Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1847-10-08
American Slavery Defended.

On Friday night last, the Rev. Alexander
Campbell, of Virginia, L. g, explained at
some length his views on The much agitated
question of American slavery. lie felt it ne
cessary TO do so, in consequence of the streets
of Edinburgh being placarded with announce
ments styling him the defender and ally Of
American SHAREHOLDERS. The reverend rem
tieman explained his views at considerable
length, and with great calmness and clear
ness. After denying that there was any
ground whatever for calling him the friend OF
manstealers, he read a correspondence which
had been conducted betwixt himself and the
Rev. James Robertson with a view to a pub
lie discussion of the question. The Rev. Mr.
Campbell, however, would only give his con-
sent to a discussion through the medium of
The press, as ailOrding the greatest amount of
salts faction, and giving to the inhabitants of
both the New and the Old World an oppor-
tunity of reading the views Of the respective
parties leisurely, and balancing calmly the
arguments on both sides. Mr.. Campbell
commended that the confederated States Of A.
merica had as little power to remove slavery
as the State of Great Britain-that the remo-
val depended solely upon each of the slave
States itself, and the final removal could only
be effected by one slave State following an
other in the abolition. Virginia was the most
respectable Of the slave ~States-(great disap-
probation and laughter)-and he knew that
there was a majority Of the entire white pop
ulation of that State who would willingly
vote for the abolition Of slavery. Mr.. Camp
bell went on TO argue that the New Tesla
ment sanctioned the connection betwiXt slaves
and their masters, under certain conditions.
The Bible did not sanction man-sieaiing, nei-
Their did it encourage the keeping of those in
bondage who We're born free. (Great disap-
probation.) At this juncture The large as
semblage got somewhat uproarious. Cues
lions were rapidly put to Mr.. Campbell, such
as, 'Are all men not born free :? s.Are there
any men born slaves = &c. He repudiated
the statement which had been sent abroad,
that he would not sit at the table with a CO.
lored man; and in answer TO a question as TO
whether the negroes were allo we'd to partake
of the Lords Supper with their masters, Mr..
Campbell went into an explanation, which
did not seem to give much satisfaction. He
stated that, especially in hot weather, the
odor which was emitted from the bodies of
the negroes was almost intolerable, and was
more than many could submit TO, to sit down
at the same table with them. In cold wealth
er there was less objection, because the
odor was much less. He could even 90
into a dark room, and tell whether there was
a negro in it, Just FROM the smell. He then
asserted that there was the greatest cordiality
subsisting betwiXt the slaves and their mas
tiers, and there was greater desire to attend
TO each others interests than amongst u.s.
He then quoted some passages of Scripture,
which seemed to justify slaveholding. (Great
disapprobation prevailed throughout the meet,
ing, and the Rev. James Robertson having
no opportunity TO reply, intimated that he
would appeal to the press. The meeting
then separated j Edinburgh Weeh,y Er-
press.