Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-03-11
4flistelloneous.
[Cbnlinucd Gom 49, paae.l

real interest. The old matters which have divided
the minds of men have lost their importance. One
by one they have disappeared, leaving the ground
70 be occupied by question grander far The
Bank, Sub-Treasury, the Distribution Of the Pub
lie Lands, are each and all obsolete issues. Even
the Tariff is not n question on which opposite po
litical parties are united in taking opposite sides
And now instead of these superseded questions
which were connected for the most part with the
udor Of the dollar, the country is directly sum
moned to consider face TO face n cause which il
connected with all that is divine in religion, will
all that is pure and noble in morals, with all tina
is truly practical and constitutional in politics
Unlike the other questions, it is not temporary o.
local in It's character 1t belongs to all times and
to all countries. Though long kept in check, il
now, by your introduction, confronts the people
demanding to be heard. To every man in the
land it says, with clear, penetrating voice, Are
you for Freedom, arc you for Slavery?" And
every man in the land must answer this question
when he votes.
Pass this bill, and II will be In vain that you
cay, the Slavery question is settled. Sir, nothing
can be settled tctich is not rigM Nothing can be
settled which is averse to Freedom God, nature
and all the holy sentiments Of the heart, rcpudiate
any such false seeming settlement
Now, sir, mark the clear line Of our duty. And
here let me speak for those with whom in minority
and defeat, am proud to be associated, the lnde
pendent Democrats, who espouse that Democracy
which is transfgurcd in the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and the injunctons of Christianity. The
all other wrong, is in different ways, according to
our position. The slavery. which exists under
other Governments-as in Russia or Turkey-or
in other States Of the Union, rs in Virginia and
Carolina, we can oppose only through the influence
ofliterature morals and religion, without in any
way invoking the Political Power. Nor is it pro-
pesed to act otherwise. But slavery, where we are
parties to it-where we are responsible for it,
everywhere within our jurisdiction-must be OPP
posed, not only by all the influence Of literature
"A ti.rtn L,NIs L..
ment Of Political Power. In the States il is sus-
tanned by local laws, and although We may be
compelled to share the same, which its presence
inaicts upon the fair fame Of the country. yet il
receives no direct sanction at our hands. We are
not responsible for it. The wrong is not at our
own particular doors. 1t is not within our iuris-
diction. But slavery everywhere under the Con-
stitution of the United States everywhere with
in the exclusive jurisdiction Of the National Gov
ernment-everywhere under the National Flag
is at our own particular doors, within the sphere
of our own personal responsibility, and exists
there in defiance OF the original policy Of our
Fathers and OF the true principles Of the Constitu-
ton.
1t is a mistake to say as is often charged that
we seek to interfere, through Congress, with Sla-
very in the States, or in any way to direct the
legislation Of Congress upon subjects not within
its jurisdiction. Our political aims, as we'll as our
political duties, co-extensiye with political
responsibilities. And since we at the North are
the jurisdiction Of Congress- it is objectionable in
us not to exert every power We possess to enlist
Congress against il.
Such is our cause To men Of all parties and
opinions, who wish well to the Republic, and
would preserve its good name, it appeals. Alike
to the Conservative and the Reformer, it appeals
for 1t stands on the truest Conservatism and the
truest Reform. In seeking the reform of existing
evils, we seek also the conservation of the princi-
pies OF our fathers. The cause is not Sectional
fnFa Isr Il.
Government those great principles of Justice and
HUMANITY, which are broad and universal man
As well might it be said that Jefferson, Franklin
and Washington, were sectional. 1t is not az
gressive for it does not seek in any way to inter
fere, through Congress, with slavery in the States
1t is not contrary TO the Constitution for il re
cogniZes this paramount law, and in the admins
traton Of the Government inyokes the spirit o
its founder. Sir, it is not hostile to the quiet o
the country for it proposes the only course b,
which agitation can be alayed and quiet be permai
nently established.
IL Is not uncommon TO hear persons declare tha
they are against slavery, and are willing to unit
in any practical efforts to make this opposition felt
AT the same time, they pharisaically visit wit
condemnation, with reproach or contempt, tn
earnest souls who for years have striyen in thi
struggle. To such / would say-could reac
them now with my yoice-if you sincere j
what you declare; if your words not mercl
lip-service If in your hearts you entirely will
ing TO join in any practical efforts against Slavery
then by your lives by your conversation, by you
influence by your yotes-disregarding 'the an
cient forms of party strife'-seek to carry tn
principles of Freedom into the National Govern
ment, wherever, its jurisdiction is acknowledge,
and its power can be felt Thus, without any in
reference with the States, which are beyond tLi
jurisdiction, may you help to erase the blot @
Slavery from our National brow.
Do this and you will most truly promote tn
harmony which you so much desire. You will
establish tranquility throughout the country
Then at last, sir, the Slavery Question will b
settled Banished from its usurped foothold un
der the National Government slavery will NJ
longer enter, with dstracting force, into the na
tional poltics--making aud unmakng laws, max
ing and unmaking Presidents. Confined to til,
States where it was left by the Constitution, i
will take its place local institution, if, alas
continue 1t m1st for which We are in no sense re
sponcible, and against which cannot exert any
political power. We shall be relieved from oui
present painful and irritating connection with it
The existing antagonsm between the North and
South will be softened; elimination and recrimina
ton will cease the wishes Of the Fathers will be
fulfilled and this great evil be left to the kindl,
influences of morals aud religion, and the prevail
ing laws Of social economy.
am not blind to the adverse signs. But this
see clearly. Amidst all soming discouragements
the great omens are with u.s. Art, literature, po
ctry religion-everything which eleyates man--al
are on our side. The plOw, the steam-engine, the
railroad. the telegraph, the book, every human
improvement. every generous word anywhere
every tnae pslsation Of every hcart which is not
amere muscle. and nothing else. gives now en-
eouragement to the warfare with slavery. The
discussion will proceed. The devices of party can
no longer stave it of. The subterfuges of the
politician cannot escape it. The tricks of the of
hee-seeker cannot dodge it. Wherever an election
occurs, there this question viii arise. Wherever
men come together 10 speak OF public affairs there
again will 1t be. No political Joshua now with
miraculous power, can stop the sun in his course,
Through the heavens. 1t is even now rejoicing
like strong man to run its race, and will yet send
It's beams into the most distant plantations-aye,
sir, and melt the chains Of every slave.
Lut this moyement-Or agitation, as it is re-
proachiully called--s boldly pronounced injurious
70 the very object desired. Now without enter
ing into details which neither time nor the occa-
sion justify let say that this objection belongs