Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-06-23
Policy and Progress of Discussion.

The discussion between Mr.. Woodward,
Of South Carolina, and Mr.. Bayly, of Virgil
MIA, in the House of Representatives, was an
occasion of much interest. Those Southern
gentlemen who assume to be the guardians of
Southern rights, have generally got along
with admirable unanimity. But on the occa-
sion to which we refer, the harmony was in
terrupted, and some discord, quite refreshing
to mere lookers-on, was manifested. A con-
troversy between Southern champions in re-
lation 10 slavery is a novel feature in con-
gressional proceedings. We have elsewhere
which our readers will see that on certain
asunder as the poles.
But few years have passed since Southern
representatives scorned 10 discuss the SUBJ
ject of slavery in Congress. They said it
was a subject with which Congress had no.
thing to do, and they therefore viewed all
discussion upon it as impairment. Gradu-
ally, however, a change has come over their
feelings, and, during the present session,
they have exhibited much solicitude TO define
their positions on this question, and to parade
what they seem to consider the merits of
slavery. Indeed, they have had more TO say
in vindication of the "institution," 90 fact"
or whatever other term it may suit their fas-
tidiousness to employ in speaking of slavery,
than has been said against it. We rejoice
they admit slavery is a legitimate subject for
debate. If the system be as genial TO hui
manity as they assume, it is their duty TO
enlighten a world that is very much in the
dark as to its merits. The tendency of the
times is most decidedly adverse to slavery.
The tide of public sentiment throughout the
civilized world, is setting with tremendous
force against all old systems of bondage, and
if African slavery is the only one worthy Of
a longer lease of existence, its friends should
certainly endeavor to rescue it from the fate
that threatens it, before it is too late. And
let them make eager haste to do 1t, for there
is nothing more certain than that African
slavery must fall before the hostile agencies
now making inroads on it, unless its advo
Gates very speedily throw up some circum
valuation of reason and religion of s~ufficien
force to defy the assaults Of its ~resolute oppo
nents.
Although we were born and nurtured unde
the shadow Of African slavery-our frs
breath having been mingled with that O
slaves-accustomed, as we have been, I
hearing the discussion Of slavery denounce
as incendiarism by our neighbors and friend;
we have never been able to appreciate tn
force Of that logic which has silenced s
many tongues. If it be dangerous to discus
the system, that fact certainly furnishes
most conclusive reason why it should be di
cussed thoroughly, earnestly, and immedia,
ly. Our safety would then impera,ively d
mand it. He is not a wise man who, wht
surrounded with perils, folds his arms al
refuses to escape-who, while in the mid
, of danger that is increasing with each su
c~essive day. takes no steps to lessen it-wl
looks f~earfully at the black cloud that
, rising in the heavens, and sees 1t rapidly e
= p%anding and becoming more wrathful, al
t yet will persist In refusing 70 take shelte