The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-03-10
The Celebration at CIarington.

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the proceedings of Washington's Birth Day Csle.
bration. which took place at Clarngton. They occu.
py rather too much room under the existing press
of advertisements, and necessarily compel US to
omit other interesting matter which we should be
pleased to lay before the readers Of the "SpiTi;"
yet. considering the object of our friends laudAble,
we cannot hesitate in publishing misunderstanding
to,otrsef the privilege (as we always do) Of max
ing such comments as we may de.m proper.
Thsre isuo grss,er sdnirer Of the Sharsetsr of
Waslragton--no Que who glories more in his noble
achievements cbeFishes his memory with Fsesisi
fervency ths, oursslf. We will forego no appso.
pirate occasion to offer tribute 10 his name, ex.
pressive of the gratitude we feel toward him,
for the mighty deeds he has accomplished These
being our own feelings toward the Father OF our
Country, we, OF course, admire the same principle
in others. But the mixing up Of political matters,
and other subjects irrelevant to The occasion, we
must condemn On such days as the 22d of Feb.
ruary or the 4th Of July, we should meet together
as Americans-as freeInen-and every sentiment
offered should be Of purely national character or
relative to the object for which we have met; par.
ty spirit or sectional feeling should not be INDUCED
in. We should offer up our toasts upon the shrine
Of TREEpoM,
"And leave all meaner things
To low ambition and the pride Of kings"
These sentiments were forcibly brought ia our
mind whilst "setting up" the proceedings of the
CIarington Celebration. The ardent love and rev.
erence for the Father CT our country, has caused the
committee on resolutions to make some very inap-
propriate comparisons. We will not partic ularlze;
every one can judge for himself Among the toasts,
however, there are some SO decidedly objectiona-
BILE that we cannns refrain from noticing ons or two
For instance, the 9th toast.
Now, in the name OF w ashngton himself, what
nave the Black Laws or their repeal, 10 do with |
he celebration of the 22d of February' Nothing
hat we can see. The subject is inappropriate
'ery. However, as we arc on this subject, it will
lot be out Of place to say few words in reference
o the repeal of the Black Laws.
We profess to have the highest respect for the
'iews and opinions Of others, when honestly Ell.
and appropriately expressed. But sub.
ect should be examined in the various lights that
presents itself, before an opinion is formed in
eference TO it. Therefore we have not word of
ensure to cast upon the author Of this 9th toast,
as always been consistent in his opposition to the
epes Of the Black Laws. But will he permit us
} state what has been effected by the repeal Of
,ese laws-as he failed to do So II is simply this,
nd nothing more: that negroes and mulattoes are
'ade competent witnesses In courts Of justice
)oes the author Of this sentiment object to an
frican lestying before a jury, and that jury hav-
,g the power 10 decide what weight or credit to
i've the witness! Or is it not known to hi NJ that
le Supreme Court of our State has recommend.
their repeal, because they tended more to njurs
lie white race than the black! Or is there any
rinciple Of justice hat would admit the testimony
Hottentot or Savage and reject that Of an
frican?
BY union OF the wings and abotionists, the
emocratic party in Ohio has been defeated in the
tate elections for the last six years. Does Our
lend believe that the continuation of the Black
avs on the statute of Ohio is of more importance
IAN the existence and success Of the democratic
,rty! This is a question he should decide before
. decounces the repeal Of the Black Laws.
The 9th tosst is of the same character. Its
lthor. it appears, can blow hot and cold with the
me breath. II we are correctly informed, he has
ven all the laid and comfort" in his power for the
st six years, to those favorable to the repeal of
e Black Laws, by voting Tor Barley, Bebb aud
ord, all of whom advocated the repeal before
ID after their election; yet he drinks 'success to
e patriotic members Of the Ohio Legislature who
,Posed their repeal" o, psha,D! Would not
q sincerity Of any man be Questionable who says
is opposed to United States Bank, and yet,
every occasion, when opportunity offers, gives
8 vote and influence ts those known TO be favor
E to such an institution.
There are other matters contained in these pro.
ding which we think are entirely out of place,
Il neither time nor space will permit US 10 notice
EN-.
The above remarks are made in candor, without
disposition on our part to misr eprescnt the &C.
ms or wound the feelings Of any man. II we =
. in error in anything stated, it requires but a
nvictiou of the fact. and the amends honorable
all be forthcoming. a .es .5nigsio.,el ..r
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