Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1849-02-23
Excitement and Agitation.

UhN HS'A'ANf
The present time is one of intense in
tcrest. Questions of vital importance
are presented 10 the minds of our fellow
cilizens. in a few months a convention
is to be held for remodeling our State
constitution, for changing, in all probable
ity, in many important features the or
ganic law, the law of laws, of the Com
monwealth.
OF the various subjects which the pro-
posed convention brings before the mind,
no one can surpass, no one u equal, in
interest and importance, the subject OF G.
Emancipation. In this are involved not
merely pecuniary considerations, but the
character, the moral and social condition
of the community. Other changes may
be made in the constitution without af.
feeling very materially the general inter.
ests ofthe State; but no change in regard
TO slavery can be made without produ-
cling the most marked effect-without ex.
erting the most enduring influence, moi
only upon one class, but upon all classes,
upon the State universally, in all its re-
lations and interests.
Whether the influence will be for good
or ill is not the question before us now,
bur that the influence will be great, eth
or for good or for i'll, none can doubt.
The subject Of emancipation is then,
confessedly, one Of exceeding, Of trans
cendant, importance. Such being its i'm
portance, we should suppose that of all
subjects this is the one demanding i'm
mediate and thorough discussion. And,
accordingly, we find that from various
quarters Of the State comes as urgent de-
mand for light and information. Con-
slant and earnest solicitations are made
by citizens of widely remote sections of
the State, thar provision be made through
the press and orally for a faithful and i'm
partial discussion of the subject, that the
way may be prepared for wise and cfi-
cient action.
What response is given 10 this demand
for information Some of the journals
of the State at once open their columns TO
the discussion, while others, and among
them some which by their wide c%ircula'
ton have a vast influence, positively re-
fuse to discuss the subject at all. Ant
why! On what do they base their refu-
sal ? On u conviction that slavery is
right and its perpetuity desirable No.
As far as our knowledge goes. there is
not a newspaper in Kentucky which does
not speak Of slavery as an evil, and does
not profess TO desire its Ultimate eX,inc'
ton. Why then do they refuse 10 dis
cuss the subject? For two asons
First. hncnnss they fear les! a discussion
of emancipation should injure their res
pective parties and, secondly, because
they think the discussion will lead 10 OK
element and agitation.
Now, in regard to the first reason w
have nothing to say. To those to whom
party interests are OF more importanc,
than any and all other interests witt
think that the great work Of an editor is II
stand sentenced for his party, with EEK
pediency'' rather than "right" for hi
watchword, this reason will be a~ll-suffi
cient. But to all such we would say, re
member that the right, the simple right
always proves, in the long run, the mos
expedient, and that no party, whateve
be its name, Wing or Democrat, or what
ever its professions, can long maintail
its hold upon the respect and affection.
Of the community, unless it be identified
with the best interests of humanity.
Upon the second reason, alleged 70
refusal TO discuss The subject of emanci
patton, we have some remark to offer.
discussion will cause excitement an
agitation" Undoubtedly it will, bu
what then? Was there ever a goo
cause, whose progress was not advances
and whose success secured by agitation
d The Reformation was attended with in
tense excitement, by fearful agitation
but what friend of religious liberty no,
deplores that agitation? The America
revolution was attended with great agita
lion but what American heart now be
walls that agitation as a calamity, or con
dems it as a wrongl The truth is tha
all the great triumphs Of humanity hav
been attended with excitement. Tn
worlds epochs have been periods of az
ilation.
But why this sensitive dread of agita
ton? Agitation is not violence, nor
it necessarily accompanied with violence
Ii is earnestness, excitement, if you vii
but what is there peculiarly fearful in es
element? The more excitement W
have the better, provided it be in beha
of a good cause and unattended with v
olence and uaembitered by the spirit
|denuncialion. Leihorgy, not excitemen
death, not life, is to be dreaded by u con
munity. I'll does il become us Amer
cam 10 d~eprecaie excitement, and shrin
from it. The spirit of liberty is a spir
OF excitement. Despolism may dreO
neutrality-suspicious. has naught
fear from il. Passionate, reckless excite
ment may be viewed with alarm, but III
e%xcitemen. of earnest though. and glow
ing feeling, especially when kindled