Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1847-06-25
Massachusetts Legislature.
REPORT or Mr.. hEYES ON TIE
MEXICAN U.aR.
(Concludcd.)
Further Duty gf lie Free Slates.

"- y
Such is a concise view of the origin, OBJ
iects and character of the present war, and Of
the duties which are now imposed upon the
country. In developing these, we have all
ready been led to consider the influence of
slavery and the slave Power
We have seen their agency, first in the act
of annexing Texas, and now in the war with
Mexico both of which have been cond
with the view of restraining the power of the
Free States under the constitution. This cir
cumstance, no less than the express reference
to the Committee o! so much of his Excel
~lency's Message as relates to slavery, renders
it proper TO consider further what can be done
to check and overthrow the evil influences by
which the country has been brought into its
present condition. 1t will not be sufficient
merely to stay the war with Mexico. That
will be only IA partial triumph Of right. The
disturbing cause must be removed. The ORR
ginal evil, 50 far as possible, must be eradi-
Gated.
The House, by their reference of the sub
jects Of slavery and the Mexican war to the
same committee, have shown their sense of
the connection between the two. They are
closely united as to cause and effect. The
great crime of the war is to be traced direct
ly to slavery nor can any view OF the for
mer be presented, which can claim credit for
ordinary candor, without a distinct develop
ment Of this connection. The war, indeed,
derives some of its darkest colors from this
motive to its prosecution, which is also visi-
Bile in the annexation of Texas. Our earnest
attention is thus directed to an influence so
alien to humanity and freedom, so destructive
of the true principles of our constitution.
and so hostile to the interests of the Free
States.
And here again we notice the distinction
between slavery and the Slave Power. The
former is used to denote the institution, and
the latter the political influence or organiza-
ton which is founded upon it. Opposition
to the two will be on differen mt grounds. But
it cannot be questioned, that it is the duty Of
the Free States to unite in all constitutional
efforts for the abolition of the one, and the re-
straint and overthrow of the other.
The abolition Of Slavery.
In pressing the duty of abolishing Slavery
within the limits of the United States, we are
met by the difficulty, that it is, except in the
District of Columbia, and in the territories Of
the United States, a state institution, draw
ing its vitality from state laws, and not there
fore directly within the constitutional legisla-
lion of Congress. There are some passages
in the writings of Mr.. Jefferson, leading to
the conclusion, that, in his opinion, Congress
have the power to pass an 'act OF emancipa-
ton to operate within the States.* But he is
supposed to have been carried, by the known
ardor Of his opinions in this behalf, beyond
the strict line of constitutional proPriety. 1t
cannot be doubted, however, that an amend
meat of the constitution may be made, accor-
ding to the manner prescribed therein, which
shall confer upon Congress this eXtfaordlna-
- G. - L., rooon4 .r,r.-
ton for the emancipation of all slaves by an
act of Congress, seems to have contemplated
such an amendment. But, as this must be
satisfied by the legislatures of three fourlhs
of the several States, there is a great difficult
ty in its way in the present state of the pub
lie mind. The admission of Louisiana ard
Texas, however, shows that the popular voice
is not always careful of forms and it is moi
impossible that these precedents may be con-
sidered, hereafter, as Il modification of the
constitution in this respect, pointing the way
ia a triumph of freedom. But the Legisla.
,nre of Massachusetts has always shown it,
self steadfast in its adherence to the sub
stance and forms of the constitution, and
much as it may desire the abolition Of slave
nv within the limits of the United States, i
cannot recommend any course inconsisten
with these.
But it should not hesitate 10
all constitutional efforts in this Cause. OI
other occasions, the Legislature of Massachu
setts has borne its testimony against slavery
1t has already assumed the responsibility o
proposing an amendment of the constitution
destroying the representation of slave proper
" in the House of Representatives and tn,
electoral colleges. 1t has passed resolutions
at different periods, in favor of the abolitio.
of slavery in the District of Columbia also
in the territories also requesting Congress
to exercise their constitutional power In pro
hibiting the slave trade between the States
and in insisting upon the exclusion OF slave
nv, as a condition Of the admission OF an
new State into the Union.
This course has heen sustained by the pee
pie of the Commonwealth, who have unite
in large numbers in petItioning Congress !
behalf of these several measures. The da
has now passed when it will be said, thu
they are not a proper subject for petition
public discussion.
Especially at the present moment, whe
criminal efforts have been made to eXten
slavery, it is incumbent upon all good cit
zens TO renew their e~xertions for its abolition
1t is not only a great calamity, destructive
the true interests of labor, and preventing Il
increase of knowledge; but, viewed IN Il
light of morals, it is a great wrong. Jeiie
son called it 'an enormity.' 1t is a Violate
of the law of God and nature, not less thu
of the Christian rule of doing unto others
you would have them do unto you. All Il
considerations against its extensions, requiT
Co. In.--N NNvg.-- 49, - ~