Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-01-14
From the Salem Observer.
Beam in The Eye, vs.. Mote in the Eye.

The Mexican War proves. that as a nation
we are guilty Of the same folly that charac-
%terises us as individuals, TINT we are slaves
Of an vanity. We conceive our
selves to he. individually the best specimens
of human nature ever raised on the planet,
and are, of course, examples for the whole
human race. So in politics, we are about
the only people, in our estimation, who pos
sess any freedom worth speaking of, or who
have any considerable portion Of the elements
Of true greatness. Hence, we have a mis-.
sion to elevate all nations who can't help it
to the pinnacle of grandeur which it has been
our peculiar felicity to reach. This war
with Mexico, in accordance with this view,
is for the purpose of making her something
like ourselves. We have discovered that
she is sadly misgoverned, that her people are
all fools OF knaves, and that it is the destiny
of this happy old hen 10 gather her under its
wings and establish in her dominions all the
blessings which it is in our power to impart
to the nations of the world. This war be-
comes, therefore, when tried by such philos-
ophy, somewhat of a benevolent thing, and
displays us TO the world as a people, not on
ly willing, but determined, 10 help those
who can't help themselves.
Now this pretence of superiority on our
part would be well enough, ifit were not for
the fact, that in one matter at least, we had
better learn from than teach 70 MeXico--and
this, too, in the fundamental concern Of our
country. The grand idea that gave birth to
this Union was that of Liberty, and vet, in
this very matter, Mexico has set us an ex-
ample which we have not had the virtue to
follow. She abolished Slavery years ago,
and in that act carried the principle of Libe--
ty farther than we shall! apparently be ready
to carry il for a century TO come. And yet
we urge, as a preleXt for this war, that it
will improve the social condition of the Mex
lean people.
The truth is, that when we shall have
abolished Slavery ut home, we shall be in u
condition to confer practical benefits on other
nations. but not before. At present, not a
statement can be made of the degradation,
misery and oppression of the Mexican peo-
pie, which is not as true, if not more true,
Of three millions Of our own countrymen in
the South. Are they ignorant, and unac-
quainted with the arts Of civilized life! So
are the Slaves. Are their tastes low and un-
cultivated, and their habits of life rude and
vulgar! So are those of the Slaves. Are
they the subjects of a military despotism 3
So are the Slaves. Whatever may be urged,
against the social character of the MeXicans,
bears with equal force against that Of the
enslaved Africans. The latter are afflicted
with all the scourges of the former, and tho
need of elevation in each case is equally
strong. But how obviously inconsistent is il
for us to pretend TO seek the social regenera-
ton Of the one race, while we do nothing for
the other. Indeed, it savors of hypocrisy to
profess to have the good Of the Mexican peo-
Pile at heart in this war, while we abuse and
defraud a seventh part Of our own people at
home. Yet such is an apology which is Of
fered in justification Of our Mexican policy.
Truly, the Scripture well applies to the case
Of this nation,-'FiTst cast out the beam from
thine own eye, then thou shalt see clearly to
cast out the mote from thy brothers. eye.'
Silence is absolutely necessary TO the wise
man. Great speeches, elabomte discourses,
pieces Of eloquencs, ought to be a language
unknown 10 him his actions ought 10 be his
language. As for me, | would never speak
more. Heaven speaks; but what language
does it use to speak to meni That there is
a sovereign principle from which all things
depend a sovereign principle which maks
them to act and move. Its motion is its Ian
guaQe; it reduces the seasons to their time
il sgitates nature-it makes it produce. This
silsnce is eloquent.