The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-15
A VOICE FROM KENTUCKY.
HENDERSON. Ky. Februdru 7.

HENDERSON, KY, February I, 1852.
To the Editor of the National Era:
To those who look upon American slavery ms
an Institution unjustihable and fraught with
evils to both races in our own country, and
| what is Of more account AZ giving the lie to
our professions of liberal principles, thus bring
ing confusion to those in Europe who would
cite us a. an instance of n people carrying out
the principle of equal rights--to SUCH say it
is q matter of the greatest moment to ascertain
by what means this prodgious evil can best be
abated Those opposed to this system, living
mostly at the North arc not well situated to
act upon this subject still they have done
nobly, and have no doubt done great amount
of good, by preventing in n measure the fur
ther extension of slave territory, and by diff
fusing more benign feelings in the hearts of
Shareholders themselves for all candid Obsery-
ers admit that the anti-slavery agitation has
made shareholders more kind to their slaves
though it may have made the laws more rig
OrOus for men here are naturally as kind ~
in higher ATTITUDES But many were cruel
merely from thoughtlessness and this agita-
ton, without causing any change of opinion,
would direct their attention to the condition OF
their domestcs.
The members of the old Liberty Party were
banded together for the purpose of acting
against slavery; but nearly all admit that the
Constitution confers no power to act directly
against it in the States, though the direction Of
our foreign policy may have great bearing
upon the subject, and the disposition of our
Territories is Of vital Importance. These two
considerations are quite sufficient to Justify
concert of political action among the anti-sla-
very men for the General Government ought
certainly to be divorced from the system, as the
Constitution itself seems to contemplate. But
is il not time 10 make grand attack upon the
Institution where it now exists +! To render
such action eifectual, there would be neces-
sity for union and concentration of action and
besides, it would not need political agitation Mt
the North, which circumstance has several ad-
yantages connected with it, First, ignorant
men could not be imposed upon by the sense.
less cry that it was all for political effect and
selfaggrandizcment, rs it would then be evil
dent that it arose from pure philanthropy it
would enable thousands to join in the enter
prise, who are not able to unite in IN antsla-
very party, on account Of their believing the
question OF tariff or no tariff, &c, to be of more
immediate comparative Importance; it would
afford a summary answer TO the oft-repeated
question, What nre you accomplishment"
would be produced at the very headquarters Of
the enemy and it would show to all our object
and design. ] have been thinking that the
field for such an enterprise most promising of
success is probably Texas. 1t is large and rich
country, having a large German and North
ern population, both Of which might be avail
able; and it has as yet but small number Of
slaves compared with the older States; NO that,
if merely law prohibiting the further import
alton of slaves could be passed, it would in
short time render it almost free State.
To accomplish this design, probably the best
way would be to encourage the emigration to
that State Of men Of the right stamp, and to
furnish means for the support Of lecturers and
presses in that State. The object is certainly
worthy Of great and united effort The only
question, then, is, Is it attainable! For my
own part, believe it is; and if a proper organ.
ization could he effected TO carry It on, would
be willing TO do my full share in the work
G. NJ LA BAR