Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-10-16

The change ia the relation Of Slavery to
the National Government has been total and
complete. At first it was merely local iu-
stitutiou, admitted to be an evil, its existence
deeply deplored, and only tolerated on account
of the supposed difficulty and danger oil its
sudden abolition, while on the other haad its
extension of was universally Deprecated and
positively prohibited. Now, it has become
an aggressive and powerful principle, which has
taken possession OF every department Of the
Federal Government, except the popular
branch of the Legislature it opens the ave-
naes to public and official position only to
those who bow before its monstrons claims
it demands the revival Of the horrors Of the
African Slave fTtrade; it insists upon the
right Of passing through the free States
with its Slaves; it breaks down the long es-
tabished securities Of Freedom it blockades
the national higways; it closes the common
territory OF tie country to the free citizens Of
the North; and by the strong ar. of power,
with the bayonet and the sword, it brushes
people whose only offence is that tacy claim
the right to regulate their domestic institu-
tions in their own way, aud will not submit
to its insolcnt and oppressive demands.
The rapid extension of slavery and the az
gressive nature of its demands. excite the
most anxious solcitude in our minds for the
success and perpetuity OF the Union: and the
imminent danger to our free institutions has
stimulated all lovers of Liberty to endayor to
restore the action Of our Government to the
principles OF its patriotic founders, from
which it has ST. widely deviated. The people
OF Vermoat havesever, and with increasing
force and unnahimty, spoken in undesirable
terms in epostion to the extnsion of Slavery,
and | doubt not your action in regard to this
subject will be in complete accordance with
the earnest sentiments of your constituents
Our country has not only lavished her blood
and treasures to secure her own liberty, but
: when distant nations, encouraged by her ex-
ample, have sought to be free, her sympathy
and her contributions have rolled in tides OIL
mighty impulse to their assistance Thc i'll
prsonment Of a foreigner, vino had simply
declared his intention of becmins Il tzen OF
the United States was recently considered BY
our Government, an insult to the majesty o
the nation, and on remote sea our ships o.
war opened their frowning port holes ans
J sternly demanded the immediate release of III,
prisoner.
But citizens of this and other States of ou
contedency, who have emigratcd to Kansas
, q portionof our own country under the direc
authority of the Federal Government, witt
the intention of making that Territory the
$ home, relying on the assurances of tina
Government, that they should be left in per
feet freedom to form and regulate their dom
nestle institutions ia their own way" hay
/ by lawlcss and repeated invasons Of the PEG
pie Of another State. been deprived Of til
! dearest rights Of ireemen; their lives an,
property have been threatened aud destroys
aud they have been subjected by these inva
: ders to the most cruel and tryannical enact
y mcnts which have characterized modern legiS
, lat on; and yet, Notwithstanding their fire
3, quent appeals to the President for relief, non
y has been afforded them; their robbers an
Hut'C'Cio lClHdi'i uHpuulSHcu SOilt SFcu L
official positions under the Federal Govern
ment and obedience to the pretended law
Of the Terri DRY is enforced by the armed sol
y diery of the United States.
The recollection OF our own early histor
s as Commonwealth should awaken in on
e breasts the livcIies sympathcs for our breth
!, rem who are struggling for Freedom in Kansas
t Vermont was once the scene Of similar depre
y dations, hardships and crueltes. Her earl
~ settlers were elected from theirp osscsSions,an
y. were denied all law aud justice by the emf,
saries OF a Government which wrongful
). claimed dominion over them.
II earnestly suggested to your careful delibcrg
o ton the question whealhtr, in view of tn
great wrongs to which our citizens in Kansu
:. are subjected, and the utter neglect Of tn
Il General Government to protect them, som
t action is not required Of you, equal to tt,
d Importance and emergency Of their cause.
/ | tlust the legislature will prove Itself
/ gcnerons patron to the noble charities thu
L. distinguish this age, and its acts bear the in
" press Of humanity aud benevoonce.
e Relying with confidence on the wisdom {
e your deliberations and action, tender 20
n Gentlemen my hearty corporation in a
your laudable efforts for the public welia'e.
g RYLAND FLETCHER.
c MONTPELIER, Oct 10, 1856.