The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-01-25


islaton? Are any violations of right SC
lniqutous as those which are perpetrated
by law, by that function of sovereignty
which has the maintenance of right for its
foundation and end2 Can it be that the
United States send their most illustrious
men to Congress to sci their seal to slave
ry? That the national government, in
tended 10 be the center of what is most
august and imposing in our land, should
be turned into legislature of slave
district, and should put forth its vast pow
er in sustaining barbarous slave code
If this must be, then does it not seem fit
! that the national eagle should add the
whip of the overseer to the arrows and
olive-oranch which he grasps in his tai
ons? But this is not all. The District
of Columbia is not only tainted with
slavery, but it is great, | believe the
greatest slave market in our county,
To this human beings are driven as cat
tie, driven, sometimes if not often, in
chains? 1t is even reported that the
-cofle is sometimes headed by the
flag of the United States. To this spot,
the metropolis of our nation, are brought
multitudes of our fellow creatures, torn
from their homes by force and for Others
gain, and heart stricken by the thought
Fof birth. place and friends to be seen no
more. Here women, are widowed and
children made orphans, whilst the hus.
band and parent still live. That the seat
of the national government should be
made mart for this shameful trahick is
not to be endured. On this spot some
difference is due to the Free States and
the character of the country. The spot
on which we all meet as equals, and
which is equally under the jurisdiction of
all, ought 10 be kept clear from Ia trade
which the majority think inhuman and
disgrace TO the land. On this point there
can be no doubt ofthe power Of Congress.
That body can certainly remove a NUS
ance from a spot which is subject to its
unrestricted authority. Congress may
certainly say, that the "ten miles square"
coded to the United States shall not be
market for slaves. Washington holds a
particular relation to the! country. For
eigners repair 10 it as the spot in which
to observe our institutions. That slavery,
our chief stain, should be exposed most
ostentatiousl y at the seat Of government
is violation of national decency,a sign
of moral obtuseness, of insensbiity 10 the
moral judgment Of mankind which ought
Immediately to cease
Presenting, Messrs. Editors, that some of
your readers may not have had the pleas
ure of reading the views of the before
named author, (whose memory [ greatly
revere,) on subject so interesting 10 the
nation, | have therefore, copied some OF
his interesting remarks for their benefit,
more especially, as they perfectly accord
with my own views. Also considering it
suitable time, while Congress have the
question before:hem in multiudes of pc
tltions, to draw the attention of your read
ers to their doings, and acts of Legislation
on suffering humanity in the District.
Representatives of the free States, the
suspicious hour has come. The boon oil
freedom waits your united action. Hap
9y, and doubly beloved and honored, will
be that Congress which shall have the
moral courage to beard the Lion in his
den. And by one noble action, and one
voice, sound out from Capitol-Hill, with
an echo filling the air for ten miles
square THIS sacred spot shall be deuot-
ed TO liberty. HenceIorlh the rod of the
oppressor, nor the sweat and blood OF the
slave, shall stain the ground over which
we have exclusive jurisdiction. Will
any servile spirit from the White House,
in such case, have The audacty to vetO,
or threaten to veto such a noble act. If
so, "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in
the streets of Askelou, lest the daughters
Of the uncircumcised triumph" &c.
Brandon, Jan. 20, 1914.
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.