The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-05-02
The Progress Of Free Sentiments.

The raids Of the Missouri Ruffans into
Kansas, and the outragcs perpctrated under
the sanction Of Pierce and Atchinson, are
producing a reaction among the people OF
Missouri, and II is not unfrequent to dscov-
er good northern doctrine, written and
spoken to the public there. The recent tri-
umph of the Benton party in St. Louis,
electing their Mayor by 1000 majority in
spite of their known opposition to the re-
peal ofthe Missouri Compromise, and the
charge of their being " Black Republicans, -
is gratifying evidence Of the progress Of
correct sentiments. Missouri is discovering
thatit is properly a Western, and not a
Southern State, and that the blight Of slay-
cry is the curse Of its not prospecting as
other Western States have. q.
The st. Louis Democrat, Of the llth inst.
has an able leader on "Thc Industrial
Movement" which argues, with great force
in favor of free labor, though, of course,
without discussing, distinctly, the slavery
question. The following extract, shows the
tone public sentiment is taking in the West,
and it is worth comparing with the pro-
slavery opinions Of the Pierce party in vir-
GINA and the South.
Those who would organize labor in oppo-
sition to capital must ever fail in their OBJ
jects, because each is necessary to tho other,
and of that kind was the attempt alluded
to. 1t is not to such appeals that the in
dustrial population ofany land should listen.
They have nobler destiny 10 achieve in the
development of our Republic, than any such
petty schemes would embrace. Forming the
solid structure on which all American So
ciety must ever rest, numbering among them
selves the millions for whose welfare Govern
ment must primarily care, and welding as
they do through the ballot box the controll-
inc power Of the country 1t becomes the
industrial class-the hard, staunch, earnest
sons of toil--to consult every oracle Of pro-
press that tends to make labor moro honor
ed. respected and selfcon6dent. Theirs is
the duty to scrutinize the outgoing and in
comings of political elements, theirs the task
TO watch narrowly every Infringement upon
citizens rights, and 10 blast riih the breath q
public soorn erry movement that can eren re-
mofely oonduce 10 the disgraee Of voluntary
labor, and TO the Substitution Of serriiiy an
its stead. Whatertr bio,o Is struck at abe so
eial estimaie in tchieh The ioborer for hire 10
held, is a fatal stab at The advancement Of The
industrial community, and its Iteration 10
positions Of poorer and iyfuenes. Perhaps
two thirds OF the whole population Of this
nation ut this present time, work from morn
until night for their daily hread, and are
dependent upon that continuous toll for the
preservation Of themselves and families from
want. Il 10 such that feel most acutely and
Immediately any depreciation, either Of the
social position in which manual labor Ia
held, or its exclusion from various depart
mcnts of industry to which manual labor
has rightful claim. The artian, the me-
chanic, the contractor must soon experience
likewise the injury in their turn, and thus
all the joints OF dependent society may DO
strained out of place. Every Indication
therefore, that points TO such reaction
against them should, we say, be mot mar
rowly watched, and firmly resisted Mt tho
outset, and thus while maintaining solidly
the substantial interests Of their class, they
may 90 on to seek rednemenh and adorn.
mcnts that Will add beauty and pleasure and
utility to their mental and moral develop
mept, even whilst they forge out the materi-
o. greatness Of the Republic, with their own
bravo hands,