The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-03-06

[connrsrosDxsoE OF THE nrpunL,c.l

TORONTO, (THURspAY,) Feb. 81, l5l.
told you the other day that preparations were
being made for an anti-slavery decentralization"
in this city. The affair took place last night in the
city hall, under the presidency of the mayor, and
may really be regarded the commencement of
a campaign, designed to check the progress of
feeling in favor of annexation, and to "retaliate
upon your countrymen for the refusal Of one sided
reciprocity.
The audience very large, and. as the colored
element entered largely into its composition, the
proceedings we're noisy enough. The speakers
principally clergymen, belonging to the Presbyte-
rian and Congregational denominations; and the
tone and style Of their oratorical efforts were wor-
thy Of your most fanatical abolitionists.
The Rev w Mcclure denied that any slaveholdsr.
or abettor OF slavery, can be christian; and ac-
cused tho planters of the South with being whole.
sale murderers Professor Esson said that the mere
murderer is less guilty man than the slave owner,
who destroys the body and soul of his victims He
maintained that the universal laws of humanity
give to Canada right to interfere with the slave
institution Of the States and he called upon the peo-
pie Of the province to unite, to protest against its
continuance, and to promote it's abolition. The
Rev. DR.. Willis said that seflove should lead Can
ada to interfere strenuously in the subject. Here
fcrred to British and French jurists to show that
slave is not bound by contract in the making of
which he has voice; and he thence inferred that
the slave does right in escaping from his master
whenever an opportunity presents ITSELF He quo
ted the language of st. Paul sanconing the Joint
efforts Of slaves to free themselves and contended
that they tOil be perfectly jusfed in doing 30 byvio.
lencs and insWrection. Peter Brown, proprietor of
the Mnistrial Globe, described the States divided
into two parts half shareholders, the other half
ola ,tchar ua okar raI A
having frequently tried to foment rebellion in the
British possessions, and advised retaliation Rev.
A. Lille applauded the abotionists of Vermont and
Massac husetts, and promised them support. Rev.
Jno. Roaf expressed admiration Of the American
form of government. but said that rather than slavery
shall continue he ici aid bloDng the Union to atoms
He averred that man would be morally excusabls
who breaks open the doors of house whose in
mates are committing murder; and, by analogy.
he commended that, notwithstanding human laws
and treaties, Canada is bound by regard to the
"higher law" to step into your dominion to eman-
cipate the slave. He counseled the formation of
organiSation to encourage slaves in their efforts
to escape, to facilitate their Efforts to reach this COL
ony, and to succor them when here.
Other speakers followed in the same strain, and
the resolutions adopted were in accordance with
these views At the close society was formed,
with numerous committee, "to aid in the cxtinc-
ton of slavery all over the world, by the dssemi
nation of tracts and newspapers, by lectures and
and by receiving and sheltering
fugitive slaves.
This will give you an idea of Canadian abolition
ism, and the extent to which these fanatics dis
posed to proceed to evince their hatred of every
thing American Rest assured however thatthe fac
ton does not fairly represent the feelings of Canada
Still it may be strong enough to effect some mis-
chief if its efforts to sow the seeds of strife in the
south be allowed to proceed without let or hind
rance. s.