Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-07-06
SLAVERY.

We are glad to fiud sentiments like those
which follow. from the Augusta (Ga.) Constltu-
tionalst, in southern paper. Some Of the prints
in that region are more disposed to magaify,
unjus,ly, the rawlings Of faua.icism. than TO give
the New England people credit for sober refiec-
ton and honesty of purpose.
For some weeks past, we have, with extreme
reluctance, devoted portion OF our columns to
the recent discussion of what has been denomna-
ted the ..slave question:" 1t Is one which no
prudent man ever publicly agi'a'es, unless
urged by absolute necessity. This necessity
is the only justification of the part which we
have so unwillinsly taken. Certain presses
of the sosth have endeavured to spread an alarm.
which we believe to be grossly exaggerated, if
not entirely unfounded. .rhe quotations which
| we have had occasion to produce, must convince
every dispassionate reader. that the mass OF coz
porthprn fellow citizens, disavow any desire 70
interfere with the subject in question. Fana-
| tics there may be among them as there are
every where else. who would hazard the s1pNsr-
sion of social order, in prosecuting the schemes
of Iunatic philanthropy. But the good sense
of the north discerns, and reprobates, the deu-
abstract opinions might incline them to be in
imica, are nevertheless duly Impressed. by the
great practical truth, that their first act of IN
reference is a signal for the dissolution of the
Union. No purpose to disturb our local institu-
tions, can be fixed upon any body Of men, who
either possess, or are likely TO be the possessors
of political puwer. There Is no demand for a
political movement on our part. Whenever the
necessity does arise, there will, there can he no
hesitation. A want of senstiveness in relation
to this matter, is no fault of our people On the
contrary, experience demonstrates, that in every
cast exgencr, they have rather exceeded than
fallen short. Our case, our residence. our most
mperious interests are the sure guarantees oil uni
versal vigilance and zeal.
But this recent sounding of the tocsin is not
merely superHuous: II Is most 1agrant Indis-
cretiun, which directly tends to create the very
evil which is deprecated. A few maniaca pro-
jrctors issue incerdaty publications thousand
miles off: these oeeasiona y appear among US.
but in numbers so small as to render them ob
jrcts OF curiosity: and they are moreover almost
unanimously denounced in the very communi-
ties where they originate. Under these circum
stances. what has been the course adopted by
some Of those who affect the peculiar guardian
ship Of the public security They have select
ed the yilest and most dangerous passages from
these very papers, and repubshrd them in their
own journals, to which every reading individual
in the country has tie readiest access. They
have connected with them also, comments, ap
parenty intended to produce a belief that the
people Of the north sanction the projects OF the
revoiui0nists, and are inclined to support them.
Does charity forbid US to regard such conduct az
madness? Does not charity itself indeed sug-
gest some temporary eclipse OF jadgment,o or rams.
port of passion, as the only possible excuse tor
this monstrous impoicyf We make great al
lowance fur the rage Of political warfare. in which
combatants are tempted hastily to avail them.
selves Of any resource that promises Immediate
advantage. without advertIDg to the ultimate ef-
feet. But it is time that this frenzy had subsi,.
ed. If the public did really need a warning, that
warning has now at least been fully given. The
habituai discussion OF such topic, IN OF domes.
tic new spapers, il man,festy an evil not to be
endured. IL hostile policy is pr cached against
us, under the guise of philanthropy, or attempt.
ed in practice, through secret machinaion. I'VE
shall best cuurteract it BY quiet vigilance. and
firm moderation If the general government in.
terferes with our rights. there Is an end OF the
matter-we repeat 1.-THE Union is dissolved
But we may he certain, that should Congress
ever cherish the design, the evidence ut it will be
uneQuvocaI, since their measures cannot steal
upon US in the dark. Nor do we think that such
an event need he anticipated. The inevitable
consequences are as well known in Boston as in
Charleston, in Cincinnati as in Augusta; and
that knowledge itself IS our ample security against
political moIestati0n. But to conclude: waving
all further controversy concerning present ndi-
cations or future possibilities, we entreak every
sincere friend Of the South, whatever his party,
maturely to reflect on the disastrous tendencies
OF the present agitation, which. we ybelievc.
is promoting the purposes of our enemies more
than all that they themselves have ever spoken,
written or DONE
Serious .4ccidem Yesterday afternoon, the
Rev. Dr.. M,IledoIer, President Of Rutgers Col,
Iege, New Jersey, fell into The vault of the mid
die aisle of the North Church, opened for the re.
cep'ion Of The body Of the Rev. Dr.. Kuypers.-
Although much bruised, il affords Us great plea.
sure to state, that up to twelve o'clock this day,