The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-12-22
"ANTI-SLAVERY FEELING"

on The subject of the annexation of Texas
The writer is strenuousy opposed to the pro-
jecl of annexation, but is candid enough to re-
view both sides Of the question. He says:
"There are not wanting considerations to induce
assent to the project. There is something at once
grand and pleasing in the onward sweep of the Anglo
Saxon race carrying with it the elements of christi
any and civilization, and pressing barbarsm and ig
norance towards their final determination in the Pa.
cifc
There is something gratifying in the sight of the
rapid extension of the Republic-the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
of the Empre-the increase of power-the augmen.
tation of the only government which acknowledges
the rights and sovereignty of man.
On the other hand, what is to be the position Of
the new republic, if not inc urporated with ours'-
Are prepared for jealous and active rival on
our Southern frontier' Can we be Indifferent TO the
authority which European governments must inevi-
tably possess in her councils!
AS regards slavery itself, the annexation is not
without its favorable aspects. new territory IS
opened more congenal to the black races. The At
lantic slave States will be drained of their African
population the evil will be removed to more con-
venient situation-Texas will be the sewer Of this
loathsome nuisance.
"Such are the prominent reasons which address
themselves to Northern minds in favor of the pro-
posed measure. They not without weight
They may be urged with ingenuity. They may find
here and there satisfied and convinced listeners But
they shrink into air when looked at with the stern
eyes of freedom"
1t appears to US that there is striking incon-
sistency between some of the admissions con-
tanned, or implied, in the foregoing extract, and
the concluding sentence. If the annexation Of
Texas would have the effect, directly or ind-
rectly of spreading, or helping TO spread, " the
elements of Christianity and civilization" and
extending the sway of "the only Government
which acknowledges the rights Of man." why
should freedom look at the project with ''stern
eyes 2" And if, 10 addition to these happy con-
sequences, springng from /" the onward sweep
of the Angl Saxon race" the condition Of the
slaves, also, will be ameorated by their removal
TO a more ''congenial" climate, why should phi
ianthropy or humanity object to it7
The writer does not attempt to explain this
inconsistency, but speaks of the feeling whish
takes it for granted that this feeling, it re-
spects slavery in the South, is rational and well
founded, and urges ii as the chief objection 10
the annexation Of Texas. This propensity TO
appeal TO feelings instead Of reason, to deal in
generallties without descending TO particulars,
and 10 assume theory without attempting to
demonstrate it, is the common fault of all
disclaimers against the slavery of the South.
We are glad, however, TO have this writer's
testimony as to the extent of this ant-slavery
feeling at the North" as it corroborates an ar
gument which we used day or two. He
says
The growth of the ant-slavery feeling at the
North, within the last few years, has been most per-
ceptible.
Charming is silent, and Leggett sumbers with the
dead
"Ther thrilling voice shall plead no more
For Truth, for Freedom, and Mankind.
The lesson of their life is DER"
But the mass which has been reused into action b,
them and by like them, presses ioih resisles
surge.
Ii IS not yet two lustres since the abotonists were
mobbed in all the principal cities of the North. The
State of New York, one OF the slowest to move on
this subject, within two years has abolished the sta
tutory provision once given to the South to bring
the slaves here, and that but for few months
The nomination Of Mr.. Clay was, in 1886, defeated
by the anti slavery feeling of western NV York
These and thousand similar indications of the
state of public feeling are not to be Mistaken except
by those who love TO be deceived. The ultra fanat
Of the abolitionsts has almost disappeared =
but has guen place to feeling teyod more dangerous
10 the existence Of slapery-a feeling OF deep moral
disapprobation of the institution aud fixed resolve
IN ms ib por bpv wi he
sttutonal oath imposes.
Now, if the People of the North understand
an intend to perform their constitutional obi
cations, we should be glad 10 know why the
Channings and the Leggets, and men like hem, ,
should be laboring so srenuously and nces-
sanity TO rouse the mass "into action" on the
subject Of slavery? There is no slavery in the
North. Is it the slavery Of our Southern States
which is TO be acted upon or is il the slavery
IN Cuba or Brazh7
We are daily witnessing some Of the results
Of this ani-slavery feeling which so much
pains is taken to excite. But a few weeks
ago, the Legislature of Vermont, upon the
recommendation of the Governor of that
State, passed bill, by a large majority, for the
purpose Of evading constitutional obligations
This was anti-slavery feeling, "roused into &c.
:" but the mass presses on 'wth a resist
less SURGE" and where does it intend to stop
How is ii 10 be checked?
We repeat, that the South cannot undertake
10 counteract this aggressive feeling, by endeav.
orinq to excite what would be called ''pro
slavery" feeling. 1t is reduced, by the nature o.
things, to passive defence, and must tamely
await the coming of "tbe resistless SURGE" Of
forestall it by secession from the Union, unless
some other expedient presents itself.
1t seems that the nomination of Mr.. Clay in
1886 'was defeated 10y the anti-slavery feeling
Of Western New York"
Now, il is not likely that we shall ever again
have prominent Presidential candidate, from q
ei,y,holdino Efatc IN zcc,ntahlc bv his nrin Fl