Weekly miners' express. (DuBuque, Iowa) 184?-1849, 1848-01-05
THE MINERS EXPRESS.
GEORGE GREENE, PRopnrE1
BARN BURNERS. AND 0 Id HUNK
Frs. 4 a

llls question:, Wnlcn IS agItatlnS the To-
CO focos all over the country, must receive
the elaboration of the democrats in Iowa.
The Wilmot Proviso has representatives
here as we'll as in New York. On this
question such prominent democrats as Judge
Mason, Gen. Van Antwerp, and Col. Hemp
stead. are in opposition to General Dodge,
Judge Wilson, and others. If the Wings
can't do better, it may be thought best to
unite with those who will COMMIT them
selves against an extension of slave terrific
ry-in other words, with the barn burners.
..... ..T.l -. #r1 Hawkeye.
Let it be proclaimed in the streets and
upon the house-tops, that great teacher
is abroad in the land, adorned with the
wisdom Of generations past and unborn.
If we had not read of false prophets in
darker ages Of the world, when men
we're wont to view things as their inter-
est, and not as their reason, dictated; we
might regard this prophetic vision of our
Burlington cotemporary as in some mea-
sure consistent with the present theory
Of political tactics. But believing that
he is acting "without the evidence Of
things SEEM" and without scrupulous
adherence to the dictates Of conscience,
we must give him credit for more impu-
dence than sagacity, and more selfish
ness than purity of heart. We suppose
him to be as gnorant Of the peculiar
views Of these men, upon the modern no
tons Of slavery agitation, as he has pro-
we'd himself to be upon the merits of the
present war. So far as those named in
his article, living in this place, are con-
cerned, we know him to be so. But even
admitting all he says to be true, the ma
ture Of the case is not changed, or its
merits impaired in the least. $780,
All must acknowledge that slavery is
a great moral evil, and one which our
country would be much better without
than with. 1t was entailed upon our
forefathers without their consent, and a.
gainst their wishes, by an arbitrary 60
vernment, which has always ruled with
an iron hand. Up to the date Of the re-
volution, it exercised most formidable
power, and was the sole machinery by
which the enterprise of the country was
kept in motion. Each Of the thirteen CO.
lonies were more or less burdened with
it, when the struggle for independence
commenced; and after that sangulnary
contest had lasted for eight years-alter
they had conquered peace, and secured,
upon permanent foundation, the invalu.
able blessings Of freedom Of opinion, both
civil and religious; after they had, by the
most consummate skill, patient suffering,
and union Of purpose, planted the germ
Of an ever-enduring monument of social,
political and religious liberty, and but
single act remained unaccomplished,
which was to~porpetuate their memories
in the hearts of posterity, their labors
had liked to have terminated without &C.
complishing the great object for which
they had fought and bIed, namely-the
adoption Of our present const;tution-the
great symbol of our faith, and charter Of
our liberties. The question ofnegro sla-
very found its way into CELEBRATIONS,
and it became most solemn question OF
interest, what course could be pursued
calculated to meet the wishes, and secure
the welfare of all. After long and
stormy, fierce and angry debate, in the
constitutional convention, the matter was
finally and definitely settled by compro-
mise-conccding to the southern States
slave representation-and placing eve
ny State upon basis Of perfect equality.
The States delegated 10 the General
Government certain powers, which were
absolutely necessary tothe establishment
Of ourpresent political system, and re-
tanned certain other powers, which they
could not dispose Of without endangering
their interests, prosperity, and safety.
Among those powers surrendered, were
the right to declare war, to make treaties,
levy taxes, regulate trade with foreign
nations, punish treason, exercise exclu-
sive judicial and legislative authority in
everything pertaining TO the general in
terest and welfare Of the people, &c.
Among the powers reserved, were, the
right to regulate alllocal matters belong
ing TO the States, independent Of the in
reference Of the General Government.
Slavery was regarded as a proper subject
for local Legislation, and it was therefore
reserved by the States, as a matter Of
justice to themselves, and conceded by the
General Government, as a subject oyer
which they should not, and could not ex-
ercise cont roll. without endsnperinO the