Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1853-12-24
THE AGGRESSIVE POLICY.


The 00gressice policy is unqucstionably the true
aud only effective one. We are glad to see such
czhortatons as the following from the Portland
Inquirer. The Shareholders understand that they
live only by aggression and conquest Hence they
leave no conquest unattcmpted-no opportunity
untried to extend their territory and to increase
their power. To act upon the defensive merely
with slavery, is to invite defeat. And yet the
friends Of freedom have been content go to act and
very ieebly at that-rather suppants than as
heroes have they stood at the ouposts Of their posi-
ton.
We must not content ourselves with "hcmming
in slavery" with assaults upon its incidents or its
outposts. We must not be content to wait till the
enemy attacks us. If Carthage is to be destroyed,
we must attack its citadel We must adopt Ma
poleon's policy, wage the war in the oncmy's coun-
try, and at his expense. Such policy will prove
US in earnest and WILL therefore, 60 far to assure
friends, dishcartcn foes, and insure the battle.
The anti-slaycry men in Congress and the State
Legislatures have position of great trial. Few
indeed are found heroes, equal 70 the emergencies
which arise. And all anti-slavcry men at home
should watch their course, ani encourage and re-
buko them as occasion may require; and above all
should they at home show themselves fearless-
decided and aggre5siyo-ready to take advantage of
every opportunity to deal blow at slavery. Such
is truly the "wiscst course"
TIE WISEST COURSE.
The friends Of freedom have not failed to observe
the fact, that during year or two past Free Demo
cratic members Of Congress and State Legislatures
have been rather silent on the subject of liberty
There are indeed times moro favorable to action
than others, and individual freedom of opinion as Ia
times and methods should be respected by the ad.
lyocates Of freedom. Modest men, thrown into such
positions, are likely TO feel difdent and sometimes
they are not accustomed to public speaking and
debate. There may also bo a reluctance TO breast
the opposition which controls such bodies and more
favorable occasions may be awaited till all occasions
are passed.
After all these considerations are allowed VIC
believe the opinion is general that n more nggres
sivc policy should be pursued. Reason and wish
as we may, there is no reiormatory progress without
agitation. 1t may be by others, while we calmly
look on aud think that reform goes itself But IL Is
a mistake. Other and bolder men are toiling and
struggling whilst We float upon current thus
= created, perhaps finding fault with them for want
Of more wisdom.
> 1t is chiefly to the policy Of such men as ]. O.
Adams, Giddlngs and Hale that the cause has been
forced so far into the arteries of political life
II occasions do not come they must be made
Legitimate opportunities enough can be found in
any legislative body, if carefully watched to bring
up the cause-not as n hobby, but as great COM
mnnding principle and purpose Of public life.
Slavery, through its sentnels, always finds oc
casions enough in one form another why should
liberty be less fortunate? More than a dozen is
sues could be fairly raised with slavery almost any
day in our State Legislature; and we do not think
that whole sessions ought to pass in silence on the
subject. For what do we labor to send men there
it we have no cause there to be promoted? Itmay
require courage but that should not be wanting
So in Congress and although greater difhculte,
surround free men there, still they must be boldl,
mastered, and the country made to feel the power
of truth as II only can be from that position.
We rejoice, as we think the whole body of tho
party will, to know that the free Senators and Rep
resentatiyes in Congress intend to act nobler anC
more aggressive part on tyranny than heretofore
Instead of weakening their position with the people
II will strengthen it. So the experience of Mr.
Adams, Mr.. Giddngs, and Mr.. Hale and other,
shows. And the same policy will, we doubt not b,
adopted in State Legislatures. Our able body o.
freemen in the next Legislature will be heard iron
next winter--Fortiand Inquirer,