Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1850-01-12
Speech Of c. NJ. RufIcirh.


The Pennsylponid FYeenan gives the follow
ing sketch of Speech made by G. M. Bur
leigh at the recent Anti-S.oyery Convention
in Philadelphia.
Mr.. B. spoke oc the powcr of truth ,o
overcome the evils of the age of the weak
ucss Of physical force to effect reform, now
being illustrated in European revolutions,
Where one tyrant is changed for another.
france, Rome, Hungary, who seemed about
10 obtain their freedom by the sword, are
verifying the prediction, "They that take the
sword shall perish by the sword" In the,e
reverses of freedom, he thought we mir,,,
learn a wiser lesson than from the fac,s of
the preceding year, which were q tucces-
sion of triumphs. We might learn n wiser
method of reform than that used bv those
who sought to establish Lib .rty, Equality
and Fraternity, by the force of arms. The
cause OF dcspotism is not stronger than it
was year ago In the agitation of the sub
.lect, great work has been done in Europe,
TO UNDERMINE tyranny, lie believed that u
greater tan kossdth will arise, who, relying
On the power of truth and love, will lead his
counNymen by surer, though less brilliant
path TO victory. We had also learned les
son IN our own country. Last year we had
'ruolced IN the agitation and breaking up of
2
political associations; while we mourned
that many abolitionists were seduced from
their allegiance to a higher standard, and per-
suaded that they might trust political par
~. The result had proved the wisdom OF
the exhortation, Put not your trust in prin-
ces." The gourd which sprang up in night,
mocking the friends of Freedom with promi-
SOS of shelter, withered before the noon-day
sun. But amidst all this there was still
nI,,tn,lonf Far Tho
spirit which gave existence TO the Free Soil
Party, still lives; there is more anti-slavery
faith and zeal now, than there was year
ago. The moral reiormer had no reason to
be discouraged, these events were all proofs
of the wisdom of his policy, and should
make him more jealous in the promotion of
his principles. Mr.. B. said that il was i'm
possible that a political party should lead
nation to REFORM because availability is one
of its cardinal principles. Compromises are
inevitable. Certain measures must be car
ried, therefore the party must have votes,
consequently numbers are absolutely neces-
sary TO success. The party cannot wait for
the slow process of mental conviction; some
thing must be yielded, and though, for n
while, apparently bold and uncompromising,
the first offer of coalition from the party next
below them, is accepted; then, the next
downward step is more easily taken. lie
doubted not that there were sincere men in
the Free Soil Party men who meant to make
it true TO Right and Freedom; resolved that
there should be, at least, one such party but
Notwithstanding this, they were defeated,
defeated by the laws of necessity, for they
were contending against the Legitimate re-
suits of political party under a slavehold-
ing government We had all watched this
party from its origin, when, under the name
of the Liberty party, il made large promises
of devotion to freedom, through its down
ITSELF Internationally, TO old Hunkerism.
But amidst all this, we have encouragement;
xve have lost. mn moral -PapseF-, siss- public
mind is better prepared for the reception of
our principles; each year opens a wider field (;
brings MS new successes, new obligations
He would but utter two words, WoRK and
WAIT.