The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-07-28
From the Charleston Standard.
The Slave Trade.

IL IS trile but true remark that there is good
in every thing, and perhaps, we could not afford
a., better illustration than that presented by the
article below. 1t is from the National Era, Of
Washington, journal more deeply dyed in nbo-
T,ionism shan any other in the country and we
could scarcely wish for a better argument in sup
Dort of our position, we assume il logical and con-
elusive, and though 1t is true do not come out
of the woods together. though from showing that
slavery sanctions the slave trade, we contend in
favo. Of is accomplishment, and from showing
that the trade is sanctioned by slavery, they seek
10 demolish the institution, still the argument will
answer equally we'll for both of u.s. and we not
only adopt it but commend it 10 our readers. That
slavery is not only unexcepionable, but is posi-
tive good, Is n matter about which there can be
10 question here. 1t is proclaimed by many facts
OF our own experience, and 1t is only necessary
TO the support of our position in favor of the slave
.rade, to establish the very points the Era has
laOIshed for
In speaking Of The original article in the Stan
dirI, and its subsequent endorsement by the En-
ontincr Of Richmond the Era remarks:
But, this notion of reviving the African slave
trade seems 10 he something more than a sky
rocket. From indications in prominent Southern
journals, it would seem 10 be taking on the form
OF settled opinion among certain portions Of our
Southern brethren. And why not II it be right
to hold human beings property, can i; be wrong
TO transfer or change them as property IL II be
right and decent to ship human being at Norfolk,
send them TO New Orleans, and sell them in its
public market, can it be wrong and indecent TO
ship them from DahOmv, and sell them 10 the
planters of Louisiana On The assumption that the
slaves property, fit subjects for merchandise,
the prohibition of the Afriran slave trade is n
wrong TO those States of the South in which labor
IS scarce. II gives an unu advantage TO the ex-
porting over the importing slave States. IL taxes
The s!lveholdrrs of the Suuihern slave States, for
the brne:t OF The slave-growPrs of the Northern
slave States. 1t IS an act of intervention by Con-
gfcss against the equality of the States. and in
direct violation OF the principle Of Free Trade. II
We, Ike philosophical contemporaries OF the
Richmond E"quiTcr. verify believe that Slavery
Is founded in Nature, and justified by Philosophy,
History, Experience and Revelation, we should
contend earnestly against the act prohibiting
the importation Of slaves from Africa, as agains:
act prohibiting their importation into Kansas
and Nebraska. We should regard an opponent Of
the slave trade just as fanatical opponent OF
Slavery. Take this ground of the EHqtirrr and
the rest OF our progressive brethren Of the South
assume that slaves are property, fit subjects for
merchandise, and the action OF our Federal Gov
eminent against the African slave trade is absurd,
oppressive, inhuman. We import broadcolh from
Eugland, silk from France, sugar from Cuba, now
and then wild beasts from the East Indies, and
Congress sanctions the trade but whrn at
tempt carry a trade with africa in that article
of " hIch she has an excess, and we deficiency,
wild men, Congress cfficoLsly interposrs, tell US
pirates, md. unless we stop, ii will hang
Us! Think of it! Hang free born American citi-
for trading freely in articles of property, OF
merchandise, as recognised by glorious Con-
suon We say this is gross violation Of the
Constitution, and bascy Thurman.