Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-12-06

uc war SloSeu W the BIctl nOnOr ana
credit of the friends of American Freedom,
but the work of patriots was not yet finished
Thirteen distinct and independent colon.
MES were, as of right they should be, free:-
To unite them into one Nation and make
them one people was now the great work of
our Revolutionary fathers To accomplish
this was no easy task--the patriotism of every
freeman was put to the test, and so equally
poised was the balance that doubts were free
ly expressed that the Union could not be- ef-
fected, aud appeal after appeal were well
nigh made in vain Yetit was accomplish
ed, but not without sacrifice, concession and
compromise. The colonesswer situated in
different climes--there were thoughts of diff
ferent interests-there were institutions re-
cognizsd in some,-forbdden in the Others,
how could such opposites meet? Yet they
must meet. or 1t was in vain that the decla-
ration had been proclaimed-th Wash
ington had drawn the sword, OF that the stars
aud stripes had been unfurled to call the
friends of freedom to battle.
Whe made concessions which party
made the greatest sacrifices? to them let the
need OF praise be given, because by SO doing
they proved the sincerity of their principles,
and it is TO be regretted that there are not
moro in the present day who aspire to the
same need of praise, aud have the same re-
gard for the Union, and cheerfully follow in
the footsteps of such illustrious patriots.
But where was the sacrifce?-take for in
stance Virginia; while vet loyal COLONY,
African slavery was introduced by the moth
er government, contrary to the wishes of her
people. Yes, forced upon them by the same
England that now sends her emissalies with
false professions of philanthropy, to make
loud acclaim against American slavery, aud
try if possible to create feelings of discord AMI
division with people she could not when
united, conquer in honorable warfare, and
there are those who claim to be Ameri-
cans, that ape these merciless emissarics
and strive il possible to eclipse them in
sowing the seeds of disunion, though anarchy
anil confusion stare them in the face But TO
return-time, custom and early education
did much to remove the objections at first en-
tertained Of slavery, and when the time ar
rived for the adoption of the constitution
Virginia would make no surrender on tha
point, but retained the right to regulate he
domestic affairs as the people might see fit
| Some men seem to forget that the Nation o
National Government is the offspring of tn,
States, and has no powers or rights excep
those expressly granted by the States, an,
those not conferred and reserved, stand a
original rights, and any attempt to interfer
with them, Is contrary to the letter and spiri
, Of the constitution, aud in violation of tn
compromise which consummated this glori
Gus Union. Now permit me to enquire, wha
sacrifice did New York, Massachusetts an
the other free States make in agreeing TO a 81
lent acquiescence to the institution of SLAYER
in Virginia and other States? The questio
was fairly before them, union or no union
acquescence in this reserved right and ther
is union-refuse it and there is no union /
What was to be done?-there are those i
the present day who would say refuse; bl,
thank heaven, wiser, better and more patr
, otic men had the control then, and they d.
cided to acquiesce and the Union was col
summated, the result of which was the grow
ing up of a great and powerful Nation-m
lions Of freemep enjoying peace and plentl
{ civil and religious liberty, and engaged in I'll
noble pursuits of happiness for this we'll mig
then may we oft make the same.
The constitution was adopted, but th
: work Of patriots was not yet finished.
had to be sustained end the public mind pr
pared for it that it might be perpetuated.
was not perfect but it was the best known
the world. Had we right to expect fro
the hands of men perfection, and clamor b
cause it was not so? Rather give tbanl
4 that it was so near perfect than hunt f
! faults and magnify them into deformities
!, Is 1.-THE part of q good citizen to constan
: ly talk of an unfortunate fault of neighbo
and dwell upon his defects No; rather ma
j: nifty his virtues, and commentator his goC
3 traits of character. So with our COVER
lment He is not good citizen, much less