Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1845-08-22
HThe Disunion Pledge"

"The Pledge"
There have appeared two articles in The Philau
thropis. under this caption, and we understand there
is a third which we have no: yet been able to procure.
After defining the difference in the position Of the
Liberty party and the Disunioniss in relation 10 the
u. S.. Constitution, The Editor introduces the follow
ing
''DIsUNIoN PLEDGE.--Whereas 10 the formation
and adoption of the Constitution of the United States,
the following criminal and dangerous concessions
were made to the slaveholdiug power, namely:-that
the foreign slave trade should be safely prosecuted
under the national flag, as a lawful branch Of Ameri.
can commerce, Cor a period of not less than twenty
wears; that fugitive slaves should find no protection
from their pursuers on any portion of the American
soil; that slave instructions should be suppressed by
the coubined military and naval power of the coun-
try, ( needed in any emergency; and that q slave
holtirg oligarchy, created by allowing three .lifths of
the whole slave population to be represented as prop.
srty by ;heir masters, should be allowed a place in
Congress-
Therefore, regarding that Constitution as a Cove.
nant with death and an agreement with HE'LL the
mighty prop that sustains the entire slave system, we,
the undersigned, to signify our adherence of iDjus.
tice and oppression, and 10 clear our skirts from limo.
cent blood, do hereby pledge ourselves not to elect,
or in any way aid or countenance the election of any
candidate for any office, the entrance upon which re.
quires an oath or affirmation TO support the Constitu'
ton of the United States; but in all suitable ways to
strive for The peaceable dissolution Of the Union, as
The most consistent, feasible and efficient means Of
abolishing slavery"
lie then briefly states his views OF it, and gives
the reasons which led him to adopt them. He says:
'1f, in our judgment, an oath or affirmation to sup
port the Constitution of The United States, bound all
officers under it 10 commit any immoral act, we
would vote for no candidate for office under that Con.
stituiion.
at there be any provisions in the Constitution re-
'qulring the incumbent Of a particular Office under it to
aid in supporting slavery, no anti-slavery man ought
TO be n candidate for that oflice-nor, if elected, could
he clear himself, by any mental reservation, from
guilt, either in violating his oath, or violating his
principles.
"Oa accepting Office, what does an oath or sfirma
ton on my part 10 support the Constitution Of the Uni
ted States, fairly and reasonably imply? That
should abstain from any attempt to awaken public
sentiment against a part or the whole Of it, with a
view TO its amendment or substitution? That should
onera,e or cooperate in carrying out all its precepts
Common sense answers, No. What lhen2 Simply, thai
IN tho exercise of the functions of my Office, | should
he guided and controlled by the instrument which
created the Office and defined its functions; and that
should use my influence TO prevent piolenCe designed
TO Gubvert The Constitution. We can conceive Of nc
other reasonable construction of an oath or af;rma,
lion 10 support the Constitution"
II is certainly proper for US 10 know, 10 what an
office holder is bound when he promises 10 supper. The
Constitution of the United States, inusmuch az no is
our representative, our egOnt, if we are a voter IN.
der it.
The Constitution does not require that he shall de.
fend the ,UiSdom of every. or any of its provisions,
but that he shall sustain them, and execute such of the
laws based upon them, as come within the sphere Of
his office, resorliug 10 force and arms if need be. II
also exacls from hima promise, that he will spreserve,
protect and defend the Constitution of The u. Sta,es.'
We believe tina, this obligation is involved in The bal.
lot OF every citizen, but there are those who DENY il;
10 such we would say, that if the citizenship of the
office holder does not require him to support the Con.
'slI'utIon IN all lis parts, yet his oath of office most
clearly demands il. 1t cares not in what light the
oifice'hoiderm may regard it, is even willing he should
consider It "a covenant with death, and an egree.
'hen' with hell provided he will swear 10 keep that
covenant, 10 abide by that agreement. 1t does mol
require that he shall abstain from conslilulionally