Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-03-19
For The Green Mountain Freeman.
The paStmthe Ple$enlmthe Future,

In the acquisition of an important object prudence
would suggest the propriety of frequent survey off
the ground already passed, for the purpose of asser-
tanning the adaptation of the means employed to the
Accomplishment of the desired end With this view we
purpose to review some of the features of the anti
slavery cause, as they have been developed in past
history, together with the present aspect of the cause
and from inference show what we may hope for in the
tuture,-hoping, that as we, being unccustomed to
write for the public may take but partial survey of
the subject Others better informed will give it that
attention which its merits demand In the commence
ment of the agitation of ansavery principles, great
excitement was manifested, which, in many instances
arose to such height to produce serious outbreaks
violence and even DEATH were in some the con-
sequence The fearless pioneers who sgnalized them
selves by their efforts in this cause were branded as
fanatics, and incendiaries,their motives were impun
ged, and their characters vlifed and abuse the most
low and vulgar, was heaped upon them in high places
and low places, without justice mercy. Even our
own green hills were not slow to echo to other serviIe
states, the oathsomc epithets with which man was
branded who dared open his mouth for tie dumb
How slow indeed to utter rebuke did we find the
popular press, when Loyeoy fell in defence of his
rights, and in many instances we find it outspoken in
favor of mob violence and injustice. Even in eclesi-
astica assemblies the voice ofreprehension was heard
going forth, in admonton and solemn warning for the
suppression of principles which began to be exhibited
by their members Episcopacy with its cloven hoof,
tramples roughshod over the rights of members of its
hndv nd IN establish 10
freedom of speech and | had like to have said of
thought,-wherever it could be done with safety or
success. In this work however, Episcopal Methodists
are not alone Other churches among which the Pres
byterlans occupy conspicuous place, are alike en-
gagged to lock up the mouths of their adherents that
they speak not for the dumb.
But thank God such state of things was not to en-
dure. Though feeble at first, the band who stood up
for the maintenance of right and Justice their num-
bers have increased, until from being a scom and by
word among their fellows, they have become respected
by some, and feared by Others
The tide of opposition which set in with so much
violence destined to recede, and its distant roar
may now be heard IN the far SOUTH as its violence
breaks the press of c, NJ Clay, ina rutess effort
W lto OulSpCdhlllS OlGS III HUpCIGSS ODlNlOn
But the question naturally arises, wherefore so much
opposition to those who are engaged in cause so os-
tensibly phanhropc? The reason is obvious, viz
Slavery has become SO interviewer with all our nsttu-
tons and was so camerous in her demand for suffer-
ance, to cast dense fog over the prospective fac
ultes and render true state of the case repulsve in
the extreme. But the true hearted philanthropst, in
l. l. Ill
with consciousness that truth founded justice ant
equal right must be triumphant. The most potent OBJ
stace which has yet appeared to prevent speedy tr
umph is seen in the diversity of opinion with regard
the means best adapted to accomplish the object
The opinion that means of a moral characte
merely, sufficient has obtained to quite an extent
But more extended view has produced the conyic
ton in many minds that as slavery was creature O
law as well as the gospel must be brought to bear
its overthrow.
Still the manner of approaching the sub ect most
the purpose, was question to be disposed Of and tn
sagacity of the most profound and thinking was take
TO devise means by which such an end might be til
most easily secured,
Questioning candidates for important Offices on til
SUBJECT OF slavery was resored to Tor time, but wit
little effect An election being secured, other impo
tant interests were generally found sufficient to crow
out all pledged fidelity to the slave, and like the prize
and levte anciently, they pass by on the other sid
At length the plan of separate political organizatc
was devised, whose rallying point should be liberty
all, independent of color Or condition, and upon til
platform many choice spirits have been seen gatheril
from its first introduction to the present time. III
numerous obstacles which have opposed the onwa
march of this party, have proved mavailng and thoug
the leaders In the movement were stigmatsed as
litcal asplrants DESTROYS of promotion than go
to the slave they have successfully met and Civ
the lie to such caumnators, and are still in the fe
doing battle with the old man of sin, the mammon
unrghteousness The scales of party are already ia
falling, and accessions are daily being made to tho
who belcve that trlo democracy consists in tho ovo