The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-10-11
More OF the Slavery Agitation-Appcal o.
the Negroes to the North.

On Tuesday evening last the colored people OF
he city of Brooklyn held meeting in the High
street Church, in reference 10 the Fugitive Slave
bill At that meeting an appeal of the people of
color 10 the whites OF the free States was unan-
mousy adopted, and it will no doubt be published
in the abolition journals Immediately
We have carefully read this appeal, and if no
such instrument as the constitution of the United
States were in existence, il might perhaps
be entitled TO some consideration but as
long as that instrument remains the law
Of the land, we shall abide by il, and ardently
hope that its provisions, one and ALL will be faith
fully carried out, without fear favor. In this
appeal the constitution is extensively quoted from
and the question is asked, can the whites of the
North obey the Fugitive Slave bill, or permit its
provisions TO be carried out, when that instrument
declares certain sef-eviden nj truths, that all men
are created equal, that all men have in ,lienable
right to freedom, &c, &c. Now this is sophis-
try. II is very well known that negroes or colored
people of any character, were not recognised in
that instrument at all exce.t as slaves. As such
they were referred TO and to say that they were
allsded 10 in the preamble that all men are created
equal, end have an nalienable right TO liberty &c.
rs TO say what il false, and what cannot be sustain.
ed by facts. The appeal resting, as it does on this
assumption, therefore, falls TO the ground, and is
deprived Of all the force which il would other wise
have. Instead Of being termed an appeal to the
whites of the free States, il should be styled an ap-
peal to the fanacism of the free States and an at
tempt TO destroy the constitution, and with il the
integrity Of this republic.
When our ancestors entered into the federal COM
pact, they made a solemn agreement that certain
rights of the South would be respected and guar
ranteed. Without such guarantee the Southern
States would never have entered the Union. That
compact became the law of the land, and as long
as 1t exists, il must be supported and adhered to
BY every good citizen. The duty of UNFOLDING il is
as obligatory on the American people of the pre- sent
day as it was on those of the time at which it was
founded. II cannot be violated without dssolu-
ZION Of The Union and the question arises whether
we are to jeopardze il not destroy not only the
Union but the happiness of the slaves themselves
by violating that law and thereby refusing to carry
out the constitution. That it was necessary to
pass such bill, in order to carry out our obliga-
tons to the South, none hut fanatos win deny,
and such ablIwould be entirely superiuous il the
North had acted in good faith towards the South.
II s useless appeal to the constitution therefore,
TO vindicste opposition to the Fugitive Slave law
for if our conduct be tested by that instrument we
are bound by every consideration TO take exactly
opposite course, and support il TO the letter.
hthere is any serious intention the part of the
public, either black or white, 10 disobey this law
the result is easily seen. Bloodshed and civil war
will be the consequence, for they may rest assured
that will be enforced whenever occasion requires
IL; and, II necessary, the whole swarm Of white ia
naics, and their dupes the colored people, will be
sxtermhated by the guns Of our military. OF this
they have had en- earnest, in the proceedings which
recently took place in the city of Detroit, where
several military companies were ordered out to sup
port the civil authorities in the arrest Of fugitive
slave. The same thing would take place here, IL
the occasion required IL. This the colored people
and the fanatical whites may rest assured of, and
20 soon as they force that issue on the public, so
soon will d war Of determination against the blacks
be commenced. the end of which no one can see.
This Union is not IL be torn asunder by misplaced
philanthropy, or the fanaticism, embtou Of
Seward, OF any demsgogue like him, and the at
tempt will be met with an opposition ola character
that perhaps such disorganizers may not dream or
1.-THE issue Of the Union or bloodshed is forced on
the people then let il come, no matter what may
be the consequences. Seward may stump the
Northern States, or Mr.. Van Buren, may do il, or
any other free soer or fanatic may do It, but the
constitution must and shall be sustained, he the
consequences what they may.