The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-07-13

work on Emancipation in the West Indies" will
be perused with interest. twas addressed to the
Secretary Of the Ohio Aati-Slavery Society at its
late meeting,
O6eyln May 23d, 1899.
My DEAR FRIEND 1t would have afforded me
great pleasure, could have complied with your
solicitations to attend the approaching annver-
sary of the State Anti Slavery Society; but it
seems to be out of my power assure you have
felt very strong promptngs, aside from your ur-
gent invitation, to be present on this occasion.
There will be brought together many from various
parts of the state among WHOM it was my priv
lege to labor during the earlier and teebler con-
flcts of this growing cause. | earnestly desire to
look upon their well remembered faces, to grasp
their hands once more and to bespeak them,
"watchmen, what of the night 2" There will be
assembled others who are later converts to the
cause-who were more tardy in giving in their
adherence, but | trust are no less hearty now.
Perhaps among these night recognize some who
four years ago were the avowed opposers, or at
least the Indifferent hearers of an unworthy la
borer-and am sure it would afford peculiar
qualification 10 them at last on the side ofmer-
cy and human rights. | feel, morever strong
desire to embrace so favorable an opportunity of
noting the progress of our cause since we assem-
bled in the Granville Barn, surrounded with the
weapons of defence and the threats of drunken
mob. That was the last Anniversary have been
permitted to attend. The three interesting years
since have doubtless given great extension to our
principles in this state; for it is impossible that
Such principles, vital and commanding, identi-
cal with the foundation truths of our state and Ma
tional Governments, emanating from the word of
God-should be proclaimed without meeting a re-
Spouse and a welcome in some hearts in every
place. When | consider the activity of your
press, the multiplication Of pamphlets and books,
and the assiduous labors of living lecturers within
the bounds of our state, am almost ready to ex-
claim what now remains to be done, but to unite
in congratulations and thanksgivings? But my
impulses are checked-my emotions are chilled
when | open my eyes upon present realities. In
stead of exuting over the deliverance of the slave
and what else in the name of liberty and truth
should we be doing at this late period, in this time
of mental and spiritual illumination, in this day of
the outgoings of generous sympathies over the
earth, no,D when the Islands Of the sea are clap
ping their unfettered hands-instead of exulting
over the deliverance of the American slave, alas
we are constrained to mourn the thraldom
and degradation of Ohio's own citizens. While
we should be focking up from the four quarters
on cheerful feet to commemorate the burial of the
last chain and whip; o shame! we are compelled
TO drag our own fetered limbs to a melancholy
convocaon, called to consult over our own wrongs,
and to devise a redemption from own oppres-
sons.-Y GU cannot, my dear sir, but know to what
aude. The late enactments of our Legislature,
IN obedience to the arrogant demands of a sister
state are too notorious to be for a moment over
looked. Ohio laws have enslaved Ohio citizens
The representatives the creatures Of the day, have
yoked their own constituents to the car of power
and party. A rod of iron has smitten the face of
free Ohio. A chain has gone over hill and valley
of her free SOIL and that chain has been riveted
to the staple of Kentucky slavery by parricidal
hands. A deep broad stain Of foul disgrace has
spread from centre to circumference over Consti-
tuition, laws, Institutions, every thing of which
we had reason to be proud A worse than van
dial determination has been ordered among the
best dictates and kindliest warnings of our hearts.
The promptngs of pity and the gushngs of
sympathy toward the outcast wanderer, have been
intimidated by the array Of bailiffs, lctors, and
prison walls and dungeon damps The hand of
charity stretched forth to relieve, has been palsicd
by law. The voice of brotherhood opening upon
a strangers ear, has been hushed by stern COM
mand. Benevoence has been made criminal, and
obedience to Christ punishable with fines and i'm
prisonment. sentinel has been stationed at ev-
ery freeman's door to watch who goes in and who
comes out. A censor has been appointed over
every freemans table and wardrobe to prescribe
who shall receive loaf of bread and who coat.
A lock has been fastened upon every freeman's
well, with orders to whom the cup of cold wafer
shall be disposed. An arrest has been laid upon
every freeman's baggage, and every vehicle North
ward bound is subject to halt and countermarch
A system of the basest espionage has been estab-
tabished in time of peace, among neighbors and
fellow citizens, which converts every mans own
household into spies and informers. All this and
more has been perpetrated amongst us in 1899.
Then, brethren, is there nothing to do? While
The enactments of the last Legislature defiIe our
Statute book, have we nothing to do? Before God
we are in our measure responsible for the contln-
nance of the black laws. Let us not, beseech
you. be lued into inactivity by the consideration
hat these laws are likely TO be imperative. What (
S this to US? Shall we be willing to walk under
he whip, because it may not for time descend
upon us in stripes Shall we consent to have
nanacles made in the chambers of our Capitols,
md stored up in the public vaults, and remain at
ase because they are not already fitted to our
wrists No. Let us be resolved upon undoing I
What has already been done as the only means of
edeeming our state from reproach and our necks
rom the yoke.
With the earnest nraver that God NAV grant