The freeman. (Fremont [Ohio]) 1849-1850, 1850-01-26

would recommend that the quarter master gen
eral be authorized to collect and repair the arms
and place them where they shall be safely kept
until needed, or until some new organization of the
military system, they shall be otherwise disposed
OF, and that an appropriation be made for that
purpose.
In pursuance of a joint resolution of the last
general assembly, calling on the people to vote for
or against a convention to amend the constitution
of this state vote of the people was taken at the
election on the second Tuesday of October, and
the question decided in favor of calling a conven-
ton by majority of all the votes given for repre-
sentatves at that election It will therefore become
the duty OF the legislature to provide by law for
carrying that vote into effect
This state is one member of the great confeder-
alton of states bound together by every consdera-
ton of interest and sefpreservation regulated by
a constitution wherein is defined the rights and
powers of each member as we'll as the rights of
the whole, acting as general gove nment From
the acquisition of new territories the area over
which this power is to be exercised, has lately
been vastly increased, and may be much further
extended
That our present greatness and prosperity a
nation is the result of this union of states is fact
which needs no demonstration; and that our future
VI POHOi
happiness depends upon firm adherence to that
union is proposition equally clear. By the prog
ress of Improvements, the distance between the
different sections of country is comparatively ami
hllated, and our interests more closely inter-
woven and assimilated. The whole Atlantic coast
is rapidly becoming connected with the centre,
looking to a short period when by the same pro-
gressive improvement, the whole shall be connect
ed with the Pacific coast.
Thus connected and strengthened and united,
not only will our means of national happiness and
power be increased, but the benefits and influence
OF our free institutions be more extended throe eat
the world He therefore, who would destroy, weak
en- or impair this union, would be not only an enc
my to his country, but to the best interests of
mankind.
Whatever is of the domestic or internal policy of
each separate state, unconnected with the other
members of the partnership, belongs exclusively to
the administration of the state governments
Whatever involves the rights and interests of all
the members, belongs to the General Government,
and each has the right to be be heard. While all
the rights of the slaveholding states recognized By
the Constitution, should be rigidly and in good faith
maintained, it is equally the right and the desire
of the free states to be exem pied from all the evils
and burdens which that institution imposes Con-
sequently, the general government should be clear
from all responsibility for the existence or main
tainance of Slavery or any traffic therein. The
subject Of the extension of slavery into the new
territories, is one of intense interest and has for
some time agitated the whole country.
The interest of the free states yea, the general
interest of the whole Nation-that higher motive
the love of liberty, and the yet higher claims of
humanity and Justice, all demand that these terri
tories whether they remain as such, or be admitted
as states into the Union shall forever remain un-
contaminated with the blight of slavery. That Con-
gress has the power to prohibit slavery from being
introduced into the territories Of the United States
where it does not now exist, there can be no
rational doubt | would therefore recommend the
passage of resolutions pressing upon our delegation
in Congress the propriety and necessity of passing
an ordinance forever excluded slavery from every
foot of territory owned by the United States, be-
fore any portion thereof shall be organized and ad
mitted as State.
would also invite your attention to the slave
trade in the District of Columbia. That there
should be ever tolerated at or the Capital of
this boasted free Republic, system of traffic in
human flesh and blood-a system SO revolving
that it cannot be permitted within the borders of
the slave states themselves; is a blot stigma on
our national escutcheon, and ought forthwith to be
wiped out. would therefore recomend the pas
sage of resolutions requesting delegation to
their exertons and influence tohave the slave trade
in the District of Columbia abolished.
Remembering always that we are indebted to
Divine Providence, whose goodness has been so
bountifully bestowed upon US in our growing pros
perity as state mplore the blessing of that same
Omnpotent Being upon all your councils and
measures for future welfare
sEABURY FORD.
Columbus, Dec. 81. 1849