The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1854-02-20

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Here is proof, beyond controversy. that
the principle of the Missouri Act, prohibit
ing slavery north of SO deg 80 min, far from
being abrogated by the Compromise Acls,
is expressly affirmed ; and that the proposed
repeal OF this prohibition, instead of being
an affirmation of the Compromise Acts, is IL
repeal OF u very prominent provision of the
most important acts OF the series. 1t is sol
emily declared in the very Compromise Acts,
- that nothing herein contained shall b.
construed to impair or qualify" The prohibi-
tion of Slavery north of SO deg. 50 NM, and
yet, in the face of this declarations that su-
cred prohibition is said to be overthrown-
Can presumption further 50? 10 all who in
any way lean upon those Compromises, we
commend this exposition.
The pretences, therefore, that the terrific.
ry. covered by the positive prohibition Of
1920, sustains a similar relation TO Slavery
with that acquired from Mexico, covered
by no prohibition except that Of disputed
Constitutional or Mexican Law, and that
the Compromises of 1880 require the mCor-
poration of the pro-slavery clauses of the
Utah and New Mexico Bill in the Nebraska
Act, are mere inventions, designed to cove.
up from public apprehension mtditated bad
faith. Were he living now, 40 one would
be more forward, more eloquent, or more
indignant in his denunciation Of that bad
faith than Henry Clay, the foremost cham
pion of both Compromises.
In 1920, the slave States said to the free
States, admit Missouri with slavery, and
refrain from positive exclusion south of 36
deg. 80 min, and we will join YOU in per
petual prohibition north of that line" The
free States consented. In 1851, the slave
States say 10 the free States, Missouri ia
no prohibition of slavery south Of
36 deg. 50 min. has been attempted; W.
have received the full consideration Of our
agreement; no more Is TO be gained by adj
herence to it on our part: we therefore pro-
pose to cancel the compact"
II this be not punlC faith, what is it -
Not without the deepest dishonOr and crime
can the free States acqulesce in this demand.
We confess our total inability properly TO
the character or describe the con
sequences of this lseaSurc. Language fails
to express the sentiments of Indignation and
abhorrencc which it inspires and no vision
less penetrating and comprehensive than that
Of the All-seeing, can reach It's evil issues
To some of It's more immediate and inev-
liable consequences, however, we must at
tempt to direct your attention.
What would be the effect of this measure,
should it unhappily become law, upon the
proposed Pacific railroad We have algea-
dy said that two of the principal routes, the
central and the northern, traverse this terri
tory. If slavery be allowed there, the settle
ment and cultivation of the country must bc
greatly retarded. lnduccment to immigra-
lion Of free laborers will b. almost destroyed
The enhanced cost Of construction and ihe
diminished expectation of profitable returns
will present almost insuperable obstacles To
building the road at all while even If made,
the difficulty and expense OF keeping it up.
in IA country from which the energetic and
intelligent masses will be virtually excluded,
will greatly impair It's usefulness and value,
From the rich land Of this large territory,
also, patriotic statesmen have anticipated
that Il free. industrious and enlightened pop
ulaton will extract abundant treasures OF IN
dividual and public wealth. There, 1t has
been expected freedom loving cmigrants from
Europe, and energetic and intelligent labor
ers of our own land, will find homes of com
fort and fields of useful enterprise. If this
bill shall become law, all such expectations
will turn to grievous disappointment. The
blight of slavery will cover the land. The
Homestead Law, should congress enact one,
will be worthless there. Frcemen, unless
pressed by hard and cruel necessity, will
i