The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-08-30
COLUMBIA COUNTY, PA, THURSDAY. AUGUST go 1855

Try dedicated 10 civil and religious liberty
laws for those purposes would be violent in
constituencies that must shock all right mind
ed. men. We know that there are many
very many, honest and we'll meaning meu
who wandered off from the proper path, and
in their desire 10 correct alleged abuses of the
naturalization laws, have suffered themselves
to give their supports 10 this new and perni.
cious political heresy. To those men we
would especially appeal, and earnestly en-
treat them 10 pause before they shall aid in
furthering projects, the result of which will
slarlle their understandings and appal their
hearts. Let them beware of political
party that has been afraid to reveal ts princi-
pies, and conceals its aclious-let them con.
slider how unmanly aud irrational must those
men who would thus secretly unite, and
binding each other in the spirit of mutual dis
trust, by solemn and Illegal oalhs, 10 carry
out great public purpose aud 10 produce a
great political revolution. In ,yranical couu-
! tries, where political intolerance and perse-
culon proscribes men for liberal opinions,
such combinations are sometimes necessary
but always dangerous for the cause of free
dom But it was left for Democratic coun-
try, in Democratic and liberal age, for men
thus TO conspirs in favor Of political intuler-
ance and prosecuting bisolry. To The pure
minded men who have thus erred and stray
ed away, do we submit these considerations
for their action, hoping that they will yet re-
tufu 10 correct views, and sustain the cause
OF republican liberty by zealous opposition
to tho pernicious principles and intolerant
discipline of this new and dangerous fac
ton.
Before we conclude this appeal TO your rea-
son and your patriotism, we mus; invite our
attention to The subjec. of domestic slavery.
With that institution Pennsylvanians have
nothing 10 do. In the exercise OF wise phi
lanihropy, We have, long since, abolished it.
But because we have exered our sovereign
power over it, we must moi endeavor to con-
lrol sister States in the regulation of the sub
jeci. II we entertain sentiments adverse 10
its introduction, we must moi propagate these
opinions at th g cost of the domestic Tranquil.
ity OF other Safes, or at the risk Of perilling
our common Union. 1t would not become
fteeme0 TO be involved in inappeasable dis
cord, for The sake of a small number of slaves
whose condition we cannot change. The
Constitution was the result of many adjust
menls and compromises, and with it We have
secured domestic tranquility, private prosper
ity aud public liberty. Time will reveal The
end and purpose Of this institution OF slavery
existing in some OF the States OF this Union;
but while we live under the Constitution, we
must abide by It's provisions and its solemn
compacts. All attempts 10 regulate thissub-
iect by congressional action must prove abor-
tive and end in tumult and disorder. With
/ US The Constitution is paramount to the laws,
and il is disobedencs and iasubordination of
the worst kind, 10 strive, by political agita.
ton 10 su5ven the one, and encroach with
the other.
Like all other questions OF strictly local con-
Germ, that of Slavery should be submitted 70
the exclusive jurisdiction of the people of The
territory or place in which it is proposed, 10
establish or reject it. This principle OF local
sef-govemment is the basis of all our insli.
lutons, and is essential 10 political freedom.
1t may for time, be abused and lrampled
on, as other rights have been, but men should
not, because of that, be deprived Of it. II is
for The common interest of all that each and
every citizen should freely and peaceably
exercise the right; and the principle and prac-
lice thus universally ordained and recon-
mended by The founders of our government
will be firmly maintained by the Democratic
party. J. +. JOHNSTON,
jl,os i; a. za'e@ss, G'ansa, ssey''. Chairman