The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-01-27

The present time IL one Of intense interest.
Questions Of vital importance are presented to
the minds Of our fellow-citizens. In few
months 4 convention is TO be held for remodel
Tag our State constitution, for changing, in all
probability, in many important features the or
gsnic law, the law of laws, Of the Common
wealth.
OF the various subjects which the proposed
convention brings before the mind, no one can
surpass. no one can equal, in interest and i'm
portanee, the subject of emancipation. In this
are involved not merely pecuniary cOnsidera-
tons, but the character, the moral and social
condition Of the community. Other changes
may be made in the constitution without affect
ing very materially the general interests of the
State; but no change in regard to slavery can
be made without producing the most marked
effect-without exerting the most enduring in
huence, not only upon one class, but upon all
relations and interests.
Whether the influence will be for good OF i'll
is not the question before US now, but that the
influence will be great either for good for i'll,
none can doubt.
The subject of emancipation is then, confess
edly, one Of exceeding, Of trsnscendant, impor-
lance. Such being its importance, we should
suppose that of all subjects this Is the one de-
maRding immediate and thorough discussion.
And, accordingly, we find that from various
quarters Of the State comes an urgent demand
for light and Information. Constant and earn
a. a. - -
remote sections Of the State, that provision be
made through the press and orally for faithful
and impartial discussion Of the subject, that the
way may be prepared for wise and efficient
action
What response ia given to this demand for
iDformAtion7 Some Of the journals of the
State At once open their columns to the discus
sion, while others, and among them some which
BY their wide circulation have a vast influence,
positively refuse 10 discuss the subject at all =
And why' On what do they base their REFUSAL
On ss.~iess>-. -si.ss --s--~ry-s--.isiss sAa
perpetuity desirabIe7 No. As far a. our know
ledge goes. there Is not a newspaper in Ken
lucky which does not speak Of slavery as an
evil, and does not profess 10 desire its ultimate
extinction. Why then do they refuse to discuss
the SUBJECT For two reasons. First, because
they fear lest discussion of emancipation
should injure their respective parties; and, Sc
eondly, because they think the discussion will
lead TO excitement and agitation.
Now, in regard to the first reason we have
nothing 10 say. To those to whom party inter-
es,s are Of more importance than any and all
other interests; who think that the great work
Of an editor is to stand sentinel for his party,
with "expediency" rather than "right' for his
watchword, this reason will be all suffcient-l
But to all such we would say, remember that |
the right, the simple right, always proves. in the
long run. the most expedient. and that no party,
whatever be iis name. Wing or Democrat, or |
whatever its professions, can long maintain its |
hold upon the respect and affections Of the com.
raunity, unless IL be identified with the best /
interests Of humanity.
Upon the second reason, alleged for refusal to
discuss the subject Of emancipation, we have
some remarks to offer.
Discussion viii cause excitement and sgita-
tion." Undoubtedly IL will, but what then7
Was there ever a good cause, whose progress
was not advanced and whose success secured
By sgitation7 The Reformation was attended
with intsnss excitement, by fearful agitation;
bad what friend Of religious liberty now de-