The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-09-16

general emancipation of the slaves. And yet th'
pretended friends of the blacks exert themselves tc
dssuade those that have been freed from accepting
this boon, and the slaves from accepting it with rhe
freedom. Nothing, We think, could more complete
ly unrnask them aud expose the insncerity of thei
professions of humanity and philanthropy.
ResOired, That in the opinion of this meeting
the bitter denunciations which the aboltionists in
cessantly pour ont upon the southern slave proprie
tors, calling them pirates, manstealers, robbers ano
murderers as unj just they are foul and inde-
cent, not only because the present propretors had
no agency in the introduction of slavery into those
States and probably regret that it introdu-
ced, but, because, from the whole history of the At
rcan race, from the total failure of the many phi
lanthropc attempts and exertions which have been
made, both in their native country and IN the
West Indies to cyilise and render them capable OF
self government; it has long been the opinion OF
many intelligent and rejecting men that the cond-
ton of moderate servitude, under humane proprie-
tors and the protection of humane laws is their hap
piest condition and that the burthens and evils of
slavery fall chiefly if not wholly upon their propr-
etors.
Resoired, That whether these opinions be
rect or erroneous it is certain that, in the people OF
the slave-holding States exclusively and solely re-
sides the right and the power of judging and decid-
ing upon all questions and concerns relating to sla-
very within their respective limits, and any interfer
ence attempt at interference, with that ght and
power by the United States, or by others of the in
divdual States, or any of their citizens, would
be unwarrantable act of aggression and hostility,
which the offended and injured State would have
Just right to resent repel and punish. The sover-
eign power of the people of the respective States is
only limited or qualified by the grant of powers
made by them to the federal government. That
sovereign power was not derived from any govern
ment earth. 1t was asserted, obtained and Sc
cured by the States themselves when they achieved
their independence: and instead of being interfered
federal government, created as it was, and by all
he people of all the States in Union.
Resoiced That the obligation which, by the
avs of nations, every Independent State is under to
Ill others to restrain its citizens, and all per-
sons within its jurisdiction from acts of aggression,
md for all practices and Vaccinations affecting their
Welfare, ought to be most strongly felt, and most
Union, bound together in harmony as they are, by
heir own solemn compact On such occasions the
varmest professions of sympathy the strongest
expressions of isapprobation of such practices are
10 discharge of that obligation.
Resolved, That attempts, whether direct or indi-
ect, secret open, and by whatever means carried
n. to render the slaves of the South ,iscontented
nth their lot, to inlamc them with hatred and re-
enge against their masters, and thus to excite them
insurrecon with all its train of horrors involv-
,g the destruction of the slaves themselves are
rimes the most attrocious, and for which no pun |
hment can be too severe.-For those who arc gull |
of such attempts are consprators against the
eace, safety, rights and lives of the whole white I
opulation of the slave holding states-against the
overnment of those States and the Union itself.
Resolced, That whatever may be the real design
the present abotionsts, there can be no mistake
'out the tendency of their proceedings. Alarmed
their turn, at the universal excitement and indig
,tion which their practices have caused through
It the non slave holding well as the slave hold
o states the chief leaders and officers of their as
citation have recently published "a declaration of
cir principles and objects" with smooth and paus-
lie " explanations and assurances of their inno- J
nee: They declare that they rely wholly upon
cts and arguments and moral influences, for the at
inment of their object and they call upon the
,blic to take notice that no proofs are brought a.
inst them. Unfortunately the numberess inflam-
Dry and sedtous articles contained in their own
,riodical papers, purportiug on the front of them
be "published for the American anti Slavery So c
ety" furnish condemning proofs of the ncincerity
this declaration They pretend that their address
$ are to the hearts and eonsciences of the masters
the 'laces and their apOlogists But in their pub
cations (sent to every body but to the masters TO
lnm they they adiroSSnh d