Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-01-20
THE FIRE L NJ AN.
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
Position of VrrmOntmWhat is it?

FELLOW VERMoNTERs:- I'VE have become distn-
guished by declarations of hostility to slavery uttered
in our behalf by our Legislature. By The session oil
1876 we denounced the war with Mexico as wild
and wicked career Of conquest" and proclaimed oul
conviction that the annexation of Texas and the con
quest of Mexico are parts of stupendous scheme de-
signed for the perpetuaton and extension of slavery
and the permanent establishment of political policy
in the nation, subservient IN all its features to this
atrocous design" In the same document from which
these words copied, we signify our belief, in view
of the conquest of Mexico, that there exists "deter
mlnaton to make slavery the chief element ofthe GOV
eminent, -and-to crush the energies of free abo
and reduce the industrious masses of the North to the
condition Of slaves" See Journal of the House fol
1916, pp 233-235.l
Such are our declared views. But new and pecu
liar expression of views called forth from the las
session Of the Legislature, by the fall of Col Ransom
while fighting with the Mexicans Among the resolu
tons passed by that session on occasion of his death
was the following:
Reso'ued That his Exccllency the Governor, as
token Of the respect OF the General Assembly OF this
State for the memory of Col RANSOM, is hereby au
horzed aud empowered to procure and present. at suc
time and IN such manner as he may deem proper, tC
the son Of Col. RANSOM now Il Cadet at West Point
an appropriate sword, with such devices and inscriD
tons thereon as will best perpetuate the memory OF the
deceased, and ofootully awaken IN tho hnsom al
the those sentiments of lofty and tervenl patriotism
for which the father was so prominently distinguished
What important service drew forth this need o.
praise from grateful legislature? Do we owe oul
freedom to COL Ransom? No such thing. He did
not fight the battles of freedom but of slavery. He
aided in carrying out "arocious design" and help
ed forward "wiId and wicked career Of conquest
This is the benefit which it required the best powers
of our language to acknowledge. The legislature in
considering COL Ransonl's merits did not Judge him tc
be simply patriotic. No, his patriotism " lofty and
orvent". For this lofty and fevent patriotism he was
distinguished, and not merely distinguished eminent
~ distinguished but "preeminenty" so. And to show
their respect for man prominently dstjngushed by
lofty patriotism, and to perpeuate that patriotism in the
bosom OF his son. they deem it wise to authorize somc
expenditure.
Vermonters do we endorse these views of our legis
ature? for one protest against them as contradict
ing all our declarations of hostility to slavery, and ap
proving Col. Ronsons action in aiding an atrociou,
design" Would it not be wise to weigh benefit be-
fore we lavish praise on the benefactor? Should the
believed objects of the war be accomplished, ant
slavery become the chef element of the Govern
lent" should the energies Of free labor" be crushed
nd the people of Vermont be reduced to the condi
on of slaves" we shall be in better circumstance,
IAN we now are duly to appreciate what Col Ransom
as done for U.S. If Vermont legislature is in haste
exto the patriotism that fights under the banner o
avery the people at least ought to wait till they en-
by its fruits.
Is that patriotism 'lohy" which is inconsistent witt
Philanthropy, or which would fill one country witt
Widows that another may enjoy the triumphs of inius
ice? With the views Of 1916 we cannot but rcgar
&ansom's patriotism as misguided. Why then shou
we encourage such patriotism by excessive and un
qualified praise? Do We seek to fire our young mel
with enthusiasm to enlist in unjust war; and expos
t.nl ntlI hanson did on the battle fields of Mex
DO? A legislative influence tending TO such a caIonl
ty may well be deprecated and ought to be opposed
Enough if our young men are encouraged to delen
bur own soil and our own rights Sound and enlght
ned patriotism will not lead US to sustain our countr
injustice, or to desire that she may enjoy any othe
riumph than the triumph of right.
The same Legislature that passed the above resou
ion, passed others in honor of Eathan Allen Is thi
ur consistency? How different and opposite wer
he characters of Col. Allen and Col. Ransom. ALE
ought for freedom Ransom for slavery, Allen re
listed aggression and defended the soil Of his state
Ransom left his country and state to invade for3ig
oil Allen sided with Justice against fearful odds
power-Ransom took the side oil power against Justice
Ransom's merit consisted in his devotion to his gov
rnmcnt, what shall we think of Allen who rebeIle
ganst his king? In short, there is no commo
round upon which both can be honored, except tina
7 both were heroes But have we Of Vermont becon
so infected with the prevailing spirit of hero-w Orshi
that we can eXtol a man to heaven simply because
is hero, though against freedom? If the Frenc
army sent to reduce the inhabitants of ST. Domingo
slavery were Disguised with their ignomnious employ
ment surely it becomes Vermont rather to blush tina
to be proud when any of her sons enlist in the ngC
rious war against Mexico.
But if after all, the people concur in the above re
outon, would move a reconsideration of our views
1856 for what will posterity think of US when the
learn BY our records that we hail as distinguishe
patriot the man who gives his life for cause whic
we regard as seeking to reduce us and them to /" Il
condition of slaves ?"
ITHAMAR SMITH.
Gp0r0ia IN Ihp WilmOt prnviAO