Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-01-20
February J. lSl4. Tract No.
THE MISSOURI COMPROMISE.
OR THE
EXTENSION OF THE SLAVE POWER.
OR THE
BY GEN. JAMES APPLETON, MAINE.

Slavery exerted no slight influence over the public mind, at
the period when the Federal Constitution was formed; but ithas
lignant, from that time until the present. In proof of this, |
might advert to many of the leading measures of the National
Government, and to much of the history of our country, since
the adoption of the constitution; but | choose to illustrate this
position, by referring TO the prevailing opinion of those who
framed the constitution, and to a single subsequent act OF the
government, viz: "THE Missouri COMPROMISE" thus restrict
myself, for the purpose OF presenting at large, the testimony OF
several Witnesses, who were actors in the scene they describe,
and who were competent, IN all respects, to forma correct JudS-
ment.
In the year 1920, Maine petiioned for admission into the I'm
ion. This was refused, except upon the unconditional admission
of Missouri, which had also applied for admission. There was
no objection from any quarter to the request of Maine; it was
fit in all respects that she should be admitted; but not daring to
trust the question of The admission of Missouri upon its own
merits, the admission of the two States was embraced in the
same bill; thus making the admission of Maine, dependent on
the unconditional admission Of Missouri. "YOu may come in
to the Union" said the slave-owner; we shall be glad to receive
you; but if you do come in, you must bring with you Missouri
slaves and al-not only those which she now has, but all that
she may acquire to the end of time!" A great struggle ensued
z the members from the slave states, uniting as one man, and
carrying with them, as they are always able to do, a few men,
bers from the free States, succeeded in their execrable project.
This was the first instance, where the admission of a state into
the Union, was opposed openly, and in the halls of Congress,
on the ground Of slavery; but slavery triumphed, and liberty and
honor and the constitution, were Frustrated to the earth
In 1857, the Ordinance Tor the government OF the Northwest
Territory, was passed by the old Congress, with scarcely an OPP
posing voice. BY this Ordinance, which is the fundamental law
of that territory, slavery is forever excluded from that vast tract
of country. In this feature of that Ordinance, we have the
best evidence of the feelings Of the American people, at thai
time, in relation to slavery. This territory was ceded by the
State of Virginia for the purpose of forming new states, and al
though she was herself a slavehoiding state, she consented. tina
this new country should never he polluted by the footsteps o
4 the slave: This act of the old Congress, was in perfect harmo
NY with the leading principles of the Constitution, which wa
adopted the year following, and perfectly coincident with thu
: opinion of American patriots, both of the North and South
The patriots of that age, were inspired with the ardent hope
: that the principles of liberty developed by the Revolution, wouI
every where prevail, to the utter overthrow of slavery. TIL
wise men who framed the Constitution expressed their opinion
|! as follows: Governor Morris, domestic slaveru is a netariou
e institution. II was the curse Of heaUen on the stale tchers IL pre-
: vaiIed." L. Martin. "'The privilege Of importing slaves, wa
s Inconsistent with the principles of the Revolution and dishonol
able to the American character" Col. Mason. "The poor dc
C spisc labor where performed by slaves. Every master of slave
!, &c Unt a P'l Mr.. Gerry. ' "No SANCTION Taen tu iG' to be- Il r Gsav' to G sh
very" Mr.. Madison. sit is wrong to admit in the Consttutio
n the idea that there could be property in man. "-yMadison paper