WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1855
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lately been called at the North must be settled. The crisis will come and the agitation of the subject must be put to rest forever. I have a proposition to make by which the slavery question shall be settled. You have all heard of Abby Kelly, the distinguished abolitionist and eloquent advocate of "Woman's Rights." I pro- pose that the South and the North shall each choose a champion for the adjustment of the mooted question between the two sec- tions. I would advise that Miss Abby Kelly should be selected by the North as the champion of abolitionism and women's rights, and that Henry A. Wise be selected as the champion of Southern rights and disunion, and that the combatants meet at the Mason and Dixon line, prepared for mortal combat, each armed for the occasion; the weapons to consist of the bodkin and distaff, and the armor to consist of the short gown and pettycoat. The par- ties shall enter the lists and the signal be given for the onset at the battle cry, "When we meet, we fight." Whoever triumphs in the conflict shall be awarded a finely embroidered apron emblem- atic of the manufacture of that section of the country to which the victor belongs. This will give Henry A. Wise the immor- tality for which he has so long been struggling. He is the man who is said to have caused such :fluttering in the ranks of the American party, when it was reported that he was elected Gov- ernor of Virginia. Some got scared, some quaked with fear, and some got out of it. (Laughter.) Well, I don't know whether we have any right to quarrel with those who have withdrawn from the order or not. I adopt and admire the principles of the American party. It is the only party in my opinion whose principles will maintain the perpetuity of our free institutions. Yet, I have no objections to persons withdrawing from the order, if they are induced to do so from correct motives. I know that men will occasionally withdraw from any party, and individuals may withdraw from motives that I do not impugn-a sense of gratitude for favors conferred, a desire on the part of an individual to reward a friend against whom he cannot vote without ingratitude, or when it is necessary for domestic peace. But when I see a man attach himself to the order from sinister considerations, and failing in his object, suddenly withdraw and become its inveterate enemy, tell its secrets and do everything he can against it, the old familiar aphorism will arise in my mind, "the biggest rogue always turns State's evidence." (Laughter.) I don't say that such things
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