New-York daily tribune., 1845-02-04
For the n. Y. Tribune.
Edition fron, The Society OF Friends.


Petition Tron, the Society OF Friends.
To the Senate and House Of Representatives, Of the United
States Of ,arteriea, an Congress assembled
Friends m the States oi New York and Vermont and parts
adjacent, respectfully shewcth
That YOUR memoriasts learn, with regret that it
ia proposed TO the State Of Texas 10, and IN
corporate it with, the States Of this Union and,
believing, as they do, that the cOnsummaton OF this
measure would extend and perpetuate slavery, and
place in jeopardy that peace and harmony which
exist among the nations OF the eartb, they feel
il TO be incumbent and religious duty respect
fully but earnestly, TO demonstrate as ainst such
annexation.
The views and opinions of your memorialiss, in
relation TO slavery, are well known. They are not
OF recent origin-nor are they connected, 10 any
degree with party sectional feelings.
Tha greater part OF century has elapsed since
the predecessors oi your memorialists- influenced
by what they believed 10 be the will of Him who is
no respecier Of persons-and who, il is declared,
s'made of blood all the nations OF Tlen" eman-
cipated their own slaves, at what then appsaIed TO
be, greRs pecunisry sacrifice. At still earlier
PERIOD md by half century before the foreign
slave-trade was declared by law TO be piracy the
religious Society of Friends forbade all particpa-
ton in and, iTnpeed by the same sense of reli-
gious duty which now prompts ii TO approach the
national Legislature, ceased to importune those
in authority to prohibit the unrghteous traffic.
Slavery originated in a dark, and, comparatively,
barbarous at time when the political and
civil rights Of men little understood, and less
regarded when civil and ecclesiastical tyranny
oppressed the nations, and subjected the people TO
grievous and cruel suferings. Against these viola
lions of human rights the members OF this religious
society have ever sustained peaceable, but hrm
and unwayeripg tes;imony-and they even sealed
that testimony with their blood.
In the progress OF time, it pleased the King OF
kiugs-by the spread OF the Gospel of his dear
Son-to soften the hearts of rulers, and TO enlighten
the minds OF the people, until we have seen, even
in the despo,isms OF the old world, greatly meo-
rated condition of the subject, and the shackles
rapidly falling from the limbs OF the slave.
rhst the example OF the free political institutions
Of this country has e1erted powerful influence in
improving the condition OF mankind, will scarcely
admit OF douot; and yet your memoralists have
10 depore that she is in danger of being the last
extend the benefits OF her own bcpefcenr and
righteous principles 10 sll who may Justly claim an
interest in them-to all who are made in the image
Of Him, who, we have soemaly declared, "creaied
all men eausl, and endowed them with certain ina
lenable rights" ~ including liberty and the pur-
suit OF happiness" Against every measure which
may deepen and fas,en this foul STUN upon Inc
character Of our beloved country, and retard the
progress Of free institutions throughout the world
by the contradiction it involves and the mputaI'oni II
would seem 10 justify, that our love OF liberty ls
selfish and exclusvs-your memcrialIsis earnestly
and soleuinly demonstrate.
IL be conceded that the colcred man is compre
nended IN the plan of redemption accomplished by
him who died for all men If he be map, in the
sense sigaihsd in the divine Injunction" Whatso-
ever ye would that men should do unto you DO We
even SO unto uiem, then the fact OF our deprlvng
MIN oi freedom, and preventing his 'pursut OF
<happness Is as gross violation OF the spirit and
precepis Of our holy religion, as II is Incompatible
with our boosted Declaration OF the rights OF msn.
1onr ineipcrlatsts ara aware that this subject Is
one oi great decacy they are iusensible 10 the
obstacles 10 general emancipation; but being fully
Persuaded that He, 10 nbom "nstons are bat ms
the dust OF The balance," and who viii .eiudge
them in righteousness, calling for this sacriice a,
: we hsads OF The American people and believing
J that TO naiioos, TO individuals, who siocereIy
seek his aid, he will provide a way where ti,er
ssenelh no way" and viii sustain them by his
outsireched arm in every honest effort 10 discharg,
ao incumbent duly, your memorialists cannot hesi-
sa.s ia urging the commence ment Of tho great and
noble work OF universal freedom. They do SO with