The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-01-21

it, would produce greater evil than the
measure itself can effect.
While public opinion may be divided,
perhaps. on the subject of agitating the
repeal Of the Fugitive Slave Law" there
is, nevertheless, another matter in close
connection with it, on which, it is believed,
the sentiment of our people is entirely
united. The area of slavery must never
be extended in this government, while the
voice, the united voice and action Of Ohio,
in any constitutional form, can stay it.
Here. with propriety, we may take our
stand; "1hus far, proud acare, shalt thou
Advance, but no further shalt thou come!"
That slavery is an evil, that it was
brought upon this nation by no moral right,
and exists by what is believed TO be the
force of necessity. because it is interwo-
ven with every political relation and civil
institution in the South. is no, to be con-
trover,ed. What is to be its end the fu.
ture only can disclose.
1t has long appeared to me that the
American Colonization Society presents
the most effective organized agency, 70
eradicate and finally wipe away the insti
tuition Of slavery. 1t is true, it has OIL
countered great prejudces and dstermin-
ed opposition, and its operations, consc-
quently. have been slow; but the signs Of
the times now indicate that the General
and State Governments will, ere long, con-
tribute their influence and means in sup
port Of individual philanthropy; that our
African Colony will become the home Of a
free, prosperous and coored race, spread
ing Christianity and civilization, the natu-
raj result of free institutions. through the
vast expanse of that dark and benighted
quarter Of the globe.
am not myself, among the number
who believe that the evils OF slavery must
necessarily overthrow this Government.
This great fabric of human wisdom, erect.
ed by our foretathers, for our welfare and
protection, wW be preserved; and those
who think differently, in nv opinion, false
y estimate the elements by which it will
be sustalneG-the interest, the intelligence,
and the patriotism OF the American peo-
Pile. seq no reason why future genera
tons may not look upon the old emblem
OF our Union and strength, as gracefully,
i. shall spread its folds to the breeze. and
neither stripe nor star shall be seen to have
disappeared But, on the other hand, new
consultations will arise, in the North, the
South. thu West. and add to its interest
its beauty, and its strength. Not that 9th.
er nations are to be brought into this Union
by war. conquest, or any unjust or aggrrs,
sye acquisition: but by thai peaceful and
conquerng influence which will emanate
from our free institutions, our intelligence
and enterprise, At no distant day, com
parauvely speaking, the american people
may. with truth. exclalm: "1hiS boundless
Continent is ourS!" 1t is the destiny of
the Anglo Saxon race!
Tnere is another consideration Of vast
Importance to the interests Of our State
1t is the improvement OF our rivers and
harhors. Without being iet by the Gen
eral Government; ths uninterrupted navi.
CATION of the Ohio, from Pittsburgh to its
junction with the Mississippi, for nearly
the entire year, might be secured The
object is one of too deep interest, not
on " to our great commercial metropolis
bu, to a very large portion Of our people
10 be longer delayed. and too expensive
to be undertaken by State authority, with
heavy public debts and extensive internal
improvements to provide for OF their own.
The harbors along the great chain Of
lakes so auspiciously begun, should not
be permitted TO fall TO decay. The i'm
mense annual ossess to lie and property,
from the want OF accessible and safe ports,
is appalling. |, would be well that this
subject should be pressed on the consid.
Grafton OF the National Legislature, at the
present session, with an earnestness and
zeal equal to its importance.
The time, in my opinion. has passed,
when the conslitutonaity of these works,
as regulations Of commerce, can be denied;
or, connecting. as they do, the trade and
Intercourse between so many different
States, can be SAID not to be strictly Ma
tiona in character.
1t is true, any indiscrminats system Of
appropriations is not 10 be justified. Each
work should stand or fall upon its own in.
dividual merits. A bill not regarding the
proper distinctions, and which would have
plundered the treasury, was vetoed by Mr..
Polk and he was sustained in his action
by constitutional majority in Congress.
would respectfully. recommend to the
General Assembly, the passage Of reso-
luton lnsructing our Senators in Congress,
and requesting our Representatives. to use
their earnest endeavors to secure judicious
appropriations without delay, for the i'm
provement Of our River and Harbor Nav
gation. and that they sustain the Presi-
den, in his recommendation therefor.
will also avail myself Of this occ aston,
/ to mention that since my annual commu.
nication was made, letter has been re.
ceived, dated at Paris, from ALEXANDER
VATTEMAIaE. on the subject of literary and
.a.E