The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-09-04

were attempted to be carried into execu
ton. But TO you-a far differently OF
ganized body and constitutional assem-
blage Of citizens-l feel that it is jus
and proper that should answer at you
bar; and as am not in a state Of healt
to carry on an argument or vindicat'
properly my own rights, shall volunta
rily, before any action is taken on you
part, make such explanation as deem
just and proper,
During my sickness, my paper ha
been conducted by some friends. Thu
leading article in the last number, which
| am told is the great cause of the pub
lie disquletude, have never read, be
cause ct the time it was put to press
could not have undergone the fatigue{o
reading such paper through. Although
it was read over to me at the time, yet
am fully persuaded now, that had l have
been 10 health it would not have been ad
mitted into my columns. But felt the
less hestancy in admitting it, because
it has been my avowed policy heretofore
to admit free discussion upon the subject
of slavery, by shareholders themselves,
and the author of this article is largely
in that kind of property You have seen
before this time that the course of policy
which I commend myself, to the State,
is widely different, in many essential
points, to this authors views. The ar
tlcle written by myself, and published in
the same paper, was written few days
after the leader was in type, land which has
also been the cause of so much dissatis-
faction, the justice of which. to some ex-
tent, ain willing TO acknowledge. as
sure you upon the honor Of a man, it
was never intended to mean or to bear
the construction which my enemies have
given it. | was pursuing the reflections
of my own mind, without thinking of the
msconstruction that could be put upon
my language.
Had | been in the vigor of health,
should have avoided the Objectionable ex-
pressions, for by sharply guarding against
the cavlls of my opponents, would best
guard at the same time against any thing
which could be considered ofan incendlary
character. cannot say that the paper
from the beginning, has been conducted
in the manner | could have wished. The
cause of this it is not now necessary for me
10 mention. Satisfied, however, from past
experience, that the free discussion OF the
subject of slavery is liable to many OBJ
jections which did not anticipate, and
which l had allowed in an excess of Lbs
eraity arising no doubt, from the fact that
| had been denied the columns of the 9TH
er presses of the county myself propose
in future very materially to restrict the
latitude of discussion. shall admit into
my paper no article upon this subject for
which am not willing to be held respon-
sible. This, you perceive, will very
much narrow the ground for my plan OF
emancipation which put forth few days
ago, is Of The most gradual character
My other views put forth there also, are
such as learn are not at al! offensive 10
the great mass of our people. By this
course | expect to achieve two objects, to
enable me to carry on the advocacy OF
those principles & measures which deem
Of vital importance TO our Stale without
molestation and without subjectng the
people TO the apprehensions and excite>
ment which are now unhappily upon us.
You may properly ask, perhaps, why was
not this thing done before? | reply that
| did not foresee any such consequences as
have resulted from different course
The deauncialous Of the public press on
both sides, / conceived, and am still D! the
same opinion, arose from the desire to
make both parties political capital. And
you will see also, when the excitement is
worn off, that there have been many self
ish purposes sought TO be accomplished at
the expense Of your peace and mine by
men who are protesting to be actualed by
nothing but patriotic motives.
Having said thus much upon the con-
duct of my paper, | must say also, that
my constitutional rights shall never
abandon. | feel as deeply interested in
this community, as any other man in it,
No man u.s. or has connection, more
deeply Interested, in the prosperity of this
State, than myself. You ought not, you
cannot if you are as just 10 me as you are
10 yourselves, ask me to do that which you
would not do. know not, 10 reality,
what may be the state Of public feeling.
| am told it is very much lnfamed l there.
fore, directed my publisher, after the pub
LEGATION of to-morrows paper, TO exclude
all matter upon the subject of Slavery, un>
I'll, if my health is restored, shall be able
myself to take the helm.
My Office and dwelling are undefended,
except by the laws oil my country--to the
sacred inviolabiIty of which ! con6de
myself and properly; and Of these laws
you are the sole guardians You will so
act, however, trust, that this day shall
not be one accused TO our County and
Siate