The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1849-01-26

dom or humanity. ~ uds Oo0u Sdiu Oy |
an eminent citizen, that "those divisions
which arise from different views of ad-
policy are in their nature
But those which are founded
upon geographical divisions, adverse in
ierests of soil, climate aud modes Of do
mestic life, are more permanent. and
perhaps the more dangerous"
While we should adhere to our own rights
with determined firmness, yet TO do us
tice and TO guard against any cause OF de.
feclion, we should regard the rights of
orr sister States with like interest and g.
quail anxiety with which we would protect
our own.
No one subject at present more geners
ally or justly agitales the public mind
than does that ofthe extension of slavery.
Itis one of fearful import. as the division
is one Of geographical linesG"adverse in.
terests of soil and climate" So far as the
State of Ohio is concerned, there appears
to be but little difference of opinion on
this subject Although our people differ
upon questions of state or national policy
yet upon this one snbject all, or nearly
all, are agreed. that slavery ought not TO
be extended. This unity Of feeling has
been heretofore manifested by legislative
action.
Upon one occasion when one nf the
great political parties into which this
State is divided, was in the ascendency
and the question was agitated of adding
more slave territory to this Union, tina.
project was unanimously condemned by
the General Assembly. And at subse-
quent period the other political party be-
ing in power, the same measure was con-
demned by an overwhelming majority Of
the same body. Bnt this was Of no avail;
this remonstrance was unheeded; Texas
was annexed with sllvery irrevocably
fixed upon it.
Since that period. in consequence oi
the war with Mexico, war waged a.
gainst the feeling and wishes Of majori
ty of the people of this State. new terri.
tories Of imeDse extent have been added
to the United States. These territories
are now free, ,uncontaminated by the blight
of slavery; and the great question which
now agitates the nation is. whether they
shall be protected in that freedom by an
act containing the principles of the or
dinance of 1887, or whether by authority
Of tho Congress of the United States, the
curse of slavery shall bo extended over
them. While | would faithfully accord
to sIaveholding States all the rights SO.
cured to them by the compact which
binds US together, l must also regard the
rights of the free States with equal care
and believing, as l do, that the fathers o
the constitution never contemplated the
extension of slavery underline authority
of that instr ument. beyond the limits o
the original States, ! can never consent
nor will the State of Ohio ever consent
that this moral and political evil shall b.
further extended. The interest of fre,
labor, the general good of The whole ma
tion, and the yot higher claims of human
ity and Justice, demand that any act or
ganizing these territories, should contain
the principles ofthat ordinance which ba
contributed SO much to the Prosperit
and happiness of that portion ofour coun
try once composing the Northwestern
Territory. lwould therefore recommen
to your consideration the passage of sue
re solutions as will express TO the genera
government the voice of the State of Obi
upon the subject, and give strength t
our Senators and Representatives in Con
gress in their endeavors to restrain slave
ry within its present limits.
To your wisdom, under the conslitu
T tion, have onr common constituents com
mitted their multifarious interests, and b
your united and harmonious action ar
these interests to be protected and ou
future prosperity established. That
may be so. earnestly supplcaIe that Al
, mighty Being in whose hands are the de'
tinies of States and nations; that He wi
preside in your councils and direct you
deliberations, and that through His fave
our privileges may be continued unto u'
and the blessings of constitutional gov
ernmeut extended 10 our posterity to tn
J latest gene rations.
SEABURY FORD.
Columbus, Jan. 22. l649.