The freeman. (Fremont [Ohio]) 1849-1850, 1850-03-02
Far the freeman.
Tlnn Slavery Question.

has never before been exhibited to the world for
admiration or example, has withstood many pitless
stoims of political discussion and party rage; but
has continued to shine more and more respendant
to gain in power and importance,-thc fumes o
angry passions having soon been diss pated, and
left our institution free from ali contamination ol
vice or folly. Such has been SO far good for
tune, but a crisis seems now to be forming which
may materially alter condition, and presagc an
unhappy destiny in the future
At no period in our Republic has any subject
been agisated with much sFirit and interest as
that of the extension restriction OF slavery at the
present; never was it of more Importance that the
advice and admonitions of our Washington should
be well considered: that sectianal Interests should
not bias or prejudice the minds Of our Legislators
but that they should adopt conciliatory measures
to cement more strongly our glorious Union. And
in the present emergency of political strife, grow
ing ont of the all absorbing question Of slavery, We
cannot but approve Of the medium course recon-
mended By our President: that the ordinance OF
'Ss or the Wilmot Proviso, to be further ag-
itated or debated in Congress, but that the newly
acquired territories as they successfully become
populating enough for States, form their own con-
stitutions, admitting or rejecting slavery as 'hey
may deem proper. This measure would at once
rid the government of all responsibility in regard
70 slavery in the territories More especially must
this advice be approved and commended BY all par
ties of the North as it was given at a time when
California had formed her constitution with the re-
lection OF slavery. This is proof most clear and
positive that Gen. Taylor is in favor of the ProVIsO
and that il passed by Congress he would not put
on his veto, and that he regards the feelings and
interests of the South we'll as the North, and
would discover to both the propriety and justice In
permitting the territories To form constitutions tor
themselves as they may ask to be admitted, only
providing government for them, till such events
take place.
Are there any politicians of the North so cap
tious and pictorial, as to insist that the Wilmot
Proviso shall be forced through Congress, when
the territories about to do all they could desire,
and at time too, when the south are 50 exaspera-
ted against the measure? Do they not see that
obstanacv and perseverance,, in the undertaking,
might endanger the Union that the adverse par
ty might be as resolute and determined as them
selves and that violent connections might take
place. which would be avoided by little forbear-
ance and some mutual compromises?
When dissolution of our Union should be threat
ened, and government trembling to its base, by
party rage and violence in vain might it be to tell
The South, if they seeded, they cannot sustain
their independence; that their very slaves will mas
sacre thern or they will become prey to Mexico
or some other people, and that they would soon
wish themselves reinstated The passions Of men
: in all ages are very much the same. and expert
ance teaches "the height Of folly s to dare" un-
der such exssperations men and nations have gone
counter to their own interest and better Judgment
The resolutions of Mr. Clay tend 20 the same OBJ
ject of the President to recaaciling and assnaging
the feelings of both parties. While he avows his
abhorance to slavery being extended to the terri
tories. he advises to leave them to their own will
believing they will exclude it. AS regards slaves
fleeing from their masters, he would have the
Northern people bound no farther to give them up,
than our constitution points out AS that obliga-
tion has been subject of controversy, he would
wish to have the point settled, that all may know
their rights The slave markets in the District of
Columbia he would wish TO see abolished sales
and purchase confined to the District, where an ex-
change might conduce to the happiness of slaves
who are often separated from their friends, in diff
ferent families What more or better could be az.
Vised by any statesman?
Ifin disregard and scorn Of their conciliatory and
amicabie measures We rush on to extremity, in
contending for the Provso and the emancipation of
slavery in the District IS there not danger OF pro-
ducing rupture in government, disunion,
that would bring Us down from our exalted station
among the nations of the Earth, fulfill the predic
tons of crowned heads of Europe-that our Union
would not last and render Us by-word and de-
rision like many Republics which have risen and
fallen before us? And what would add to our
misfortune, neither portion of the government
would be as capable and efficient 10 guard against
aggressions of foreign powers. In union there is
strength.
The reader may say am visionary; my fears
are unfounded; that in no possible event Of Con-
gressional ltgations, will disunioa take place
The South will not, dare not, secede. We'll; we
who are here at home in quiet, attending to our
domestic avocations do not notice the angry trowns
or hear the roaring at the capitol We do not dis
the blacking tempest that threatens to burst
upon the nation. But they who hold the helm, and
are endeavoring to keep the Ship OF State we'll
trimmed and balanced: can better the danger
of a wreak
1t was in apprehension of serious calanlites,
have no doubt, that Gen. Taylor and Mr. Clay ad-
vised to those consolatory and pacific measures
And they arc not the only men who bode evil.
Mr. Phelps, Senator from Vermont, expressed his
opinion IN his place. that disunion could never take
place without boodshed. that it would be inpossi-
bic by negotiation, to fix upon line of disunion;
that the present government would of course claim
the territories, which in all probability the South
or new government would not be entirely willing
to relinguish. The consequence would be civil
war for conquest If we cannot readily foresee the
danger in carrying our revenge and animoSity too
far, against certain principles obnoxious to us, we
may take retrospect of past ages and behold the
calamity which ensued from obstanacy, from OBJ
durate and unyieldug spirits The Grecian States
had nearly conquered themselves, when Philip of
Monadon etrror 4ha fpichpY blcv. ('ivil wars of