The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-12-23

was brought up among slaves; have scarcely |
relation that does not own them-my father |
largely"
To the Editors Of the Examiner:
GEsrLEMEs:-I admit that your reply to Pres
ident Shannon's address is sufficient, and all
that the friends of Emancipation could reason
ably desire, yet feel so much pity for such
sentiments. and for the christian who can
utter them, that must ask your indulgence
while add few words TO what you have
said
President Shannon talks somewhat grandilo-
quently about the philosophy of certain things,
as many have done before him, without favoring
the reader with glimpse of the philosophy he
pirates about, il truth and reason be elements Of
his philosophy.
The President says the philosophy of negro
slavery consists in its proper adaptation to the
wants, necessities, and happiness Of mankind,
Including master and slave. IL the social and
political experience Of men In all ages, and es-
Pecially Of the people of the United States, in
regard to the effects of African slavery, upon
the wsll-being Of society, be taken as the stand
can say, without fear Of proof to the contrary,
that slavery in no form has subserved the wants
necessities, and happiness of mankind. The
common aud better instincts of humanity have
at all times been in opposition TO human OPP
preston, In whatever form it presented itself
) None but tyrants have been the advocates Of
{ slavery, or ever can be; though many protesting
to be filled with {he milk Of human kindness for
their species, in hOneyed words sing the syren
e song Of GAN is WE'LL" whilst they rivet the
!, chains Of slavery more closely.
e Mr.. Shannon, In his address, teaches the doc
y trine that the African, in his bondage here. is
/ undergoing state Of probation as a conse-
II quence of his moral degradation and general un-
II fitness for civil liberty; but he does not inform
y us when this pupage shall end; though the in
ference is irresistible from his premises, that il
u must cease when the subject has had his heath
IS enism and ignorance corrected. Though this is
It the legitimate conclusion from his position, yet
in defiance the absurdity in which it involves
him, the President wades on through many
passages Of doubtful or not well understood
i scripture. to prove that slavery may, ought to
be perpetual, regardless OF the fact that the slave
II may have become better man than his master
J. Doe the President mean that the Institution
e of sla1ery exists by Divine appointment, never
u to cesse, except by another revelation of the
e DIVINE mind, reyoking III II this be his opin.
n ion, then he stands excused, by us at least, Of
u any sin on account of his advocacy Of slavery
s. At the same time, we, who entertain different
y notions-and there are millions Of US who do
e and practice upon them-have some slight
grounds a, least, to look out for visitation up
{" on us Of the wrath Of Heaven, for our wilfu
of opposition to his divine DEGREES. As well NIGH
Al we set at haught the institution of the Sabbath
m the Lords supper, Baptism, or any other Of IN.
,e divine ordinances, this Of slavery, IL il hav,
m the seal OF Gsd upon it, for the eternity Of ii
u existence. Prove to me that the Bible author
,r ses the present any other form Of slavery
is except from dire necessity, and snail hav,
3 no hesitation in rejecting the whole Bible, TO
b. that single reason. as the mere product of man
g. Bat reason differently. Many things wer
ID permitted, bath by Christ and the Apostles. Il
to which they BY no means gave their sanction
be and yet they advised concerning them. Chris
lie taught the world that ignorance was dstrimen
I'd tai to human happiness. and that knowledge wa
Of a part or element of godline.s; yet he did no
T. set up school. and take the lead in teschin,
Of .hswssid Astronomy. or the Art of Navigation
ct which was 50 important to facilitate the spres'
to Of the gospel in distant lands. He was awar
lie Of the great Inconvenience Of this ignorance o
e the people, and could, no doubt, have remedie,
lie il If he hao willed so to do; yet he permitted
l. to exist. From which we are not to suppose b
IS sanctiOnediti He left man to work out his owl
ID salvation With fear and trembling, by the aid o
81 the general principles of action taught in hi
lie precePts, revealed to us for our guidance.
20 The people of Kentucky will not now lool
'e to Genesis or Exodus for light in conductin,
u their political affairs. They will act upon tn,
proposition laid down by President shannon
"that happiness is the true end and aim of oul
y being" AMI wisely use those means-be they
what they may-ihat give the best promise o
success even though it be to rid the State of sla
very. an not advocating the claims Of tn.
negro, but of the white man, to cur aid.
The best and happiest condition of both race,
can be found only in their entire separation; ane
= though the negro should be the sufferer by IN.
process, va principle Of self preservation jus
tines the white man in seeking the result
y The greatest good to the greatest number" af.
u fords rue Of action founded in truth and ius.
tice, from which the injured minority have no
right to appeal. The time will come up in the
history Of Kentucky, when dire necessity will
force us to form principle Of self preservation,
to get rid Of the slave population either psacea.
bly, or by forcible means. As wise men, we
, should anticipate this coming and growing
trouble, by removing in time. whilst we can
without nj ch Inconvenience, this cause of fu-
T ture difficulty. The limits Of slavery, through
out the cisilised world. are being more and more
{ circumscnbed from year to year, and shall Ken
lucky be portion Of that limited space upon
which slavery shall eventually be accumulated,
with all its sickenng and blghting concom-
, tants. Let others do as they will, hut as for
Kentucky, she will consult wisdom, hope and
T believe, and save herself from so great calam-
ity. GREEN RIVER.
| - ----'- Exan,iaer.
Theughts On GrndsaI lznsancspssSe..
| The ATTEMPT was made in farmer article e.