.

The idea which has fallen from so many Senators, that the superintendent of an armory ought to be a military man, that a military man only is competent, or even that a military man is more competent than a civilian, seems to me as…

But let me assure you, that, in all our political contests, I see no question comparable in practical importance, as surely there is none equal in moral grandeur, to that which is presented by the Free Democracy, and which now enlists your…

It becomes all good citizens to unite in upholding Freedom; nor should any one believe that his single vote may not exert an influence on the struggle.

Here was an exercise of discretion, in obvious harmony with public sentiment and the spirit of our institutions.

Executive sessions with closed doors, shrouded from the public gaze and public criticism, constitute an exceptional part of our system, too much in harmony with the proceedings of other Governments less liberal in character.

The ancient Roman, who bade his architect so to construct his house that his guests and all that he did could be seen by the world, is a fit model for the American people.

I understand him to be a scholar, believing in the demand which Liberty in our country now makes upon every citizen.

I trust he will find the opportunity he covets; and I know of none which promises better than his present plan of a Weekly German Antislavery Newspaper at Washington.

The German emigrant who is not against Slavery here leads us to doubt the sincerity of his opposition to the Tyranny he has left behind in his native land.

Pennsylvania, after an elaborate discussion at the bar, all State legislation on the subject of fugitive slaves was declared unconstitutional and void, while Congress is recognized as the sole depository of power on this subject.

But the States are not without power over the militia.

They may appoint the officers and train the militia.

They touch the enrolment and organization of the militia, and on this account are an assumption of power forbidden by the principle to which I have referred.

The Governor shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the State, and the Militia thereof, excepting when these forces shall be actually in the service of the United States,--and shall have power to call out the same to aid…

The appointment of officers and the training of the Militia shall be regulated in such manner as may hereafter be deemed expedient by the Legislature; and all persons, who from scruples of conscience shall be averse to bearing arms, shall…

Resolved, That no distinction shall ever be made, in the organization of the volunteer militia of this Commonwealth, on account of color or race.

Now the proposition, as amended, I assert, is absolutely consistent with the Constitution of the United States, and, I believe, in conformity with the public sentiment of Massachusetts.

A brief inquiry will show that it is consistent with the Constitution of the United States, and in no respect interferes with the organization of the National Militia.

That Constitution provides for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and gives Congress full power over the subject,--in which particular, be it observed, it is clearly distinguishable from that of fugitive slaves, over whom no…

Now, Sir, upon what ground do gentlemen make any discrimination in the case of the power over the National Militia?

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.