The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-02-16
From the Massachusetts Abolitionist.
Senator Morris, of Ohio.

The following is an extract of letter recently
addressed by this gentleman, to an Ohio Editor,
in regard to his failure to be reelected to the U.
S. Senate. 1t will be recollected that he is
democrat" of the most ultra school, and a warm
supporter of Mr. Van Buren, and the Sub-Treasu-
nv. We honor and applaud his independendence.
Zeal democracy was never made to "basely bow
the knee to the spirit of slavery" and 1t mecer
1oiU Such men as Thomas Morris, William
Leggett, and William Cullen Bryant, will never
sacrifice this humanity on the altar of party
Let democracy abolitionists honor themeves by
trcading in such footsteps.-Ed Ato.
could enlarge on this subject, but fear have
already been tedious. have not set down one
word in bitterness but with the most entire res
pect to the Legislature of my State. But it
seems my opinions as expressed on slavery, are
thought of sufficient importance to ostracise me.
This is in exact accordance with the demands of
the Shareholders; "you shall not express an opin-
ion against our slavery institutions if you d. we
will revenge injury" say those Stockholders
Does the democracy Of Ohio respond TO this sem
timent, and say we want no one to belong to
ranks who speaks against slavery, for that vii!
make southern gentlemen very wrathy? drop
the subject; grow sick at the reflection; hope it
may all be fancy, but fear its reality. | have
never, to my recollection, brought forward or ur
ged single proposition in favor of the trodden
down and suffering slave my only apology be-
fore God and my country, is, that have AS yet
discovered no ray of hope for him, until public o.
pinion shall become more united and vigorous in
his behalf In order to keep his fetter secure, as
| said in letter to friend, the freedom of speech
and debate on his behalf, is stricken down. and
now lies dead in the halls of Congress. But
rejoice to know that when individual rights have
been broken down. and trodden upon by Congress,
they have found support in the State Legisla-
lures and when liberty has been stranged there,
she has been resusc:,ated by the people, and be-
slowed upon the common birth-right. TO pre-
serve the constitutional rights of man, has been
my constant objects. There is, perhaps, no in
stance to be found, in which the first advocates of
liberty in any country, were not few in number.
and a prosecuted race, by those who in power
were gaining by the oppression of others. They
have been branded with every odious epithet, and
charged with seeking to destroy the peace and
their opinions has been prohibited, because pow
er unrighteousy exercised, always seeks to carry
on its operations secretly, darkly, and without ex-
animation by others. Do not suppose that | re-
gret the loss of power; would not wish to exer.
else it against the opinion of my State nor would
wish its possession for moment ii | should
feel constrained to use it to depress destroy hu
man liberty.
feel devotedly thankful to my Maker, and
deeply grateful to my State, for the situation oc-
cupy, where my humble name appears upon the
highest records of my country, in opposition to A.
merican slavery, and among the friends of the
poor trodden down and broken hearted slave.
lhave no wish to occupy any station in which
all the powers of my mind may be fully exercised
in this high, and, permit me to say, holy duty, al
ways subject to the laws of the country in which
| may be. And when the hand of time shall
point to the last hour Of my existence, trust that
my fervent prayer may be that the Almighty in
his good time will deliver the negro race from that
cruel slavery under which they are now groaning,
and that the liberties and happiness of my coun-
Try may be perpetual. That this will be accom-,
plished in good time there be but little doubt;
and that an everything Providence will so order
the affairs of our land, that this event may take
place without disturbing the peace of our people,
trust is the ardent desire Of every citizen who
is attached to the principles upon which our gov.
crnmcnt rests,
am, with respect yours, SC.
THOMAS MoRRIs,