Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-04-04
EASTERN TIMES.
Bath, Thursday, April 4, 1850.
Progress, Slavery, Freedom.

ments Startling theories are daily being
psopsgated, while prod ictive industry is keep.
ing pace with all things else The moral
physical, and intellectual worlds each seems
visins. the one to outstrip the other in the
great progressive race. Blu, good and evil are
40 equi- poised throughout the world, that the
mora!is' is ready to give up in despair. because
OF his want of immediate and complete sue
eess-while the physical man is suddenly
brought to a stant still in finding his improve
ment, invention, or what not. superseded by
something as far above his. as was his above all
others-and the inteectualist seems destined
to stop but little short of omniposence.
Reforms never 60 backwards says an old
political economist. This important truth
demonstrated by the experience of all. it is
well ever to bear in mind. The history of
mankind shows a SIT ady advance in religion,
morals. and politics from the primitive state
of man to the present. Liberalism, compre-
bending enlarged views upon all subjects, per-
vades society Popular governments, are
springing up and the principles of liberty.
equality and human rights have received an
impetus throughout the world, within the p lst
few years that will not cease until the whole
world is enlightened.
In the progress of mankind from state of
barbarism, two conflicting antagonistic ele-
ments are found, to exist, to wit, slavery, or
subsection TO the will of another, and freedom.
or uncontrolled liberty. With these predatory
remarks, we propose considering the institu-
ton of slavery which exists in our country
Its bearing upon the progress, the morals and
the politics of the United States.
The origin of human slavery dates farther
back than the history of our country. 1t was
the offspring o: barbarism, yet had important
uses to subserve. 1t resulted from that prin-
cipie which induced the strong man 10 over
power the weak for the purpose of subjecting
him TO his control. 1t was introduced into
this country 10 sare lye-the life of the poor
Indian, who was the victim of unheard of cru
elites from his white master. African slavery
was thus introduced into our country, and had
acquired permanent foothold when the con-
federation was entered into. That it has ever
been considered evil to greater or less ex-
tent, is true, and that it was considered an evil
by great portion of the trainers of the Con-
satution is equally true. The objection to it,
increased with the agitation Of the subject,
from year to year. until we find, at the presen.
day, the whole country aroused in the matter
That the institution of slavery has had
friends among those interested in its perpetuity,
who. from slight beginnings are now fearless
apolosists for it and all its evils, is every dav
seen. That much legislation in our national
councils has been prostituted to its corrupt de-
signs, we have reason TO regret. But that the
cause for elimination has all been on one side,
we have never for moment believed. We
have always commended for rigid mainten-
snce of the compromises Of the Constitution
believing that, although the Constitution rec
ognized the institution of slavery, it BY no
means ever intended to foster it.
The ar-sighted Jefferson, on one occasion in
bis life time, gave utterance TO the following
truthful declaration Yet the day is not dis
tant when it, (the south must bear and adopt
1t. (emancipation,) or worse will follow -
Nothing is more clearly written in the book of
fate, than that these people are to be free F.; nor
Is It less certain tha; the two equally free
cannot live in the same government IF on
TIE contrary IL is left to force itself on. human
Nature must shudisr at the prospect held up"
These were the sentiments of one interested
pecuniarily in s.aves-uttered too, at a period
when the institution was justified, morally and
religiously. "J it is left to force itself or"
says Mr.. Jefferson. fearful results will occur
Has, then, the institution of slavery. sought
10 force Itself on" or strengthen or perpe,u-
ate itself: Reluctantly we express our con-
vic,ion that it has. This is too apparent from
the recent movements of the friends of the Pc
culiar institution, in relation to the admission
OF California. tits too plain to be denied tha,
opposition is made to the admission of Califor,
MIA into the Union on account of the decided
stand she has taken against slavery. Thi. is
to be rcsretted-for it implies decided dispo-
siton on the part of the South to impede the
progressive spirit of the times, which, we con.
tend is witnessed in the high moral stand taken
by the inhabitants of California. This is what
Jefferson prophecied "human nature would
shudder at
The only question to be determined is
''what is the duty of citizen of the North in
this state of affairs = Can we look supinely
on, and escape our responsibilities by trusting
the result to an over-ruling Providence Or
is it rather our duty, as responsible beings, to
take bold. decided stand in favor of freedom.
in favor of moral and political progress, and in
sist upon staying the farther spread of the in
stitution. We plant ourselves upon the plat
form laid down by the gifted Jefferson, and
protest against ats forcing itself on" If JEFF
ferson, in days gone by, feared not to utter
such sentiments. shall We fear Shall we
adopt the on-in,erveution policy at this day,
IN relation so the Entertainments of slavery,
when Jefferson, with less cause for alarm, did
not hold his peace God forbid.
Is it urged that by interfering in the matter,
We shall disturb the existing order of things
and endanger the perpetuity of the'Union, we
rsply, that. as in ancient Rome. it was regard
ed as the mark of good citizen never to de-
SPAR OF the fortunes of the republic. so the
good citizen Of every country, whatever may
oe tie aspect of his own time, will never de-
spar OF the fortunes of the human race-but
VIII act upon the conviction, that prejudice,
slavery and corruption must gradually rive
way to truth liberty and virtue. and that, in
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