Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-03-29

mediate vicinity, particularly devoted to the sub
Ject OF slavery, we have not deemed il either our
own duty, or the desire of our readers generally,
to take pnrt in the discussion of abolition move
ments, except so far us these movements have di
recty ntericrcd in The politics of the state and
have thus become matters interesting and impor-
ian TO the party with which our paper 10 Identified.
Political abolition we look upon as upon other
purely political questions; and we have been OPP
posed and are still opposed to it, thing only
mischievous in all its bearing. Hence we have Ia
ken the liberty Of quoting from high nti'savery
authority DIR. Channing aud others against par
ty action. This has ELECTED the following ar
Gle, and two more in a similar spirit, from ven
cradle friend, who we are glad 10 sec, is opposed
to tie prof Jet of third party. But as to his pro-
Ject, OF all entire separation of the North and the
South in the mnter of slavery, aud an entire abso
luton of the former from all responsibility in il,
and a complete assumption of a responsibility
by the South: we apprehcnd that Ibis project
substitutes political mot purify for moral means, x
il adopted hy the North and South and carried u
ly out, vii he i'll fact n dissolution Of The Union.
Ii strikes us that it is hut cXpedeut to avoid,
not moral but political responsibility which is
supposed TO exist; and to be pfertual, cannot stop
short OF M entire political separation from Tie slave
states. Indeed, slight examination will show, we
believe, that the only political responsibility of
the free states tor slavery arises from the fact thai
they Joined the slave states in forming the federal
lies took each Other MS do the husband and wife.
"ior better or for worse The only remedy must
be diUOrce Then, it is TO be remarked, This does
not help the slave. The Union is gone, but sluv-
cry remains. Surely there must he better way
than this Stick to the Unon-abde by the con-
sttution We may save AT least these; yea, save
them aud enjoy them yet, undsturbcd by slavery.
There is more hope for the slave in The Union
Than out of it. Take one thing to which friend
Bayley Objects viz. the duty Of the federal gov
eminent to put down instruction: what could he
II stronger inducement for state To abo iSh slav-
cry, than this very guaranty that she could com
mand the whole power of the nation to maintain
peace? Willie we give to our Old and very VOL
thy friend a hearing, we must say thai in stri-
wing to avoid what lie considers countenanclng
slavery, he would strengthen slavery, and proba-
bly, dissolve the union itself
For the Watchmdn and Journal.
MOL.
Mr.. WALToN,-l am glad TO see in the Watch
man the remarks of Dr. Claiming Political or
ganiZa,ion for abolition purposes. The spirit is
excellent, and the remarks deserve serious consid
Grafton. Could the greut body of Aboionsis
unite in any political organization, might acqui-
esce but should still have my fears. ] think
the subject should he discussed, but not pushed
forward. The opinions ofsuch men as Dr. Chan
ming are too important TO be Sighted. His views
may be correct and do most heartily say with
him "abstain us rigdy from the Of political
power against slavery in The states, where it is
tabished, MS from exercising it agains; slavery IN
foreign communities: free ourselves from all obi
CATION to use the powers Of the national, or state
governments in any manner whatever for the sup
port of Slavery" Do This and the gnt and re.
sponsility would rest where i: ought to rest.
The free states and the nation would no longer he
partakers in the sin of Southern slavery. On the
slave-hodng states, who commit The crime, would
the disgrace and the punishment rest. Do this,
onIx oh hnua No linn tIp 20
menis, or Florida war to support slavery; should
need no standing army TO overawc the slaves
should be under nc obligation 10 send our troops
to crush the coored man, WHO dared to strike for
Liberty should no longer have OCCASION to pei
ton that slavery should be suppressed1h the Dis
trict of Columbia and the Territories Do this
and all those oppressive laws, by which slavery is
co,ntenanced and Supported, would he repealed.
How eau all this he done Wiil any negative du-
IN accomplish such results? Can we free ourselves
from al obligations to use the powers Of the ma
Ilonal aud state governments III any manner Hhdt-
euer for the support of slavery, without active
erons? Must not the Constitution of our ma
tonal government be materially altered aud many
Ubiquitous laws repealed? Is this the point, 10
which the good Doctor means 10 direct our atten-
ton? Most cheerfuy would second his mo-
ton. invite all aboonis.s to look at this subject
and TO consider whether this should not he Il
prominent item ia all our petitions to Congress. -
States and The National Governments may, in good
iaitl sny, ace hare nothing 10 do tuih S'hre'y; il
any state will hold slaves they must hold Them OF
their own responsibility; our powers shall in N
case be used tOr iln support OF such an institution
Woujd not such am alteration be perfectly rrnS'iu'
able? why should the free states he under obi
CATION TO support institutions, which they nhhor
TO fight those who are fighting tor liberty NhH
equivalent do we receive lot .such n stipulation
OrMhy should Iile South wish for any PRONE
ton from any quarter against HEN slaves? Are
they afraid OF hir slaves; does all their chivar!
quail beture the black population Thea let tllrn
break their yoke ald by kind and equitable treat
mcnt, convert these enemies into iiiends. lTthrl
will NOT, then let them like men, take all III,
responsibility upon themselves and not hold OH
| ers to DO their diriy work. Let slave holders tax,
care Of themselves, if they will cherish their pc
| culinr institutions.
" hen their darling institution is assailed, slave
holders cry out Congress has nothing 10 do ,oM
| the subject Of siapery' Well says DR.. Claiming
we will take you NJ your word, we will do no mor'
! TO put down slavery at the South Than in France
! if you will consent 10 take The institution upol
| your own back, aud free the state and Nutona
| Governments from all obligation to Use their pow
ers in any case Tor the support OF slavery. W.
close with you on your own terms. Congress
shall have nothing more TO do with slavery in an,
case. win shareholders keep their position :
Will they have the magnanimily TO take their do
mestic institution under their own protection an
consent that the Constitution should he so altered
I shat neither the free states or Congress shall il
any case have any thing to do with il' 1t seem
| to me TINT it would he wise to make the Trial Il
send up our petitions for this purpose, and thu
to test their sincerity, and at least clear ourseve
from the sin Of supporting slavery. And ] SCI
not why all men OF every party, unless they low
slavery in their hearts, would hot cheeriully unit
IN such measure. For one say, let us .hink Of
the subject with candor, and make fair trial.