The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-01-23

no demonstration: and that our future
prosperity and increase of power and in
fluence and happiness depends upon a
firm adherence to that union, is a PROPOSE
ton equally clear. By the progress of i'm
provements, the distance between the diff
ferent sections of the country is compara-
lively annihilated, and our interests are
more closely interviewer and assimilated.
The whole Atlantic Coast is rapidly be-
coming connected with the centre-look-
ing to short period when by the same
progressive improvement, the whole shall
be connected 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 in
stitutions be more extended throughout the
world. He, therefore, who would destroy,
weaken, or impair this union, would be
not only an enemy to his country, but to
the best interests of mankind Whatever
is of the domestic and internal policy
of each separate State unconnected with
the other members of the partnership be-
longs exclusively to the administration of
the State Governments. Whatever in
wolves the rights and interests of all the
members belongs to the General Govern
ment, and each has the right to be heard.
While all the rights of the slave holding
States, recognized By the Constitution,
should be rigidly and in good faith main
tanned, it is equally the right and the desire
of the free States to be exempted from all
the evils and burdens which that institu-
ton imposes-consequently the General
Government should be clear from all re-
sponsibility for the existence or mainte-
nance of slavery or any traffic therein
The subject of the extension ofSlavery in
to the new Territories is one ofintense in
terest, and has for some time past agitated
the whole country.
The interests Of the free States, yea, the
general interests of the whole nation, that
higher motive, the love of liberty, and the
yet holier claims of humanity and justice
all demand that these Territories, whether
they remain as such, or be admitted as
States into the Union, shall forever remain
uncontaminated with the blight of slavery.
That Congress 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 ration
al doubt.
| would therefore recommend the pas
sage of resolutions, pressing upon our Del
egation in Congress the propriety and ne
cessity of passing an ordinance forever ex-
cluding slavery from every foot of territory
owned by the United States, before any
portion thereof shall be organized and ad-
mitted as a State.
| would also invite your attention to the
subject of the Slave trade in the District of
Columbia. That there should be even tol-
Grated at or near the Capital Of this boast !
ed free republic, a system of traffic in hu-
man flesh and blood-a system so revolt
ing that it cannot be permitted within the
borders OF slave States themselves, is blot
and stigma upon our national escutcheon
and ought forthwith to be wiped out. |
would therefore recommend the passage of
resolutions, requesting our Delegation to
use their exertions and influence to have
the slave trade in the District of Columbia
Immediately abolished.
Remembering always that we are in
debted to Divine Providence, whose good
ness has been so bountifully bestowed up.
on us, in our growing prosperity as State,
implore the blessing Of that same Omnip-
otent Being upon all your councils and
measures for our future welfare.
SEABURY FORD.
COLUMBUS, Dec. 81, 1849.