Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1854-11-28
WEDNESDAY, NOV. %, 1854.
SLAVERY IN MINNESOTA.


We see nothing particularly new in the article
in the Minnesotian, relative to slavery in the ter
ritories or any thing else that the people do no
fully understand. The position assumed by the
Minnesotian, that by the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise slavery is permitted to exist in all
the old Louisiana purchase, which includes por-
tion of Minnesota, is the same position assumed
by the Times. On this point there can be no dis
agreement. We grant that when the Louisiana
territory was ceded to the United States, slavery
existed in that territory. We grant that when the
Missouri Compromise passed, slavery was pro
hibited in all that portion of the Louisiana pur-
chase lying north of sc. 30. We grant that when
this Compromise was repealed, slavery was restor-
ed and will be protected by the laws which existed
previous to the enactment of the Missouri Com
promise. Consequently, if shareholders from the
South desire to carry their slaves into Nebraska
or Kansas or bring them to Minnesota, they can
do so, and we believe that they will be protected
in their rights. But this not the question we
were discussing. 1t not to the legality of
slavery in the territories, but whether slavery
would gain foot-hold in our territory under any
circumstances in other words, whether in view of
nesoa slave holders would dare to come among
us with their s'avcs-whethcr the popular will of
the people would permit them 20 remain here
after they had made their cttlements-whc; her
Minnesota would ever become Slave State -
These po nts in article very obvious,
and why the Minnesotian should seek to make IL
new issuc-an issue never raised by the Times,
can only be accounted for the ground that the
editor prefers to take the bull hy the tail instead
of by the horns, fearful that in the encounter he
may get worsted.
In the case of Mr.. Smith. which In editor in
stances, it is quite probable that the judges, be-
ing creatures of the Executive will, would decide
in favor of the slave holder, but from the present
state of feeling Of the inhabitants Of Minnesota
is it reasonable to suppos, that any such
will ever occur? That's the point. We think
not consequently al the fears of the Mnneso-
tian are mere moonshinegottcn up for effect
hobby upon which to ride into popular favor.
II slavery, by any possibility, should get into
Minnesota while she is a territory, we can see no
legal redress. But then this is far-fetchcd con-
clusion. In view of this contingency our neigh
Dor asks
How, then, would the Times have the people Of
the Territory stake the matter in their own
hands? ?" by mob violence?
Not by any means. But simply by frowning
down the '.pccular instituton''-by withdraw
ing all aid and comfort-by discountenancing, in
every way, shape and manner, the dealer in human
blood and his chattcls. This would be the in
evitable course of our people, and it would there
fore be as impossible for slavery to exist here as
it would be to lcgisate slavery into the State of
New York, or Canada.
Again. Slaves cannot live in our territory
1t would be perfectly suicidal to bring them here.
They need a warm climate-ours is a cold one
and long before they became acclmated they
would remain dead weight on their masters
hands. We very much question if even the third
or fourth generation could be acclimated-n fact
we believe that they merer could be acclima-
ted.
But once more. Slave labor can never COM
pete with the free labor of the North-Wcst.-
This fact is admitted by slave holders them
selves. How foolish, then, for them to bring
their property to Minnesota, knowing that there
by it would be a loss to them. No, no, Mr.. Min
ncsotian, there is no danger of slavery existing
in territory, although we agree with you,
that since the passage of that Infamous Nebraska
bill, slavery is permitted to go where it previous
ly was forbidden.
If then, there is no danger Of slavery existing
in our territory while a territory, there is GER
tanlv no danger of its existence is our midst as
State, and we need therefore, give ourselves no
further uneasiness concerning ''Virginians and
their niggcrs.'
3 The editor of the Minncsotan affects to
forget the conversation he had with us on the
Nebraska question last winter. This is no more
than We expected but it matters not; the con-
versation did take place, and the position gave
the editor, assumed at that time. We do
not deny that the charter was pending before the
Legislature when the articles of the 18th and 25th
of February appeared in the Minnesotian.-
Doubtless, at first the editor was not aware
that Mr.. Douglas was interested in the railroad
scheme. but as soon as he was made acquainted
with the fact, he shifted his sails, per request,
and took different course. This is SO well
known to every body, that it is useless for us %
waste words over it, and the editors efforts to
make it appear otherwise will only sink him still
deeper into the mire from which at present he is
cndeavoring to get out.
In the town of Crockett, Texas, there is
said to be not single marriagcable woman.
c. The Saut Ste. Marie Canal is completed,