The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-08-26
From the Waterman.
Thoughts for Anti'Slayery Men,


to aunexation both from principle and policy; wheth
er the Southern Wings opposed or are not, most
it is that annexation be prevented only by
sustaining the w hgs ofthe North;
5. For there is not tho least ground of hopo that
Mr. Birney his party be successful, even in the
North.
4. 1t follows, therefore, that every vote which is
distracted from the Wing party the North and cast
for Birney counts as one LESS against annexation
while every vote which is distracted from Mr. Bir-
ney and given for Mr. Clay and the Wings, counts as
one MORE against annexation.
Why, then, should not ubolitionsts support Mr.
Clay and the Wings, the only possible way of de-
feating the accurscd plot Of annexation? The reply
probably is that they cannot consistently vote FOR n
STAKEHOLDER. But can they not do it, ought they not
do it, if this is tho rery toayhe only possible cay,
prevent the extension and perpeuation Of slavery,
and indeed to accomplish Their ultimate purpose
as abolitionists' No, say they've cannot do evil
that good may come. This is Il plausible answer
yet il is not solid one--not which ant-slavery
men themselves admit. A slave at the South takes
n horse, or a coat which does not belong to him. to
effect his escape and either far only i is
necessary for his escape from slavery: should he be
condemned doing evil that good may come-or
should it not rather be said that his design being
| good, he had right to all necessary means for
accomplishing III We apprehend that nnt-slavery
have already settled this question; they justify
the slave in taking every thing necessary for his
cape-lhey receive and comfort him and aid him
his way, thief, though he may be in the eye of the
laws of the Southland we will add, that the third
party docs not hesitate to tolerate the kaoon eris Of
a political organization in order to accomplish what
they believe to be good end On the princi-
pie, for the clear and pnIpabe purpose of pre-
venting n which will place slavery forever
above your reaoh, it not consistent, is it not your
duty, to aid in the election of Mr. Clay'
These suggestions have been made to US by an
abolition friend and they to opposite that
venture to them. At the same time we pro-
test against the assumption that the Wings OF the
South are in favor Of annexation. That some Of
them So is admitted; but let DO rcmem-
bcred that in tho South thousands Of slave holders
who sincerely depore the system-who will do what
they may safely do against H. These are he men
,rho ultimately 10 abolish slarery. We must re-
Iy upon them to do it; may ala them, we may
labor with them; bu: eau do nothing without OF
against them. Such men Wings; such men sup
port pr Clay; such men oppose annexation. is it
not our duty aid them? In proof of this view we
give the following letter from citizen oc Georgia:
The following letter to Col. Reuben Sleeper. of
Mt. Morris, from citizen of Georgia, was Grs. pub
shed in the Mt. Morris (ra) Wing
-, Geo, June 10, 1911.
r. SLEEPER, Esa.-Dear Sir: hope the subject
Of this letter, occupying does, large share of
public attention ut this time, may be sufficient n
poogy for troubling you. nl!udc TO the Annexation
of Texas.
The friends of the at the North argue that
annexation would tend to weaken slavery in the
States bordering the Free States, by extending
rule country better adapted to tho production
OF crops cultivated by slave labor such Rice, Cot
ton and Sugar But this argument is perfectly alla
cous, for it is well known that immense tracts of
land suitable for these crops remain in pos
session, and of course have all the facilities
of draining those States, which we are told is one
great reason for desiring Texas.
It is somewhat singular that Annexation should be
advocated at the North, tending to extnsush sla
very, ,ohHe al the South ii is strongly urged for ais
giving the system pei petuiiy | assert what l know
to be true, when say, that almost tho only reason
why Texas is desired here is that Sdrery may be
strengthened and made perpetual The planters here
say that the acquisition of Texas would give them a
good market for surplus Slaves at better prices than
they obtain, ard the wants of Texas for laborers
would not exceed the number they can well spare
annually. Besides, throwing open the Texas mar
ket to the traffic in Slaves, would enhance the vnue
OF the article at home, and many planters who have
healthy locations might do good business at breed
ing Slaves 10 sell, you breed Horses and Cattle
II is also n lvorite measure at the South IL offers
some hope of the Skars States obtaining the majority
in the u. Slntes Senate, and thereby girtng them a
ctech upon the majority from The Free States in lie
Loper House.
That the time will come when the Sin Of Slavery
will cease to pollute our land, most firmly believe,
and my conviction is equally strong that the &C
QUESTION of Slave territory will greatly reard that Pc
Rod
' What thon to be the course oithe friends OF
Liberty in the coming political contest 1t Is any o.
pinon, that by supporting and eiecting Mr. Clay the
entering wedge will be fixed, which will finally result
in the Freedom of every bond IMAM in the United
States; for though Mr. Clay s not what is called an
aboitionst, still, his tendencies that way, and
tho measures he and his friends would support, are
more liberal by Ear than any else who could he
elected. MIR Clay is looked upon here by The friends
Of Freedom, (and they are many) as really opposed
to Siauery, and that he oiH favor any measure that
The people shall caH for, TO eringuish ii, whle Mr..
Polk is known TO be most uiolent enemy Of all ef-
forts TO abolish the evil.
do hope that the North will support Mr.. Clay, for
it is certain that either he, MIR Polk, must be cleo
ted Mr. Clay is in favor Of oil the great measures