Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1856-08-15
els the Democratic Party I'm favor of the
Extension of SlaVcrY1",

lOWlhg pToOIS InaG Ine uelnOcraLlc party L
not in favor of the extension of slavery.
l. "The democratic party has held tn,
reins of power about two-thirds of the timc
since this government was formed, anC
slavery has decreased. At first there wa
but one free state now there are sixteen"
Since this government was formed slave
ry has spread over new regions far large
than the whole area Of the the origina
states. Let any man take the map anc
satisfy himself Of this fact. Texas alone
which democracy has devoted to the doom
of slavery, contains $4,000 square miles
being more than five times as large as al
the New England states. AS to their hav-
ing been but one free state at first, will the
Messenger explain itself? Does it mear
that all the states but one originally adopt
ed slave constitutions? If so, will it please
name the free and slave states as they stood
at the adoption of their first constitutions
2. "The democracy did not make New
York slave statep
8. "They did not make Ohio slave
state!"
The Messenger might have added to such
proofs as these last, the following. Democ-
racy once had large majority in Ohio, but
they did not sell their opponents into slave
ry, therefore democracy is not now in favor
Of extending slavery
The Messengers argument from wha:
the Democracy have not done, reminds us
strongly of the decision of a certain justice.
A man was brought before him accused of
theft. The stolen article was found on him
and six witnesses swore they saw him take
lit. But six others sworc they did not see
him; thereupon the justice pronounced him
innocent, and sentenced the constable to
pay the costs!
But Mr.. Messenger, how far do your
proofs go to show that democracy is not
Ipro-slayery NOW? Mark the following
things. We do not contend that democra-
cy has always been pro-slavery. As late
as 1852, we think, the democracy of Ohio,
at their 8th of January convention, solemnly
declared against the extension of slavery.
This ground was taken by the democratic
party in nearly all the free states, till with
in three years. This doctrine was in strict
accordance, as theirpublic declarations show,
with the sentiments of Jefferson, Madison
and all the sages of democracy in its better
days But, mark the change, in what free
state does democracy now resolve against
the extension of slavery?
Again, we do not claim that the rank and
file of the democratic party, at the north,
are now in favorof extending slavery. One
may ask thousand democrats in success
sion, are you in favor of extending slavery (?
and the answer without exception will be,
a am not" The very leaders Of the party
at the north fatty deny that they wish to
see slavery extended. We give them cred
it for the denial, and believe they speak
truly.
But what we do charge is this, that the
policy of the democratic party as laid down
in their platform, PERMITS the extension of
slavery; permission which is sure to end
in its actual extension. This permission has
been conceded to the demands of the south,
not because the northern democracy wish it
to be so, not because the party leaders like
it, but because there was no other way to
keep the south in the democratic fold; and
because without the south the fate of the
northern leaders who had bowed down to
the power of slavery, was sealed up. But
to the proof that the policy of the democrat
ic party as laid down in the Cincinnati, plat
form, permits the extension of slavery.
In that platform the following is laid
down as v.t,l principle. "No INTER
ENCE BY CONGRESS WITH SLAVERY IN STATE
AND TERRITORY, OR IN THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA" Again, "ResolOed, that we
recognise the right of the people of all the
territories, including Kansas and Nebraska,
acting through the legally and fairly ex-
press sed will of a majority of actual residents,
and whenever the number of their inhabt-
ants justifes it, to form constitution acith
or withoat domestic slavery, and be admit
ted into the Union on terms perfect equal
ity with other states"
Now consider the following things.
l. According to the above doctrines Of
the Cincinnati platform, congress cannot in
tertere with slavery in the territories. This
mrans that slavery may go into all the ter
ritories of the United States. Congress has
no power, says the Cincinnati platform, to
interfere with it. Mark the word ''inter.
fere how can congress interfere with slave
ry in a territory if it does not go there p
The words mean that it may 60 there, and
lis expected to 90 there, and when il does pC