The southern press., 1851-04-26
Ohio.

We inserted yesterday the resolutions of an
Abolition Convention recently heldin Cincinnati
Ohio, in favor of aboishing slavery in the States
We also published letter from the newly elected
senator of that State, Judge WADE, declaring
his opposition to the Fugitive slave law, and to
the admission of slavery into any territory now
free, yet still proclaiming himself to be an or
thodox Wing; and we also insert an editorial
from the Ohio State Journal the Wing organ
of the State, asserting the recapture Of fugitive
slaves to be I" a dstasteful and dirty business,
of which, "among the people of the North
there can scarcely be said 20 be difference OF
opinion" These expressions of opinion are from
every part of the State, southern, central, and
northern, and from two parties in the State that
contain an overwhelming majority of its votes
The Democratic party elected Mr.. CHASE to the
Senate.
We don't think these declarations are ndica-
live of that peace which was promised as the re-
suit of the late peace measures" On the con-
trary agitation, exuting in what it has achieved,
and indignant that it has not already achieved
every thing, is louder, deeper, wider than ever.
The principles thus asserted in Ohio, either
contemplate an amendment to the Constitution,
or disregard of it. For if law is observed
purely because it is law, whilst the intention,
or effect of it. is denounced dirty and offensive,
the obvious remedy, to section that has the
majority, is repeal. And if the Constitution is
in the way, it can be amended in due time
Meanwhile, agitation is to be maintained. The
immediate effect of this agitation is to control
the elections--to prescribe every body who is
not in favor of the reform-to direct legsla-
ton and construe the Constitution continually |
" on the side of freedom"
The case has bad aspect. There are two
sections of the Union divided in opinion, in in
stitutons, in territory, in policy, and in interest.
They are united under one government, and that
is in the hands of one of the sections
In all questions that arise between the two
sections, one of them has the power Of deciding
for ITSELF so as to bind both. How such divi
sion of power would operate, every man of sense
could foresee. How it has operated, every man
OF lnIOTUldllOu hHoNS Ht Coufuoh eSiito'y
of both is allotted to ore under variety Of
frivolous pretexts. The revenue and expendi-
tnre are adjusted on the same principle. Every
doubt is resolved against the weaker section
every presumption is made in favor of the
stronger The patronage and power of such an
unlimited government as this, must prove fatal
in time to all opposition.
There are many men in the South, who admit
the present disastrous tendency of the govern
ment-in fact, we doubt whether there is man
of sense who denies it: but there are vast
number who foolishly close their eyes to the
consequences, and weakly hope that they will
not come during the present generation But
let them remember that those who desire these
consequences nre as anxious to enjoy them, as
those who detest are to escape them.
Is not this an age when opinion is organized
armed and winged When there is but apause
and step from theory to practice--from popu-
lar sentiment to law!
II is n mistake that one generation is more or
less responsible than another The destiny of
each depends on itself And it the present day
cannot produce as much principle and ability as
the last, we are not entitled to the institutions of
the last II requires as much to preserve ns to
create.