The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-03-19
THE PROGRESS OFABOLITIONISM
BACKWARDS.

Twelve or fifteen years ago, there were
leading and powerful abolitionists in the slave
holding States. The subject ofaboli,ion was
openly discussed in the Virginia Convention,
and in the Virginia Legislature and in Ken
lucky, the indications also were that slavery
was on its last legs. 1t is well known, too,
that George Washington and Thomas jeff
erson were decided advocates Of the abolition
of slavery.
Now, however, after the Abolitionists ofthe
North and West have been aeitating for
Twelve or fifteen years, there are not known
to be half dozen abolitionis,s in all the
slave holding States. They have been over
awed or slenced, or have deemed it necess-
airy for the public safety to set their faces
against all abolition now, or all movements
leading to abolitionism.
During these twelve or fifteen years ofab-
clifton agitation, in all The States, the insti-
tuition Of slavery has been strengthened, aud
it is stronger this moment than it was when
the constitution was formed. The slaves
have been stripped Of many of the privileges
and enjoyments they formerly held, because
it has been found necessary to make these
restrictions in order to defend the public
against the Vaccinations of abolitonism.
The largest progress backwards Adolf
tionism has made, however, is in the annexa-
ton ofTexas with territory for five slave
States, and upon principle of action that
will extend slavery ultimately throughout all
of Mexico south Of 360 This is the chef
dOurre OF the Abolitionists during the last
twelve or fifteen years ofrheir reign. They
did it Let them have the honor They did
it in New York. They did it in Maine.
They tried to add Ohio to New York and
Maine. They were not without efforts and
some success in Pennsylvania. The Birney
vote Of New York did it, however; for the
Birneyites here gave the &c votes Of this
State TO Polk, and tlrus elected him.
The slave holding interests OF the Union,
thus strengthened by Northern and Western
Abolitionism, brings Texas into the Union
by a large vote in the popular House; and
Florida is admitted into the Union with new
and extraordinary features in their constitu
tion, guaranteeing slavery, and prohibiting
its abolition. The constitution of Florida,
which Congress has just sanctioned, prohib
its the Legislature of the State from emanci-
pating slaves, and also prohibits any free col
ored persons from landing at any of the ports
in Florida. These are all new defences OF
slavery and guarantees FOR its prolongation
and perpetuation which the action of the Alb
olitionists have provoked, and brought
about.
The slave States now have, with the ad-
mission OfTexas and Floridainto the Union,
majority oftwo in the Senate. The ma
jority, if it pleases, can keep out OF the Uuion
any other free State. 1t is highly probable
that the slave States will keep their majority
of two in the Senate, for, in the admission
of States, hereafter, they will, we presume,
admit one slave State with one free State.
With Wisconsin. it is probable, must come in
another slave state from Texas.
These things we desire the honest aboli
tionists ofthe North and the West, if there
are any such, to bear in mind. So mischiev-
Gus, SO destructive, so bad party seldom, if
ever. before existed. 1t he's been the curse Of
the slave, and is the curse of the country.
Slavery, under their miserable and dishonest
conduct is, at this moment, stronger than it
was when the constitution was formed. and
has now vigorous, hearty life lease of half a
century more, and TO be stronger than ever
it has been in all the branches Of the Gov
eminent. For all of this, factious revolu-
tionary aboitionism is responsibility, Y. En-.