Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-03-17
C.. DONALDS(
COMMITTEE.
ANTI-SLAvERY AND PRO-SLAVERY.

Our convictions are in harmony with those of
Gerrit Smith. which we publish to-day, when he
speaks of the ineficiency of the present and past
political opposition to Slavery. The recognised
champions of Anti-Slavery are inveterately and
positively Pro-Slavcry in some of their important
positions. They make noble, manly, Anti Slavery
declarations but are almost Invariably careful to
neutralize them all, by pro-slavery concessions.
As a sample look at Mr.. Giddings' remarks in a
proceeding column. Portions of them will thrill
the heart of every reader, as they commanded the
attention of the braggart Shareholders who listened
to their delivery. But Mr.. Giddings spoiled it
all, demolished the noble fabrick of free principles
he had set up. lie repudiated the higher law and
put the pro-slavery portions of the Constitution in
its place and sent Mr.. Letcher and other slavehold-
ers to their homes, with such aid and comfort, and
assurance of security as would justify them in
dismissing nil apprehension and sleeping in COM
Portable security.
Nobly does Mr.. Giddings say, W will repeal
the law 1907, authorizing the Coast wise slave
trade" The pirate who hangs at the yard arm
on the Coast of Africa. is less guilty in our opinion
than the man who deals in christian slaves in this
city" But then, Mr.. Giddings is careful to inter-
rupt Mr.. Letcher to disclaim all purpose to prevent
this pirate traffic in christian men and women,
provided these christianized human chattols arc
taken to market by land and not by sea. If these
slave mongers drivie their manacled cofles with
all their accustomed brutality, over land from Nor.
folk to Savannah or Charleston, it is the prose
cution of a constitutional commerce, with which
Mr.. Giddings, the stalwart champion of freedom
which he is, will not NEEDLE, but if the same ira
der ships his cargo by a coasting vessel, to thu
same markets, Mr.. Giddings' indignation burn;
like a consuming fire. the constitutional commerce
becomes piracy, and the miscreant trader in hu
man souls is worthy of some punishment more
ignominious and terrible than that inflicted upor
the pirate who swings at the yard arm.
Again on the question of fugitive slaves. Mr.
Giddings says "We will not, catch your slaves
We will not appoint officers for the purpose o
catching them-dO not ask us to lay aside oul
feelings of manhood, our moral principles, oul
independence, and selfrespect to catch them fol
you" This is all noble so far as it goes. 1t is anti
slavery and anti-slave returning. Had he stop
ped here, it would have been well slavery would
have quailed under the moral power of his posi-
ton. But unfortunately it is accompanied with q
pledge that neutralizes its whole moral power. He
consents to 'lay aside, his manhood, his mora
principle, his independence and self-respect'' SO
far as to say "If you can catch your slaves when
they get into our northern states do H." We acal
live up to our constitutional obligations" "We
will restore the fugitive slave law of 1893" and
thus far aid you BY giving up our whole country
for your hunting ground.
Again look at Mr.. Gidaings when the lone fugi
tiyes came to him for aid. Looking the man full
in the face, ! said d you believe, sir, that God
crea,ed you with the soul and feelings Of a man