The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-01-13
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.
DIR. channing reproves the aholitionsts, aud rep
rebates mobs. In these respects his book conforms
to public sentiment.-The conduct of the abolition
lists is bad, and tha, of mobs is worse but how one
or the other can be the appropriate subject of his
imadyerson is not easily perceived.
A man who adopts his doctrine may be EXPECTED
to act upon it, very li;tle Infusion OF zeal would
make such an one fnatc. II be preserved his
reason to enable him to act consistently, and bee,
ed his immortal welfare depended On re}0rgiRg 9TH
peoples siRs, could hardly be blamed for any ex
trayagancc of actionThe aboltionisi, If he is sin-
cere, must be extravagant. The blame rests on
those who inculcate the principles rather than on
the disciple who receives it.
Hence il is that IN the book the reproof is very
moderate, aud mingled with much praise. Indeed
it is received in Kindness by its objects. Their
leading journal, certainly edited with much talent
and ability, has proclaimed DIR. Channing TO be the
prince of abolitionists.
In respect to mobs, they are well represented as
the usurpers of the peoples rights and the mperson-
alton of despotism. Ii would be well If the senti-
ment expressed recently in the face of of them
by worthy Alderman of our City could be ad5r
ted by our whole community, over my dead body
said he,-shall they only be able TO triumph over
the laws.
Still to practical moralist the question returns,
whether he who does that which will excre mob
is not IN some degree guilty of its exeesses.
Suppose he only exercises his abstract right. II
he knows before hand the probable consequences
of his action, how much of the blame attaches to
himself! Because he may strike u spark with his
own flint aud steel, sLnll hebe permitted to do so
over cask of gunpowderl
II is sand if he does right aud the mob wrong, the
blame is theirs and not his. ! agree ha, they are
blameahle and punishable but is he also, under
these circumstances, free from ccnsurel
If we take human nature as we find it, we are
sure that men, physically free, will resent what they
deem insult aud injustice aud, when they know
the law will not redress the supposed wrong, that
I they will take the remedy into their own hands.
lie therefore, who adyertises abolMion meeting,
If be has reasonable ground b.liovo viii pro-
duce disturbance of the public peace, has an ac-
count to settle with his conscience, should such dis
turbance follow.
If meat-snys the aposlle-mskotb my brother to
offend, | will eat no meat while the world lastcih.
Upon principles of established law ] have some
doubt IN regard To the legality of meetings which
are known beforehanded TO be the cause OF q mob
A man was recently subjected to punishment by
common law (Which is our law) for exhibiting udi-
circus pictures in his shop window whereby a crowd
was collected that obstruced the streets. There
was nothing improper in the pictures, and they were
placed in the mans own shop. But day after day
people collected around them, and all business in
the neighborhood was prevented. Good sense, says
the Court requires that he shall not his own
right, that by the common operation of humun mo-
tves the peace oithe community will necessarily be
disturbed
# has long been law TINT a rnountcbank who col
ocis Il crowd IN the street in front of his place of
exhibition, to the disturbance Of the neighborIood,
Is nuisance aud what is abolition meeting hut
Re,o hiad NJ ..saLg aUiNApE, IN which people urc
invited 10 sec how the might be baed dry
with clam-shcll
These n,obs will cease when such specinclcs
cease All good citizens will discountcnance them
under all circumstances and at all times But If
the tide Of popular feeling bursts its barriers and
sweeps over the law, the blame attaches to those
whose moon-sick fancics raise these unmanagcablc
floods.
Reformcrs often dcspse all considerations which
inicipose between them aud their objects. They
carried away by an enthusiasm, which disregards
the elements and though sometimes great occn-
sions their zeal may be the of success,
generally makes shpwrccks of their enterprise 1t
would be beti% let discretion be their tutor Pru-
dence, f it be homey virtue, is always a safe one.
NuIIuin numen abea
81 si Prudenia iecum
have no doubt DIR. Chnnning thinks his book
will do the State service In exposing its
rors / think the same.
The freedom with which have done this is not
Inconsistent with high respect for his talents and
his character. 1t is demanded by higher regard
to the tranquility Of the country, the preservation Of
The Union aud the cause Of TRUTu.
"
Encouragement TO QnockS.--A qtack doctor
Gently died IN Paris, says GaIlguani, worth five
millions francs. lie had never entrusted any one
with the secret Of his panacea, which he called
Elixir Of Life, or similar title in French
On his death bed, be requested his son continue
the business, stating that his medicine was COM
posed Of nothing but filtered wsier mixed with
useless ingredients TO make 1t taste agreeable.
" But, added he, you must always recommend With
it diet aud exercise" The young man did not
ft 10 take the advice, his father had already
gulIed the public sufficiently FOR geniec support.
yoaire sometimes consulted physicians, and
even quacks, without having any high opinion Of
the eificncy of art 10 cure the disorders Of the hu