The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-12-21

hat is lawfully" in their power for the abolilio
of slavery, as If, instead OF using the measure
specified In the Constitution and Declaration
the extent permitted by the laws Of the country
they were authorized Dl hose Instruments TO d
every act, for the attainment Of the Oh ects of III
society, not forbidden by the laws OF The land
? A learned ecclesiastical doctor, VINO processes /
be an abotonst, reasoning in similar way, STA
led, just before the last meeting Of the Genera
= Assembly, On, S. that that body had cognzanc
of all ecclesiastical matters not expressly forbid
den by the Presbyterian book of discipline Thu
OLD doctrine was, that all powers not expressly
4delegaed were reserved, and it is apprehendet
that benevolent or religious society, having
written constitution, cannot, any more than civil
government, transcend the power granted. II
however, any ambiguity exists, as to. the interpreta
ton of written constitution, the common way
ascertaining the meaning, and the views and in
tentions Of the trainers, is to inquire into their con
temporaneous and subsequent acts. In this way
the right interpretations of clauses in the Consti
tuition of the United States have been determin.
ed. The Constitution of the American Anti
Slavery Society, therefore, may be interpreted
without difficulty, by the light thrown upon it by
the Declaration, which was almost simultaneously
adopted; by the resolutions and reports adopted
at various annual and other meetings, dscam
ing separate political organization and by the
undsputed import of the Constitution as under
stood, till recently, by the great body of our fellow
members.
1t has been said that the resolution adopted last
August, at the National Convention at Albany
in which we both concurred by which the sub
ect of political action was left to abotionsts in
their different localities, contemplated political or
oaoiyato should circumstances raodor II ov,,o-
dent. Rather, would say, did that resolution
leave the matter IN Stantu Quo,-soceties and in
dividuaIs TO take such order, with regard to I'M
disputed political action, as to them might seem
best. The resolution asserted no aew principle,
but, waving the recommendation Of any specific
course on the subject, left the matter to the udg-
ment of abotionists to act, according the exigcn-
ces that might arise, but agreabIy TO the acknow-
edged principles of the Constitution.
IT, my dear sir, have been able to show, or
if it can be proved by some ADLER pen, that the
formation of distinct BOLTON political party, by
the American Ant-SIavery Society, or any of its
auXlliares is contrary TO our constitution, 1t seems
to follow, as a matter of course that no organ of
the anti-Slavery society should advocate such a
measure, or any officer Of the parent aud other
societies allow himself to be in nomination for Of
fee by such a party. While our present consti-
tuition exists unamended, it appears to me our du-
y 10 conform to its obvious provisions to continue
10 press upon the hearts and consciences of our
countrymen the sacred doctrines avowed in it, to
persist in voting irrespective of party for those,
and those only, who are the friends of impartial
liberty, and immediate emancipation, leaving to
Others who think moral suasion less effective
than separate political action, the responsibility Of
organizing and sustaining an abolition political
party. While they devote their energies to such
measure, let the adherents of the American
Anti-Slavery Society maintain the spirit of the
Constitution, and not, disregarding its letter and
obvious meaning, act upon the doctrine of expedi
ency, so often and strenuously repudiated by the
friends of human rights. Combining ourselves to
the plain provisions of the Constitution, annual
reports and resolutions, abolitioniss need not be
under any apprehension of inacton in their ranks !;
for new modes of action will be presented in the
progress Of the cause that are indisputably ncon-
sistent with what has been, until recently, under
stood to be the principles of our association.
When the Constitution requires amendment
constitutional number can at any time avail them
selves of the provision made in the instrument it.
self by adopting such amendments as the light
afforded by experience may suggest. But until
amendments are made, authorizing separate po-
litica action, by which | mean the formation Of
distinct political abolition party, is it not better to
keep With u pale of the Constitution? In this way
we may hope to commend the cause to the we'll
principed in our land, keep ourselves from the
communicating influences of partizan warfare, and
suspicious Of interested motives, while we conf
IDENTIFY hope for the continued guidance and aid of
the God of the oppressed
What success may have in this letter of con-
vincing you, my dear sir, of the unconstitutional
tendency of measures in agitation or what easy
and convincing way you may have of refuting
my reasoning, l will not venture to anticipate ),
but so clearly does the obligation of total absti-
nence" from any abolition political party appear to
TO my mind, as the duty of the American Anti
Slavery Society," and its Auxiliaries, and their
members, that feel constrained, at the risk of
having my argument refuted, to present this view
of the subject in hope that it may tend to aliay
the spirit so ardently engaged to form distinct
political party, and thus fear, bring about the
prostration of our association as a moral and re-
Igious institution.
With regard and respect, yours &c.
LEWIS TAPPAN.
REPLY.
New YORK, Dec 9, '39.
To Lewis Tapp0n, Esq.
-. r.. H. I