The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-05-15
ARnL.rTION.

ABOLITION.
Those who have read what we have written
on the subject of abolition, and who have seen
the terms in which we were denounced BY the
Globe and the Richmond Enquirer, as agitators,
for our efforts to arouse the south to a sense OF
the danger to be apprehended from it, VIII be
surprised to learn, that whilst we are earnest IN
our support of Gen. Harrison, the Globe and Eli
quirer are denouncing him because, they assert
he is supported by the abolitionists.
Those who have noted public sentiment ON this
question, know that when we foresaw and tore
told the growth of abolition, and warned the
south of its progress, the Globe and Enquirer
ridiculed our Judgment and denounced our zeal
1t is natural that these should like to know no"
it is that quite at ease, while these papers
are endeavoring to make the Presidential cleo
ton turn exclusively on the slave question!
This position of things is strange, but 1t Is
easily explained SO long as the abolitionists'as
a party, had political strength, the Globe and
Enquirer were afraid to assail them, because
they thereby endangered MIR. Van Buren's PoPu-
larity but no sooner had public Indignation oeen
aroused, and abolition, as political influence
received its quietus, than the Globe and Enquirer
unite in denouncing it, and labor to the extent OF
their influence, to make the Presidential election
turn upon it.
The moment Mr.. Clay delivered his abolition
speech, we considered the question settled. And
had he made that speech two years sooner, he
j Al. a.rainSt
Van Buren,, instead of Gen Harrison. He was
too late in taking his stand. He followed Mr.
Van Buren, instead of leading him, as he might
have done; but by following as he did do, he
struck the death blow to abolition
II is mlnifest that Mr.. Van Buren, and his par
ty, were induced to take the ground they have
taken, in relation to abolition, with view to
conciliate the South, and is most probable that
had Mr. Clay gone in advance, and occupied the
Southern ground ON that question, he would have
rallied the south around him, and that in that
Ease, Mr. VanBuren, finding the Northern ground
open to him, would have been, at least, non COM
initial, and have given his countenance to aboli-
ion, and thus have preserved their influence
Mr.. Clay, finding that Mr.. Van Buren, had for
,nce committed himself, like an able and patriot
C statesman, came forward, and by denouneing
abolition as it should be denounced, rallied his
party friends against it, and sealedits fate for
lears to come. The difference between us and
he Globe and Enquirer, is, that when there was
LANCER, we breasted the storm, and labored in
mall minority, until Van Buren, and his federal
,halanx, were driven into the ranks as the enc
MES of abolition. When the danger was over,
We ceased to agitate. But they, when the dan
,er is over, the false clamor against Gen. Har
ison, & attempt identity him with the abolition
SITS, because they now believe that abolition is
'dious. We tell the South, and they may rely
IN our words, for we have never deceived them,
hat on this subject, Gen. Harrison is sound, and
more to be relied on, than Mr.. Van Buren,. More
hereafter.