The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-05-31

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Brief History of the Acts and Doings
of the Massachusetts Legislature. Rox,
bury. Mr.. Hiss. Mrs. Patterson, Know.
No,hinsism. = Z, ''.,,' ..l 1,.
Few histories are reliable. Old histories
are for the most part, made up of srupid fa-
bles and absurd supersiiiious,. They were
written long, after the occurrence OF the
events they narra,e, before printing was die
covered, and made up from dusty scrolls and
wretched parchments. The sources of all
ancient histories, 10 say the least, are snspi.
cious. it
The ,rues histories are those written by
men who are eye.witnesses of the events
they relate. Yet such histories, even, are
not beyond criticism and moi free from suspi.
cion. Events ofientimes occur in the pres
ence Of a number of men, il. may be a small
or large number. II rarely happens thai
all OF the number concur 10 their narratives
Of such events. Conflicts and contradictions
usually distinguish their statements. Even
in courts of justice, where men are put on
oath, respectable men, aud where .he issues
of lie and death are involved, il seldom
happens thattwo men give the same tesii-
mony. This is a sad commentary on the
value ofhuman testimony.
But there is one thing that has happened
in our county, before. our eyes, in reference
10 which all paiional men agree. 1t is The
course and conducl of The Slate Of Massa.
chusetts.' When the historian takes his pen
in hand v record the events of which we
speak, he will not be al loss for The ma;er-
al wherewih TO compose that history. The
records of the present Legislature will be
sufficient. s. - ~ s4-s.E :
Those records win inform him that tina,
Legislature has taken, not one, but many
steps backwards: That il has gone bach.
not only to me horrible. and revolving blue
law days; not only 10 The scarcely less re-
voting period, when cropeared covenaniers
alternately hcwled and prayed, but TO those
more distant and more miserable lines,
when priesicfafi asserted dominion over men,
both spiritual and temporal, and when su.
perstition, that curse alike of the ignorant
and the overlearned, taught men TO culi-s
vate vices for virtues, and 10 worship devils
for gods. - ~
In that sanity and scholarly Massaehu.
seits Legislature, there are, we believe, two
score and tsn Gaming parsons. Not Gods
ministers. Not Bible ministers, but wolves
in sleeps clothing, who are infected with
every ism in politics, and who bum with ev-
sery fierce passion that man is subject tosa--
They are not the meek disciples Of aheir
humble savior, but severe and loud-mou,hed
sons of thunder. Not content with preacE-
ing religion, they must needs preach poll.
lies. When the Bible is in their way, they
construe itlout Of their way, Wher the con.
sli,ution imposesa barrier 10 lheif insane
progress, they boldly break i;tiown These
men, we believe, are ell know-no,hings and
all aboltionisis. :,
Besides this cantng crew Of reckless and
wreiched hypocrltes, the Massachuse,Is leg.
islaiure coniains a vile set OF scrub polit-
clans and guuer demagogues, no have re
sen by espous.ng some ascendant isms and
by pandering 10 some prevailing caprice
Bedlam exhibits no crazler assembIage--
Five Points, no more vulgar ruffiauism.-
From a Legislature thus composed oil Abol-
ilionized know-noihing fanatics, and hypo-
critical religious disseniers, nothing good
could be expected. Yel, in the sunlight Of
this enlightened, nineteenth century, so
much OF evil could har'lly be expected as is
exhibited in The proceedings Of the body.
II has passed resolution selling aside the
fugitive slave law, and making any citizen
Of Massachusetts incapable of holding a
State Office who recognizes il, CT aids in its
execution. II has resolved against the ad-
mission Of auy new slave State into The
Union, whether the people Of such Slate,de-
sire slavery or not II has protected vile
Emigrant Aid Societies designed to!send lie.
prous vagabonds 10 settle KANSAS, and expel.
Shareholders and their righlfui property. II
has passed an address praying tbs Governor
to degrade Judge Lorhg by expulsion from
the iudicisl bench, because, in conformity
10 his oath as United States Commissioner,
he sought,o give efficiency TO the oonslitu-
ton and the laws passed 10 pnrsnsnce ofii,
in the ease of the fugitive slave, Anthony
Buns. itappoInted . Nunns-y Committee
to persecute, ,vex, and insult Catholics, men,
women, and children. I.sent ,ha, commi.-
tee out on lis disgfaceful mission, charged
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