Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-10-25

thus formed Witnout ner consent, dhu
against her will To carry out this deter.
mination would not be to dissolve the union
but TO refuse to submit to its dssolntion,-
not to nulIfy, but to resist notification.
Il do not undervalue the Union. l great
ly value, and would preserve it. But it is
the union Of which the present constitution
is the bond. If the question were properly
submitted TO Vermont whether she would
come into new union, we would deliberate
upon it but the question whether we will
submit to be forced into it, under pretence
of power TO do so which does not exist,
is not to be debated for a moment, any
more than we would debate the question oil
submission TO foreign yoke.
But why, after all, should annexation be
desired by any body7 What conceivable
motive is there for il, having reference TO
the good of the whole country! How is it
to benefit the Union Who can assure us,
indeed, of the capacity Of our Union to re-
sist the strong tendencies to dissolution, OF
such an acquisition 7 What wise and pru-
dent statesman will be willing to hazard
such an experiment upon this Union? WI
ser and better is il TO endeavor TO strengthen
and consolidate it upon IFS present basis-to
get rid, as soon as it can be properly and
rightfully done, of every thing that will en-
danger it, and especially of that greatest OF
all sources of danger, the institution of
savery--and thus, having laid aside every
weight, to run the race Of freedom and phi
lanthropy and solid glory which is set before
u.s.
The relation Of Slavery TO the confedera-
cy, the evident danger from the existence of
such an element in our Union, and the in-
creasing excitement in regard TO it, suggest
few additional remarks upon that subject
The question of slavery Is among the
greatest that can occupy the mind Of the
nation. The true position in which il was
left by the Constitution---the expectation of
the country in regard to its then future con-
ditlon --the history Of its subsequent en-
croachments, and its irreconcilable hostility
to freedom, are matters hich mus, and will
occupy the public attention. The r0rid is
moving on the subject; and the progress
which has been made within the last quar-
ter of century, in the work Of human e.
Emancipation, has materially changed the as
pect of the whole question. To attempt to
put down abolition is vain. The statesmen
of this nation must look the question in the
face. II is not one Of mere philanthropy,
but has other bearings. Slavery is an ele-
ment Of political power; and how long, and
to what extent, il shall be suffered 10 control
the policy and mould the destiny of this ma
ton, is question whose consideration can
not be postponed indefinitely.
What direction shall he given TO the
strong and growing feeling on this subject,
is among the most important questions that
can occupy the minds of our Statesmen.-
There are evidently great dangers TO be en-
countered. IL the purpose OF the Fathers
had been carried out. and slavery had grad
ually yielded and given place to the institu-
tons Of freedom, this crisis would not have
oeen thrown upon the country. Bot the
contrary policy has prevailed. Slavery has
planted itself in new 6elds-hss struggled.
for ascendancy, and maintained il and has
finally come to take The ground that it must
be fostered, and cherished, and extended.
so as to be able TO maintain its balance, as
an element of power in the Union What
is to be the character and issue of the con-
fiict which the growing spirit of freedom is
to have with slavery, thus struggling TO
maintain its ascendancy, is question of
fearful interest. The pretensions and en-
croachments Of the slave power, and espe-
cially the attempt to strengthen it by the an
nexation of Texas, have contributed TO give
character of deep and desperate earnest
ness TO abolition movements, threatening TO
draw every other question of morals and
politics within their vortex
The true ground is not upon either of
these extremes. But neither is il the ground
Of indifference. That will work no dely-
erance either from the evils Of slavery. or Of
an overheated and headlong zeal for its alb
clifton. No attempt should be made to sup
press the mighty impulses of this age to-
wards universal emancipation. None will
be successful. Rather should it be our ef.
Tort TO guide them rightly and safely.
Cold apathy and bitter zeal should alike
give place TO calm, steady, patient, perse-
vering effort TO reach the seat of the evil
to overcome in the South the fear of change
the force Of habit, the reluctance 10 labor
the love OF dominion, and the ;enacity of
supposed, but mistaken interest while truth
shall be made to exert its appropriate power
IN qulckening the conscience to a Just sense
Of the wrongs of slavery And along with
all this there must, and will, of necessity be
political action in some form, gradually
changing the character Of state and nation
al legislation, while no great interest of the
country shall be left forgotten, uncared for
or neglected. The position of the North
and the natural jealousy Of its efforts in this
cause, impose ON it the duty of moderation
and iorbearance while the claims of hu.
manlty, and Just respect for its own rights
demand that il steadily resist the encroach-
ments. EXPOSE the WRONGS. and labor In eli