The republic., 1851-07-12

at the risk OF the penalties attached 10 its yio-
lation." Ii Mr.. Parker cannot comprehend
this distincton-if he can perceive no differ
ence between the freest discussion and such
GgitaLion as we have witnessed here of late,
and in which this teacher Of piety has taken
prominent part, his malady has run to a point
beyond my powers of calculations.
now come TO Mr.. Parker's third lalsehood
lie says Of Judge Sprague-''He says zoe nlay
agitate as much as zoe hare mind 10; mag not
only speak against laW, bat nlay deciaim
against IL, aohich is speaking strongly" Now,
IN Judge Sprague's charge there is no autho-
rity for this assertion. When and where does
Judge Sprague say ace may agiiate as much as
zoe hare mind toy Nowhere Nor is there
the slightest discrepancy between the senti-
mems on this point of Judge Sprague and Mr..
Webster. The words of Judge Sprague are
these
Discussion is free Men of all cIasses and of
every shade OF opinion may, by argument or even
defamation addressed TO the reason or the pas
sons, endeavor TO impress new vinps upon the
public mind. But if in their opposition to the ex-
pressed will of society they pass from words 10
deeds, and embody mischievous doctrines into
criminal acts of resistance TO law whoever they
may be- and whatever may be their position
their ultimate purposes they must sooner OF later
find that the law is Irresistible and overwhelm-
ing"
Mr.. Webster and Judge Sprague are equal
ly satisfied that it would be great blessing if
the agitation of the slavery question could
cease. Neither of them has ever suggested
that the laws prevent men from gathering to-
gether and talking foolishly and furiously how
ever naturally such agitation may lead to high
treason at last. But if men combine, and ex-
cite one another by passionate harangues to the
commission Of treason-organize and appoint
vigilance committees, by whose instIgation and
arrangement men are assembled for the purpose
OF preventing by force, and generally, the exc
cution of law, whether they actually prevent
its execution or not-this is levying war, and
high treason; and the takers, the agitators,
must come in for share of the consequences.
However minute their interest, or however re-
mote from the scene, says Judge Marshall
they are traitors.
Now, Mr.. Parker would mislead his people
into the belief that ace may dgitate as mach as
zoe hare nlind to-meaning that we cannot be
made responsible for the consequences of such
agitation. We may urge others to prevent the
execution Of law by force, stimulate their
passions, appoint vigilance committees, be our
selves members of such committees, aiding and
abetting in the rescue of fugitives by our
counsel and encouragement and that, so long
as we are not present, and one of the 'sdoScn
black men" who personally effect the rescue,
we are irresponsible. Nothing can be farther
from the truth. Indeed, it is very wicked
cious doctrines among his disciples, and at
tempt 10 palm them off upon Judge of the dis
trict court of the United States.
Certainly we may declainl as much as we
have mind to-agitate is Parker's word, and
not Judge Spragues. But can Mr.. Parker per-
ceve no difference between all this and carry
ing agitation out until it becomes conspiracy,
with its vigilance committees and liberty bells!
Even this is not treason. But if, in conse-
quence OF these arrangements, men assemble
for the purpose ofpreventing the execution of a
law by force, this is treason, even if they pro
ceed no farther. The difficulty lies in this:
Teachers of piety who, like Mr.. Theodore Par
ker, may possibly be preachers Of perjury, ex-
officio, may agitate too frequently and too far,
and, in an evil hour, find themselves implicated
in an act of high treason.
The OUert act may be committed at a time
they wot not of-quite Unexpectedly to them.
They may be engaged, perhaps, in writing
libels against the judiciary, or in composing
pious tracts upon the expediency Of perjury.
They may be remote from the scene Of action
no matter ho,o remote /, their participation in
TIC cohsPiidcy may nave Deen very lhlhuIe--
no matter hOto minute. 1t will be shown that
they conspired for the object--were active in
promoting it-were members of vigilance com
mittees-had talked and written, preached and
prayed in its behalf-and agitated as much as
they had mind TO. Thus the connexion will
be established; and the law, as laid down by
the Supreme Judicial Court of the United
States, will proclaim them traitors, and the
halter will prevent them from teaching any
more piety. SIGMA.