Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-11-01
Hon. CHARLES ALLEN
j. G. PaIfrex,.PnmnhIet.

cs ~ pnltBs
John G. Palfrey has acknowledged himself to be
the author of pamphlet which opposes The adop.
ton of the New CONSTITUTIONS and the Wings are in
exiacies about it. We never felt that there was
anything formidable about the pamphlet when it was
IN IFS anonymous state and we are not inclined to
concede any more importance TO it now, since we
know no the author is. The objections and argu.
ments are the same that we're made by the Wings in
the Convention, and have been answered both then
and since; and we do not think they acquire any
new form, by the manner in which Mr.. Pal
frey states them. John G. Palfrey is man
who will always be respected by true men for his
opposition to the slave poSver but we do not think
this pamphlet will increase his reputation in the
community either FOR intellectual ability or sagacty.
Mr.. Paltrey is good man, Jan accomplished schol-
ar, and thorough practical smancipationisr, but
il does not necessarily follow therefrom that he Is
either wise statesman liberal politician
If there had been any doubts upon these
points, the publication Of this pamphlet would have
set them at rest forever. Mr.. Palfrey was ed
ucaed in the midst Of political conservatism lust as
Wilberforce was. Il was the force Of religious sen.
timent that impeIled The latter into the first rank of
Aboonism IN Great Britain. We believe that Mr.
Palrsy's religious convictions led him 10 pursue the
same noble and honorable course here at home. Bat
Wiiberiorce, although right as an ant-sIavery man,
was conservative in politics, and high church
man 10 theology. He would grant the slave his
personal freedom, because hisIwhole moral nature re-
volted at the horrors Of the slave system, but he
would have persisted among the ruins Of Wesimin
ster Abbey or 81. Pau's, before he would have con-
scented TO the dissolution Of the most wealthy and
corrupt hierarchy in the world. His pity made him
labor like an archangel for the poor down
African, but his prejudices made him cling,
like priest, to the church of Laud and
Henry the Eighth. We love Wiberforce because of
his pity; but, we pity him because Of that narrow.
ness Of soul, which made him the defender Of The
most arisocralic system Of modern theology. The
same distinction that is made beaween Wilberforce
the moral reiormer, and Wilberlorce The conserv.-
tive and high church polciau,lnay be made between
john g. Parey, the anti-slavery reformer. and JobD
q. Paliney, the politician and statesman. Both are
worthy Of the esteem and respect Of all mankind in
the former case; both are unworthy Of any special
influence or consideration in the latter
Let Mr.. Palirey's pamphlet on the Revised Con.
Stuton be, therefore, read and judged upon its own
merits alone. IL is an essay by Dir. Palirey upon
subject which he does oot seem 20 have considered
much; aud 10 relation TO which his conservatism
shows itself good deal more prominently than his
reason lie has built up reputation as true anti
slavery man; but that reputation can avail him no.
thing ia discussion Of abstract principles of civil
law in which the question Of slavery Is not involved
Palfrey on the Constitution must be Judged simov
by what he says on that subject Those who
can spare time may read this pamubet.
IL is perhaps as good thing az a conserya-
tive write on the subject, but itrs a. weak as
lettering infant, and is only calculated TO damage
Mr.. Psllrey among biz friends, while il gives aid
and ccmfort to his most inveerale foes.
The great majority Of the people know that the
New Constitution is mmeasureaby superior to the
present one; they know that the reckless despera-
lion with which the Wings oppose IT. is one Of the
strongest indications Of its liberal aud progressive
character; and they will not be deferred from sup
porting il even though Harvard University should
soIemnly shake lis head at il; aud the Boston Adj
verliser should try to write il down.