The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-03-02

llleIl we are content TO a.
bide the issue of correct census, whether the abb
olitionists have not as a class as much at stake
in the commonwealth and whether the public has
not as good pledges for our fidelity as citizens, as
any equal number of our oppressors-North or
South
The "Liberator of Ireland" will doubtless feel
awlully when he comes to read the whitening de-
nuncatlon OF the slaveholding American States
man. MIR. Clay ought to calculate on the votes
OF every son Of Erin at the next presidential cleo
ton. We hope our Irish citizens will treasure
up this compliment to OConnell--a STAKEHOLDER
declaring that he "can only obtain contraband
admission" into society," and sis received with
scornlul repugnance into it," As Mr.. Adams
says, terrible very terrible!.
The remarks of Mr.. Clay on the alleged change
Of operations by the aholitioniss, furnish to the
philosophical Observer curious illustration of
the progress Of mems minds during REFORM
The Senator from Kentucky is now prepared to
be quite tolerant towards the movements of abo-
Iitionists if they will confne themselves to "per-
suasve MEANS and "enlightening the understand
ngs" of the shareholders for although it looks
little "presumptuous" for US to think that we who
have experienced liberty know better its value
than those who are stepped in slavery, yet there
is so much kindness in this avowed motive" that
we might even be allowed to go on in our harm
less dlocy, If we will only CONSENT TO do nothing.
We may preach our principles as much as we
please, II we will not attempt to practice them our
selves. Our temperance friends in Massachus-
etts are experiencing the same stage of GONZALES
cense. The champaign drinkers Importers and
even rum sellers, are all now nightly in favor Of
temperance as moral enterprise. Keep to your
"persuason," gentlemen, and "enlighten the I'M
derstandngs" of the people, it is glorious enter
prise, and every body wishes you success, if you
will confne it to its original plan, moral move
ment, but don't let it down into the dirty of
political action. Very good advice, and no doubt
very we'll meant in either case, especially as COM
ing from those who have deliberately and definite
ly made up their minds to stand out against all
possible influence of persuasion and light! We
know how to appreciate the favor.
But the senator is in error (no doubt misled by
the fasehoods of venal press, when he ought
to have informed himself at the fountain head,)
in stating that abolitonists have "recently resolv
ed to change their system OF action" and "noW
propose to substitute the powers of the ballot box"
Now, we can inform this wise statesman, that the
Convention which formed the American Anti-Sla-
very Society recognized in their public Declara-
ton of Sentiments, "the highest obligations rest
ing upon the people of the free States, to remove
slavery by moral and political action, as prescrib-
ed by the Constitution of the United States. -
And therefore, if he will prove upon US depar-
ture from our original plan of operation he must
convict US of violation of the U. S. Constitu
ton.
The true secret of the matter is, that our polit-
cal action was not deemed of any consequence,
when we were handful of some dozens, scatter
ed through the Union. But now, when it is de-
monstrated that the abolitionists, by holding the
balance of power can if they choose to act ogeth-
err, control the elections in every state and in the
nation, our awakened and SCARED sentry rubs his
eyes and exclams, Why, l did not think you
would act abolitonism at the polls" What ifI
you did not think Of it, We told you we should
do it, and we mean to employ all the just and law
full instruments and influences in our power, till
slavery is abandoned. Our warning is fair, and
has been so from the beginning. Let those who
slight it blame themselves
When, at the close of the fall election the servie
prints declared that political abolition was mere
minus quantity, we ventured to predict that the
Shareholders would not so consider it, and that the
calculating political wire-workers would not de-
spise it. And now we find the great slaveholding
statesman saying on the floor of the U. S, SEN
ate, Mr.. President, it is at THIS ALARMING
STAGE OF THE PROCEEDINGS of the ul-
ira abolitionsts, that would invite every consd-
crate man in the country solemnly to pause, and
deliberately to reflect, not merely on or existing
posture, but upon that dreadful precipce down
which they would hurry u.s." Is Henry Clay
startled at shadow, or alarmed at the political
movements of power which is proved to be mi
nus quantity?
But we, too, reiterate the solemn warning of
this political seer. 1t is time for " every consid-
crate man to pause" Let the din of political strife
cease for awhile, Let the hurry of trade be sus-
pended. Let even speculation stand still. Let
the nation " solemny pause, and deliberately re-
feet" 1t is time, when the slaves of this nation,
already equal in numbers the nation that achieved
our independence: When nations of freed blacks
are springng up all around us: When the eye
of the civilized world is turned in full glare upon
our crime: When it is become apparent that the
first shake of the political earthquake which
reaches our shores must throw down the walls of
the prison-house, and loose the chains Of the
,aptives Surely, it is time for solemn pause, that
we may for once reflect on our position 0, that
the nation would cease from mobs, and gags, and
murders, and reflect" Reflection may save us.
There is yet hope for US. The mercy of God is
not clean gone But" our present position" is full
Of danger, and there is dreadful precpice" just
before us, from which we firmly believe the exist