Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1851-08-02
SLAVERY IN CALIFORNIA.

Ella VERY in CALIFORNIA.
We have for some time past been aware
of HE 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 the view TO the intro
duction of slavery in the Southern portion
Of the present commonwealth. Until within
the last ten or fifteen days, we looked upon
the movement as the offspring of diseased
imagination on the part of few restless,
ambitious ultra Southern dsunonists, that
would result in nothing but ridiculous
farce, and draw upon its projectors the con-
tempt Of the public. When the scheme
was first concocted, the character of the
men who headed it, warranted tho belief
that it could never disturb the peace or en-
danger the welfare of the State. But since
II has been espoused by many Of the most
enlightened and responsible men in the
Democratic party-men who are the ac-
knowledged exponerts of the principles
and policy of that party--it has assumed n
moro serious aspect, and invites the scrutiny
and earnest attention of every man who has
nm interest in the honor and prosperity of
the State.
1t is expressly provided in the Constitution
Of California, that slavery shall nerer be per-
mitted within her limits. il is, therefore.
obviously impossible TO introduce it here
without directly violating tho Constitution,
or scvering the State. Either alternative
would be death-blow TO her mining, com
mercial, and agricultural interests, and must
be deprecated by every lover of his country.
In other days and under circumstances diff
ierent from those by which we are surround
ed in this country, we have contended for
tho constitutional compromises under which
slavery exists in the Southern States. We
have there spoken and written against the
unlawful interference of fanatical abolition
isuE We did il from correct sense OF
Southern rights, and devotion to the laws
under which we lived. The same consider
ations now impel us to denounce and oppose
the introduction of slavery in California, or
in any portion of il. The position of tho
State and the nature of her resources are
against 1.-THE Constitution and the laws
are against,-the sentiment and principles
of the people nre against it and we shall op-
pose the party that favors il.
However strenuously we might defend
the institution Of slavery, and however deep
iy interested we may be in its firm mante-
nance, unimpaired, where il already exists
we could never consent to its introduction
on soil that is now free, without contending
against it. And especially will we, in com
mon with every right thinking man in Cali.
fornin, oppose its introduction into any par
of this State. The movement now in pro
gress might be looked upon with some de.
gree Of patience and forbearance, if il con.
templated result that could be Of any pos.
slble benefit to the State or TO any portion oI
the inhabitants, or if II was prompted by
feelings even of mistaken patriotism. BuI
IN n ~ NnC fhA .lu.
ceiyed in the first place by few restless
spirits who cannot exist except in strife, con
vulsion and revolution men to whom ex
element and notoriety is the breath of life
They have since been joined by the emissa
ries of disunionists in South Carolina, Ala
hama, and Texas, who have been sent here
to create disorder, division, and footholt
for slavery. Aware that they could not hop,
for the sympathy or cooperation of any con
siderable portion of the people, and forsee
ing that they could never consummate thei
purposes IT they were openly avowed, The,
have commenced their work clandestinely
and rest their hopes of eventual scccess up
on the triumph of the Democratic party il
ihe coming election.
We appeal TO the niners-to every maI
In California-whether he be from the Nortl
or from the South.-whether ne be Whil
or Democrat-an abolitionst or a slave
holder, in the Atlantic States-we appeal tC
every man, and ask him to lay aside what
ever local prejudices he may have previous
Iy entertained, and answer TO his own con
science whether he would be willing TO sec
an army Of slaves marched into the noun,
tains OF California, to monopolize the mines
for the benefit Of few men who Glanced "a
be able TO send them here? How many
men who are now delving in the mines
could compete with the wealthy slave-hold
er, under such circumstances? Not one il