Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-02-17

through the interposition of others, how
yer grateful we may feel for the Intervention, the
manner OF the rescue will not rebound to our
redit. And just here, to guard against miscon-
option, we would remark that we would not know
ngly depreciate the labors of others in the anti.
lavery warfare. We do not, we think, lack the
aculty OF appreciation. But we must, as honor
'bic men, protest against being regarded as mere
)tJects OF sympathy. We have been, as it were
the sick list in the anti slavery war, and as
have often indirectly, if not directly, been
reminded of the obligations we arc under to our
white brethren, for the aid and comfort bestowed
upon us, by their deuunciations of American sla-
very, and the means employed for its Abolition
We take the broad ground that slavery is not
wholly n negro question. When the history of
the abolition of American Slavery shall be written
that of the redemption of his white brother will
be written also. The demon Of slavery writes dis
grace on our national escutcheon. The beautifully
temple OF our Fourth of July orators, is covered
with blood from its foundation to its lofty dome.
Its windows are darkened with the wing of death.
Every man and woman, then. in the country, does
no more than his or her duty, who labors, with
tirelesss assiduity, for the success of the gospel of
liberty. All are, or should be interested. A
white man, a protested abolitionist, remarked to
the writer a few weeks since, Your people ,ciU nec-
e., Sir, DC done paying us for our efforts in your be-
hdJ." This was said with a sort of mastery nom
chalance, which n cons 5iousness of our manhood
impellod us to rebukc IN our behait?" we re-
sponded, ''rhy, So, you are tutoring for yourself
and Poster'ty." lie sighed over the mental and
moral ~obliquity which prevented us from discover
ing the obligations we, as a people are under, to
love our white brethren, with a perfect heart, and
serve them with a willing mind"
We must not, if we would be respected, and hay
our manhood recognized, occupy the position of
mere suppliants for favor, feeding upon the innu-
tritious husks of the white mans sympathy
All that we ask is, and this we demand in the
name vi Justce,) n wholesale recognition Of our
Right as Men, not rs Giack men, or brown men, or
yellow men, but as MEN. five cannot stand upon
our merits, then let us fall.
Again; we must not, if we would pursue a
course OF conduct calculated to command respect
and esteem, he content with bowling with obseqvi-
Gus Difference to the dicta of assumed superiority
we should not so act, that our actions may he con-
strued into virtual acknowledgment Of the right
OF our potent, grave and reverend seigniors," to ar
rogate to themselves &C oGcta the a%rbitrament of
ali questions involving the destiny Of our Cypress
ed people. Our individuality must be preserved,
or we can exert but very little influence. While
we gladly welcome all others to our ranks, we
must not lose sight of our identity. Our aspira-
tons must be OF a more elevated character than
those which have formerly characterized us as a
people. Ii we are content with the occupancy OF
secondary positions, we will ever be regarded as
hangers ON, as miserable dependents, moving TX
a sphere for which we are constitutionally adap-
ted.
The leading idea which we desire at this time to
convey is, that we, as a people, must, to say the
least, be placed in juxtaposltion with those who
have hitherto assumed the reins of government,
in the anti-slavery world. We must give orders,
as well as execute, command as well as obey. The
fact is, land it is useless for any one to attempt to
deny it, we are not except in theory, regarded,
even by the massof abohtionists, as anything more
than hewers of wood or drawers OF water. The
writer knows, by personal experience, whereof he
afhrms. Now we say again what we have often
declared, that having served a faithful apprentice
ship, running crrands, splitting wood, making fires
carrying grist to the mill, doing all the d~rudgery
in the anti-slavery temple, 1t is time to "hdhg on
our Shingle," with our names inscribed thereon
but then we will be ungratelul says one. Wemust
not forget the block whence we were hewn. Away
with such miserable nonsense. We are about
tired hearing of this block! BLOCK! BLOCk !!
We must get away from under the block" or we
can never rise to the full stature OF men. To
be or not to be, that's the question" The first
man who dares to whisper the word ingratitude,
to us, in this connection, will be treated as he de
! serves. Despite our alleged innate inferiority, we
can discern the black side as well ae the white side
of the abolition picture. We hate st.fe and dis
sension. but the whole truth must be spoken, re-
gardless of consequences. We earnestly and SIN
cerely call upon the abolitionists, especially the
= Board of ComptrOllers, to repent and do theli
first works" The God of truth will bear witnes:
that we are actuated by the best motives, in thus
presuming to dictate to the superior class" W,
wish for the sake of freedom, to see them ma ntaiI
/ q consistent warfare with the slave power. W.
n want no advantage taken Of their gross delinquen
/ cies. The aggrieved party, the nominally free, o
these Northern States, have an undoubted right t.
G arraign them. Every man for himself" appear
y to be the motto of the present century. The abo
v litiOnists. in common with others, have adopted
q this motto. So have we. Let us, then, brethren
rally our forces, for they are strong and invincibl'
; when united. We have followed long enough il
i the wake of others, let us take the lead. We ow'
q allegiance to no one but heaven. We want no ont
4 to look after us, we can take care of ourselves. |
others will join US, on honorable terms, let then
come, aye, they may gladly come. But we mus
try the management of the concern awhile, and il
e after "toenty.hre gears" we shall not have devel
D oped our ability to guide the helm, if we are thel
no nearer the port of our destination than to-day
we will relinquish it to those, who by virtue o
! their superior ~endOwments, are more competen
than we, 'to keep pace" with the anti-slavery cause
to perceire what are its demands, and to UNDERSTAND
tie philosophy Of its operations.
We, then, must take a new position. Are W
ready? Come, buckle on the whole armor. W
s beat the loud rereiNe' We must get out of the wi
derness. Let us be one, and we shall yet chaunt
with the bleeding millions, an anthem unequallc
since the hallelujah of the morning stars, thrille
e heaven with its rapturous symphonies.-w.