Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-05-24

world and on the very spot which had been
hallowed and consecrated to its most signal
vindication. The aliars which had been
reared to it on this chosen ground, and
around which, at least, the Democracy Of
the whole Union had sworn allegiance. aud
to which we had come as pilgrim worshipers
in the wilderness, are to be ruthlessl; de.
molished. The compact is to be basely bro
ken, and the ballot OF the freemen in chec)
torn from our hands almost before the ink Of
the covensnt is dry. Not only too, is the
principle of popular sovereignty to be bloited
out, but more than this, even the object Of
tie contest is to disappear. The question of
negro slavery is to sink into insignihcance,
and the great portentous issue is TO loom up
in its stead, whether or not we shall be the
slaves, aud fanatics who disgrace the honor
able and chivalric men OF the South shall
be our masters 10 rule is at their pleasure.
With feeble and scattered community,
just struggling into existence, without orga-
nization and almost without shelter, we are
poweress to resist an old, strong and popn-
ious State, f6ll of men, and arms, ami resour-
ces, and we therefore appeal to you, and
through yor 10 the people OF the States
Remedy here we have none.
Our Executive las, with manly dcternina-
ton and persistent fidelity, stood by his peo-
pie, and endeavored to carry out the princi.
! plies of popular sovereignty, and secure US
, the privilege Of managing cur own affairs
and governing ourselves, until his reputation
has been assailcd and his lie openly threat
eneG with q bitterness almost Unpnraile led (;
aud, although as chief magistrate he is all
we coulc desire, and has lcir'rssy pursued
the path OF duty amid storm a mace and
detraction under which many mon Nou i've
quailed, yet he is powerless like ourselves
We make, now, this last appr !, not TO
the North, not to the South; not 10 any po-
litcal party--but to the representatives Of
the whole Union. We beg that no men will
sport with our fearful condition, by endea-
voring to make political capital, or build up
party at the expense OF our civil and physical
! existence. We want the men o! the North
| aud the South to protect us. Through your
selves, their representatives, we appeal to
! their honor-to their justice--tu their patr-
otsm--to their sympathes, not for tavoIs,
I the dearest rights guaranteed 10 US by the
Declaration of IndePendence--hy the Con-
sttuton of the Cnion--by the law of our Or
ganization-by the solemn compact Of the
States, and which you pledged to Us as the
condition of our coming here.
Communities are not to blame for tie con-
duct Of their fanatics unless they sanct'on
them. We canno, believe that the States Of
the South will sanction the outrages that
have been e-potrated upon us, or will allow
them to be continued. And Although we
might reason the matter as question of poll
cy, and show ti.at it is contrary to the laws
of nature and society. and opposed to all hui
man experience, that good can come from
such an cvil-although we might prove thai
it is "sowng the wind to reap the whrlwind,'
and that the reaction will be fearful, yet We
feel that this is unnecessary y-that it Is
enough to appeal TO their honor and their
sense of justice, and to rely upon theirpligh
ted faith
Inside our bounds we shall have no seriou;
troubles. Northern and Southern men min
gle together in harmony and good feeling, q
in mutual depe ndence and assistance in the
hardships and privullons OF pioneer hte'-
| AS we learn to understand each other, friend
ships are engendered and prejudces mel
away, So that we shall be able to meet al
questions that may arse in spirit of justice
and kindly feeling, which will secure the
rights &C all and Cheerful. acquiescence in the
decision OF the majority. From foreign op
preston, however, we ask for relief of thai
power which passed the Kan sas bill, ant
pledged to us its benefits if we would come
here. We have right TO ask and do ash
it's enforcement. 1t remains for your honor
able bodies to decide VIII, ther you will keeE
the compac, between You and Us which exist
by that bill, and Oh migration-whethe
you will vindicate the sacred doctrines Of th
Government, or whether you will leave US il
stale of vassc!age and oppression. w
cannot aud do not doubt that youwill in som
5 way give US justice and protection.