Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-08-14
British Pauperism and Ameri.
can Slavery.


land. in behalf of the poor slaves of our country
Our abolition journals are now heralding the
doings of the various foreign religious and PHI
hrntAropic societies, at their recent anniversa-
RIGS the principal topic which has engrossed
their deliberations being American affairs
The unsettled political condition of our coun-
try the past year has afforded theme for their
consideration which they seem bent upon using
to accomplish the teily and sinister motives
which have been ranking at their hearts ever
since the principle of repuJHcanisn in the in
dependence of the United States, triumphed
over monarchy, by successfully resisting the
Entertainments of the mother country, and cs-
tabshing and maintaining separate and
prosperous government.
That the institution of American slavery
embodies elements antagonistical to the funda-
mental principles upon which our government
was established, cannot be denied, and it is not
to be wondered at that the development and
progress of these principles have tended to
augment the disfavor originally existing against
this institution But as there is a duty in
cumbent upon every American citizen to aid
in the development of those principles which
constitute the basis of his countrys prosperity,
there is also an obligation binding upon him
to pursue that conservative course which shall
preserve and retain all the advances in human
progress and governmental sciences which the
operation of these principles has already Sc
cured. This truth has been so generally ac-
knowiedged and acted upon, that the harmony
of our country remained undisturbed until al
traism, growing out of mistaken ideas and per-
verified judgments prompted certain men in the
Northern States to commence systematic az
ndtion movement irrespective of consequent
ces, and actuated by but one ostensible motive
the absolute determination of the evil from
the land. 1t is only necessary for our present
purpose, to a!lude in general terms, to this
movement, without going into the details of its
history.
The agitation of this subject in our country.
has been seized upon by British diplomatists,
TO accomplish certain willy purposes, until we
now discover a systematic attempt, on the
part of The religion of the nation to aid in the
carrying out of the purposes foreshadowed by
diplomacy. Not only have the religious soci-
ties been prolific OF vituperation and abuse of
America-her institutions and clergyn,en, but
the Temperance Demonstration Committee have
recently sought, by the passage of the follow
ing resolution, to impose restrictions to tell in
favor of human liberty The resolution is as
follows -
"That while this Committee desire to cher
ish the most friendly feelings, and to exercise
all the requirements of fratcrnal and Christian
hospitalities, towards any advocates of temper
ance from America who may visit this country,
they feel it to be their imperative duty not to
welcome to their platforms, or to any confer
ence which may be held on the subject of tenn
perance, any minister of relig ion, or other gen
tleman whatever may be his reputation in his
own country, who hesitates to avow his abhor-
renee of slavery, and his earnest desire for its
abolition, or who acts under the influence of
the unnatural prejudice against the colored
portion of the population
Such proceeding can command no other feel
ings from American citizens than those Of inef-
fable contempt, and as so many indiynities Of
fered to the thousands of Americans now in
London, who have to pocket them. Their vi
tuperations and anathemas would be less
harmless were they not encouraged and ap-
plaused by coadjutors this side of the water.
While this is the case, it is gratifying to no.
tice, now and then, that the patriotism of some
American present is aroused to repel these
vile calumniators. An instance of this is re-
ported among the doings of the English
Church Missionary Society,"" A severe and
pointed castigation was administered by the
Rev. Mr. Chickcring, of Portland, for the spirit
of slanderous abuse heaped upon our country
men by some Of the speakers on the occasion
which had the good effect to draw from one of
them disclaimer of any intention to abuse
Americans, any more than they did their own
government for their outrages upon the Caffres
or Hottentots! -H
This leads us to consider whether there are
not greater eriis lying at the doors of these
British philanthropists, appealing directly to
their sympathies. than can be found in the
condition of any class of people in any other
country The facts exhibited by the census of
Ireland, which has recently been made public.
are sufficient commentary upon this. 1t
s'to"S sAiS iHSidhChOil result lnal within ten
years, more than taco millions of the Irish peo
pie have either been forced to seek sustcnance
in foreign lands, or have fallen victims 10 fam.
Inc, or of the pestilence which follows the foot.
steps of famine ! All must admit that rho
evils and suffcrings of British pauperism ex.
coed those of American slavery-then how
much more consistent would it be for the self
righteous philanthropists Of England and Scot.
land to turn their eyes from this coun,rv
where the people are comparatively prosperous
and happy, to their own suffering population
The cause of true philanthropy and bencvo-
lence would be bette subserved by so doing.
and until this is done, little credit should be
awarded to those misguided philanthropists
who express so much interest in our concerns
to the utter neglect of their own
Cd The Navigation Laws.