The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1856-08-27
The rrus xs,ue.


the Buchanan army and dictate the sxprss-
sion Of its sentiments. The Times, Of this
city, looks up to it a. political fountain
head, and certi6ss to its high authority ~ .
leader Of the Black Democracy. And the
Enquirer says OF the issue Of the day
"The Democrats Of the South in the pre-
sent canvass cannot rely on the old grounds
Of defence and excuse for slavery; for they
seek not merely to retain It where Il 10, but
TO ertend itinso regions rhere Il 10 unknoun.
Much iess can they rely on the mere con-
sfifuttonai guarantees Of slavery, for such
reliance is pregnant with the admission that
slavery is wrong, and but for the constitu-
ton should be abolished. This constitu-
tional argument for slavery, standing alone,
fully justifes the abolitionists. They are
clearly right If slavery be morally wrong,
for to get rid Of it under the constitution, or
by amending the constitution, is confessedly
impracticable.
I'm truth, the constitution cannot he)p
slavery, II it be violation Of the laws OF
God and OF morality. In that case the con.
stitution should be changed, or the free
States should secede, rather than continue
| to guaranty what they consider immoral and
profane. The constitution cannot help slave
ry for another reason. That institution.
extending through fifteen States, and inter.
| ramihed with the interests, the feelings, and
the very existence OF many millions OF men,
10 much stronger than the constitution. Ii
would be Tar easier to change or violate the
constitution than to abolish slavery. Be-
sides, slavery is older than the constitution,
existed before il, and independently Of it.
we derive no right to our Slaves from il,
and weaken our cause by seeming to rely on
"Nor will it avail US aught to show that
| the negro is most happy and best situated in
the condition OF slavery. IL we stop there.
We weaken our cause by the very argument
intended to advance il; for We propose to
introduce into new territory human beings
whom We assert to be unfit for liberty, self
government, and equal association with 9TH
er men. We must 20 . step farther. We
must show that African slavery is . moral,
religious, natural, and probably, in the gem
erAl, necessary institution Of society.
THIS is the only line Of argument that will
| enable Southern democrats to maintain the
doctrines of state equality and slavery ex-
tension.
For il slavery be not legitimate, use
full, moral, and expedient institution, we can
not, without reproof Of conscience and the
blush VI shame, seek to extend it. or assert
our equality with those states having no such
institution.
Northern Democrats need not 20 thus
FAR. They do not seek to extend slavery, bu,
only agree to its extension, as a matter OF
right on our part. They may prefer their
own social system to ours. 1t is best they
should. Our friends are conservatives a,
home, and conservatives Of the Union-con
servatives OF religion, Of marriage, Of prop
erty, Ut state institutions, aud Of federal in
situations But whilst they may prefer their
own social system, they will have to admi,
IN this canvass, that cure is also rightful and
legitimate, and sanctioned alike by the opin.
IONS and usages Of mankind, and by the su
'hority and express injunction Of Scripture.
They cannot consistently maintain tina,
Slavery is immoral, inexpedient and pro-
lane, and yet continue TO submit to ito ex
tension.
1--WE know We utter bold truths. But the
time has now arrived when their utternncs
can be no longer postponed. The true issue
should stand out SO boldly and clearly tina,
no one may mistake it."
This is bold, but it is frank and honest
The position in which it places it's confed.
crates at the North, is one which it would
make them squirm to confess,--it is on,
which they deny but it is nevertheless tn,
one which they do occupy, which they canno
help but occupy and still act rs confederates Of
these ruling powers Of the Black Democracy
and the responsibilities and conclusion
which it draws are unavoidable.
Blu. We wish to call attention to the OF
plicit avowals. They are in favor OF tn
Extension ef Slavery. Over and above tn
authority of the constitution they demand i.
They do not 'srely upon mere constitutions
guarantees" 1t is DxAASp which the
make, IN the pienilude Of their pove,
THEY WILL IT, and they seek no other sane
ton. Hear, o Freemen! for it states TN
rRurH when it states the issue, for such til
issue is