Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-07-31
Slavery in California.

The following is leading article in the
San Francisco Euening PicGyane OF June
! 10th:
We have for some time past been aware
of the existence of an organization, got up
by leaders of the Democratic party IN this
city and elsewhere, the object Of which IS
to divide the State with view to the intfo4
duction of slavery in the southern portion
of the present commonwealth. Until wlth@
in the last ten or fifteen days, we looked
ed upon the movement as the offspring of
diseased imagination on the part of few
restless, ambitious, ultra southern dIsunlon'
lists, that would result in nothing but ride
icuIous farce, and draw upon its projectors
the contempt of the public. When the
scheme was first concocted, the character
of the men who headed it warranted the
belief that it could never disturb the peace
or endanger the welfare of the State. But
since it has been espoused by many OF the
most enlightened and responsible men in
the Democratic party-men who are the
acknowledged opponents of the principles
and policy Of that party-it has assumed
| more serious aspect, and invites the scrutl-
+ ny and earnest attention of every man who
has an interest in the honor and prosperity
: of the State.
1t is expressly provided in the Constitu-
ton Of California, that slavery shall neUer
' be permitted within her limits. 1t is, there
fore. obviously impossible to introduce it
: here without directly violating the Const-
II tuition, or seyering the State. Either alter
native would be death-blow to her mining,
: commercial, and agricultural interests, and
must be deprecated by every lover of his
country. In other days, and under circum-
a stances different from those by which we
n are surrounded in this country, we have
/ commended for the constitutional compro.
g misses under which slavery exists in the
y Southern States We have there spoken
- and written against the unlawful nterfer-
e. ence of fanatical abolitionism. We did it
from correct sense of Southern rights,
ss and devotion to the laws under which we
D. lived. The same considerations now impeI
% US to denounce and oppose the introduction
., OF slavery In California or in any portion
se OF 1t. The position of the State and the
w nature OF her resources are against 1.-THE
Constitution and the laws are against it
We the sentiment and principles of the people
on are against it,-and we shall oppose the
st party that favors it,
Of However strenuously we might defend
he the institution Of slavery, and how deeply
be interested we may be in its firm manten-
ance, unlmpalred, 'Ohere it already EXISTS,
up we could never consent 10 its introduction
re on soil that is now free, without contending
'e' against it. And especially will we, in com
mon with every right thinking man in Cali
tornia, oppose its introduction into any part
of this State. The movement now in prog
- ress might be looked upon with some de-
;, gree of patience and forbearance, if it con-
- templated result that could be of any pos
ne slble benefit TO the state or TO any portion
OF of the inhabitants, or if it was prompted
e. by feelings even of mistaken patriotsm,-
ne But such is not the case. The plan was
a. conceived in the first place by few rest
lie less spirits who cannot exist except in strife,
r. CONFUSION and revolution men to whom
}" excitement and notoriety is the breath of
" life. They have since been Joined by the
r. emmlssarles of dlsunionlsts in South Caro-.
:. lima, Alabama and Texas. who have been
~ sent here to create disorder, division, and
foothold for slavery Aware that they could
IF not hope for the sympathy or cooperation
It OF any considerable portion of the people,
n and toreseefRg that they could never con-
10 summate their purposes Il they were openly
- aVowed, they have commenced their work
clandestlnely, and rest their hopes of event.
y ual success upon the triumph of the Demo-
cratic party in the coming election.
:, We appeal to the miners, to every man
u in Calitornia-whether he be from the
= North or the South-whether be a whig or
er democrat-an abolitionlst or slayehold-
70 er, IN the Atlantic States-we appeal to ev-
y cry man, and ask him to lay aside whatev-
!. er local preludlces he may have previously
entertained, and answer to his own con-
/ science whether he would be willing to see
i an army of slaves marched into the noun
j. tain of California, to monopolize the mines,
W for the benefit of few men who CHANGED
s. to be able to send them here How MANY
- men who are now delving in the mines.
y could compete with the wealthy STAKEHOLDER.
~ under such circumstances? Not one in a
= thousand. But give Democracy the power
" to accomplish the plan now on foot, and the
l. day will not be far distant, when free white
I'd men will be forced to stand aside, and yield
re the mines 10 souteern slaves, while their
d wealthy owners will quietly sip their wine
beneath the magnolia and palmetto trees of
" Louisiana and South Carolina. Give them
e the pO,0er to do it, and it will surely be
" done. VIII they have the nower1