The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-02-23

cruelties which it inficts upon its unoffendin,
victims our fellow-beings entitled equally witt
ourselves to the enjoyment of life, liberty. ant
social and domestic comforts and who ar
alike the objects of that salvation purchased
for all by a Saviour's blood, we believe tn,
| Divine call to the rulers of the nation is 3.
loose the bands of wickedness, to undo til.
heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed 90 free
that SO the blessing of him that is ready I,
perish, and hath none to help him, may com.
upon them
Besides the evils resulting from Slavery
which of themselves form an unanswerable OBJ
lection to the proposed legislation, we conceive
that the permission to introduce Slavery into
any part of the Territory in question would bt
10 direct violation of the Missouri COMPROMISE
act passed by Congress in 1920, which de-
clares, That in all that Territory ceded by
France to the United States, under the name
OF Louisiana, which lies north of SO deg. 80
min. north latitude, not included in the State
contemplated by this act, SLAVERY AND INvoL
UkTARY sERvITUDE, otherwise than as the pun
ishment OF crimes, SHALL BE AND is HEREBY
FOREVER PROHIBITED
In this act the faith of the Government was
solemnly and irrevocably pledged to leave this
condition of the Compromise forever undis.
turbed. The fact is indisputable, that such
was the general understanding of the law at
the time OF It's enactment, and that but for this
conviction and assurance, Missouri could not
have been admitted as slave State.
But the bill now before Congress contem-
plates the abrogation of this contract, and the
virtual repeal of the eighth section of the law
thus throwing open that vast tract of country
to Slavery and involuntary servitude, which
were by its provisions forever excluded there
from
If the Supreme Legislative Council of the na-
ton can thus violate the pledge and annnl
compact which it has deliberately formed what
confidence can be reposed in the probity of the
Government, or what security is there for the
rights and the liberties of the people 1t is Civ
ing the sanction of its high example to prac-
tees which, If carried into the concerns of pri-
vate life, must be destructive to the integrity
and truthfulness of the community. We sin
cerely hope, for the reputation of our common
country and OF It's Government that this obv-
Gus dereliction from fidelity to contracts may
be rejeoted.
The Sovereign Ruler of the universe who
holds in his hand the destiny of nations, has
declared, by his inspired servant, that " he who
ruleth over men, must be just, ruling in the
fear of God" He can control the Kingdoms
of men, and set up or pull them down, as He
sees will most conduce to the spread of uniyer-
sal righteousness. None are SO great or so
powerful that He cannot punish them none SO
weak and low as to be beneath His notice and
protection. Many are the instances on record,
where He has been pleased to bless and pros
per Government administered in His fear for
the general good of the people; and though
He is long forbearing, and slow to anger, yet
there are also many proofs that national sins
have incurred His just displeasure, and drawn
upon their authors national calamities
We fervently desire that it may please Him
to influence those to whom the Legislative au-
thority is intrusted, with the wisdom which
ccnneth from above, which lis pure, peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be entreated full of mercy
and of good fruits" that thus they may con-
duct the concerns committed to them, SO as to
secure to ourselves and our posterity the bless
ing of Heaven, and to render this great and
growing Republic model of wise and vrtuous
government, and praise and glory in the
earth
Signed by direction and on behalf of meet
ing of the Representatives aforesaid, held in
Philadelphia, the Sd day Of the second month,
1854. VIM. EVANS, Clerk.