His practice corresponded with his theory.

His speeches, his votes, his entire labors in Congress, were confined strictly to practical subjects, vitally connected with the great interests of our common country, and had no political or party bearing, other than such as truth and public good might possess.
His hostility to slavery and the assumptions and usurpations of slave power in the councils of the nation, continued to the day of his death.

At the commencement of each session of Congress, he demanded that the infamous "gag rule," which forbid the presentation of petitions on the subject of slavery, should be abolished.

But despite its continuance, he persisted in handing in petitions from the people of every class, complexion and condition.

He did not hesitate to lay before the House of Representatives a petition from Haverhill, Mass., for the dissolution of the Union! Although opposed in his whole soul to the prayer of the petitioners, yet he believed himself sacredly bound to listen with due respect to every request of the people, when couched in respectful terms.
In vain did the supporters of slavery endeavor to arrest his course, and to seal his lips in silence.