The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-04-25
MISCELLAN Y.
FaoM THE HALLowELn GAZETTE.
SLAVERY IND COMPROMISE,


By tho late vote of Congress an almost un-
| limited range is given TO the evils of Slavery.
| The legislative power Of the nation has sane
| toned this crime under circumstances that must
| ever be lamented. The compromise introduced
| into the bill for the admission of Missouri, has
been considered by some ample apology for
| the sacrifice Of much that is essential to the
Liberties Of the nation. II important therefore.
that the public should understand tie nature Of
| the concessions made by the advocates of slave.
w. II they are valuable let them have their
weight if Elusive let the world know it. For
| this purpose, we call the attention of our readers
! TO the following paragraphs from the Address to
the People of Maine by four Of our Represent
atives in Congress.
1.-THE lessons which have been ipculcatcd in
the discussion ofthe questions, in relation to Maine
and Missouri. should forever herea be borne
in mind Missouri il now to be admitted as
slave holding State. Arkansas is next to follow.
Thus ihi. principle of union this IA Lying point
is to be extended and strengthened. The Indian
title to the residue of the louisiana country is
not yet extipguished. Till il shall be, the coun-
try cannot be settled, and it will depend on two
thirds of the Senate whether the title ever shall
be extnguished as treaty can be made for its
| extingushment, bat by the concurrence OF two
thirds of that body. Till the restriction as TO
slavery shall be removed, no dc ubt need be en-
tertained, that more than one third of that body
will be found in opposition to any such treaty
In this way they may prevent the formation OF
any new non slave holding states, west Of the
Missouri. In this way too, they may prevent the
possibility of having their influence impaired
but on the other hand. will secure its increase.
"By way of sweet ening this bitter draught,
regulation is annexed in relation TO territory,
west and north of Missouri, which is not yet pur-
chased from the Indians. and which, il may be
intended, never shall purchase. And this is
called compromises
According to the foregoing statement, striking.
~ deceptive is any provision which hereafter
rcstr aims slavery. Pitiful indeed must be the
consolation which any advocate Of freedom can
draw from his fountain to assuage the feelings of
regret for having surrendered the honor Of the
nation. So far as the extension Of slavery is the
Law Of the land. it shosld be obeyed. But the
doctrines which have recently grown out Of tho
scussion, breathe spirit of subservence,
which degradcs the character of freemen. The
advantages Of the federal compact are seen and
felt as well IN the prosperity ofthe South as the
welfare Of the North. Forever sacred then, be
the Constitution which unites Equally
sacred should be the right 10 expose innovations
which impair the strength and glory Of the Union.
Conflicting interests require forbearance and
foresight. They are often managed by the am
bilious To hewilder the honest.-A question in-
volving the extension of slavery called for that
patriotism which has the strength of education
and the energy of correct national feeling, that
purity Of spirit, which the memory of the revc-
Int ion can alone awaken. Where do we find
that culpable indifference 10 the security Of the
union Who urged the fearful alternative Of
slavery and power the dissolution ofthe federal
compact From whatever quarter such threat
eniugs arise, are the faithful friends Of freedom
to shrink from their duty IL the extent OF
slavery involved merely the evils Of expediency
the utmost defereuce should be paid to an ad-
.ntted misfortune. But when innovations ara
pressed with all the earnestness Of interest and
ambition--when the foundations Of freedom itself
are assailed by display ofpower it is to be re.
GREETED, that the advocates ofslsyery should owe
that to fear, which argument, natSral justice and
constitutional right forever barred. Hitherto
the subject Of Slavery has been introduced with
deep regret. Eninen statesmen, who knew its
dangers and have lived amid ths wretchedness
and luxury il occasions, have deplorcd the conse.
quences, which must flow from SO much injustice
and crime. Now, that is considered as an ac-
oession Of power, which was once lamented as an
evil. Slavery now assumes more attractive adj
want ges, and whoever questions its right Is held
up as hostile to the best interests Of the country
One would suppose from the complexion If some
Of the speeches on the late question, that the
south had nothing TO do but proclaim its de-
termination TO withdraw from the Union. And
even in the non-slaveholding states there are
those who affect to tremble with Anxiety .f one
word is said against such unwarrant able pre-
tensions. They can see the principles Of liberty
destroyed but instead Of raising their voice "a
gainst the boldest innovations, seek to direct
public attention from the real cause of danger.
They withhold that communication, which tho
open unyieing friends Of freedom deserve, and
by nsinuation endeavor TO pour upon the adj
vocates Of slavery all the blessings Of unusual
dscemment, admiration and gratitude. But
the people will never sanction injustice so fla
grant. The non-slavehoding community have
witnessed the manner in which this subject has
been discussed and carried Let them cooperate
in the noble work TO correct and strengthen
public opinion. Abroad the nation must be bran
ded with Inconsistency oftbe deepest hue.-Our
records of freedom, it is well known, bear no
testimony in favor OF slavery ;--our constitution
proclaim. the land an asylum for the oppressed
the declaration of independence disclains the
crime Of slavery the principles Of the revolu-
ton condemn it ;-natural justice revolts at it ;
and christianity 10 shocked at its onormities.