The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1856-12-11
MI Wahstar On Slavery.

The following admirable letter Of Daniel
Webster on slavery, was addressed to the
Rev. Mr.. Furness, an eminent Unitarian
preacher in Phil elphia, at the time the COM
promise acts were under discussion. It's sem
timents are admirably adapted to the condi-
ton of popular feeling at the present time
We commend it to the perusal of all sober
minded, rational readers:
WASHINGTON, Feb. Is, 1850.
My DEAR SIR: | was good deal moved, L
confess, by reading your letter of the 9Th Of
January. Having great regard for your tai
ents and character, l could not feel indifferent
to what you said, when you intimated that
there was, or might be, in me power to do
good, not yet exercised or developed. 1t may
be so; but l fear, my dear sir, that you over
rate, not my desire, but my power to be use
full in my day and generation.
From my earliest youth have regarded
slavery as great moral and political evil. L
think it unjust, repugnant to the natural
equality of mankind, founded only in superior
power; a standing and permanent conquest
by the stronger over the weaker. All pretence
of defending it on the ground of different
races, | have ever condemned. | have even
said that if the black race is weaker, that is a
reason against, not for, its subsection and OPP
preston. In religious point Of view, have
ever regarded it, and ever spoken of it, not as
subject to- any express denunciation, either in
the Old Testament or the new, but as opposed
to the whole spirit of the Gospel and to the
teaching of Jesus Christ.
The religion of Jesus Christ is religion Of
kindness, justice and brotherly love.
But slavery is not kindly aifectionate; II
does not seek another's, and not his own; il
does not let the oppressed go free. 1t is. as
have said, but continual act of oppression
But then, such is the influence of habit o.
thinking among men, and such is the influence
of what has been long established, that ever
minds religious and tenderly conscientious
such as would be shocked by any single act
of oppression, in any single exercise Of VIC
lence and unjust power, are not always NOV
ed by the reflection that slavery is continue
and permanent violation of human rights.
But now, my dear sir, what can be done by
me, who act only a part in political life, and
who have no power over the subject OF sia
slavery. as it exists in the States of the Union
| do what | can to restrain it; to prevent Its
spread and diffusion. But I cannot disregard
the oracles which instruct me not to do evil
that good NAV come | cannot cooperate il
breaking up social and political systems OF
the warmth, rather than the strength, of {
hope that, in such commissions, the cause o
emancipaton may be promoted.
And even if the end would justify the
means, | confess l DO not see the relevancy oil
such means to such an end. l confess, my
dear sir, that in my Judgment, confusion, con
flict, embittered controversy, violence, blood
shed and civil war would only rivet thu
chains of slavery the more strongly.
In my opinion, it is the mild influence o
Christianity, the softening and melting pow
er Of the Sun of righteousness, and not thu
storms and tempests of heated controversy
that are in the course of those events which
an all-w Providence oyerrules, to dissolve
the iron letters by which man is made tn
slave Of man.
The effect of moral causes, though sure il
slow. In two thousand years, the doctrines
and miracles of Jesus Christ have converted
but very small part Of the human race; anC
among Christian nations, even, many gross
and obvious errors, like that of the lawfulnes
of slavery, have still held their ground.
But what are two thousand years in tht
great work of the progress of the regenera
ton and redemption of mankind? If we SCI
that the course is onward and forward, as j
certainly is, in regard to the final abolition
of human slavery; while we give 80 it on
fervent prayers and aid it by all the justifia
bic influences which we can exercise, it seem
to me we must leave both the progress and re
suit in His hands who sees the end from tn
beginning and in whose sight THOUSAND
Eyears are but as single day. l pray you
imy dear sir, accept this, the product Of hal
an hour of the evening. and unread by tn
writer as respectful and grateful acknowl
edgment of your very kind and friendly let
ter. DANIEL WEBSTER.
: Ranor+ of the secretarv Of the Trse.urv