Weekly hawk-eye and telegraph. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1855-1857, 1857-02-18
[From the Central Advocate


This subject has for several days past engross.
ed the attention and time OF the Legislature of
this State, to the exclusion of almost everything
else. The discussion has been incidentally cal
led up in the election of officers by the joint ses-
sion, but has, nevertheless, been discussed with
a thoroughness and spirit which shows the thrill
ling interest felt in this great question by the
citizt ms of Missouri.
The dignited fearlessness with which a num-
Der of the members grappled and handled the
thing, would do credit to any deliberate body in
the land. We would deplore any strife or vic
ious feeling which might arise from the agita-
ton Of this subject at this or at any time
There is no necessity for strife among neighbors
and fellow citizens in the consideration of this
or any other grave question involving the well
fare of the State. We are not willing to ac-
knowledge the free, intelligent citizens of Mis-
souri, incapable of free discussion, even of this
subject, without vicious strife. But if the humil
iating fact should exist, we would ever abide the
Divine rule, "First pure, then peaceabe." If,
as many of the ablest expositors of our agricul-
tural and commercial interests in the State firm
ly believe, the emancipation of the comparative
ly few slaves in our midst would add Immensely
to the aggregate wealth and prosperity of the
State after defraying all the expenses incidental
to such change, in the increased value and
productiveness of property within our bounds,
why not take decisive step in that direction?
triotism Of Missouri, we ask, why not?
Other States of our glorious confederacy have
emancipated, and the civilized world commend
them; why may not we? Is there less of intel
ligence, less morality, less love of order with us
than with them? Let whoever thinks so, now
speak. We do not believe it, but upon the con-
trary, believe the people of Missouri fully con,pe-
tent aud capable it they shallthi well, peace
fully, and without the infringement of the rights
of any, to emancipate their slaves; and to do
so, we believe, would subserye in the highest
possible degree, the interests of the State.
But there are other higher and holier consid.
erations which lead US to desire-if in Gods
providence it may be complished-emancipa
ton. We believe slavery to be great evil,
and cannot, therefore, SO long as we have a
heart to feel for others woes-a Christian heart
cease to desire the removal of the evil. Let
not our friends be alarmed, or our enemies, if
we have them, rejoice at the frank ayowal of
our sentiments; entertaining them, we hesitate
not to avow them; we have nothing to disguise
in this matter; We Eold no sentiments, pursue
no policy which we would not hold, advocate
and pursue anywhere in this Republic.
We are not here to intermeddle, at this or
any other time, through this or any other me-
um, with the civil relation between master and
slave, but peacefully and cheerfuly to pursue
our avocation as an editor, in a religious denom-
ination whose known principles and usages on
this subject ought to save US the labor of even
so much as an explanation. In this, as in other
matters, we proclaim to the world 1--WE defraud
no man." However deeply we may deplore an
existing evil, and however ardently we may de-
sire its removal, we regard ourselves obligated
as Christian citizens, to promote all necessary
change in lawful, peaceful manner. Yet sure
ly as religious Journal, we cannot ignore sub.
ject of such paramount importance. as ques-
ton of Christian morality.
In the attitude this subject is here assuming,
an attitude, as it should be, given it by our
own people and representatives, uninfuenced by
foreign elements, there are just these two views
which may be taken, these two positions assum-
ed: Slavery, as it exists among us, is either an
evil blessing; little former, let tilt be abol-
ished; if the latter, let it be fostered.
Let us have no lodging, no side issues wrung
in. The scheme by which this is to be effected,
in all its details, can, by the wisdom of our
statesmen and philanthropists, be wrought out
in due time; and the means necessary to the ac-
complishment of so grand and glorious con-
summation-a contamination over which chris
tan men and angels would shout-can be secur-
ed.
In this we would not, were we now ready for
it, suffer ourselves to dictate, but would simply
suggest, that the Methodist Episcopal Church,
with other evangelical churches, continues still
the steadfast friend and patron Of colonization,
until something more feasible shall be presented.
Our agents are still in the field, funds are being
collected, and other efficient means are being
employed to carry on this glorious work.
We declare that here every man is without
excuse. If any decline to favor emancipation,
we suppose it must be from one of two consider.
atoms; either they have not the courage to de-
clare their wishes, lest they incur the displeas.
ure of some, or they do not consider slavery
sn eril but blessing, and therefore do not de-
sire its extinction.
viii the religious press of the State speak
on. upon the subjects We wait with anxiety
to see; not that we fear the consequences for
ourselves if they should come to the rescue, for
We unhesitatingly assert that whenever we think
we may forward the cause of emancipation BY
SO doing, We shall speak, regardless Of what 9TH
ers may do or fail to do; but We are confident
that, should the religious press and the churches
of Missouri give their decided influence for eman-
cipation, it viii 60 very far toward the accom-.
plshment Of this most desirable object.
~ A daughter Of the late DR.. Chalmers has
received handsome present from the Sultan Of
Turkey. for her signal services in the hospitals
Of the East, during the Crimean war.
"a Col Matt. Ward of Texas, was lately
robbed Of S12, eco on the Dangerfeld road in
that State, the thief having cut the straps of his
trunk while the Col. was driving through thick
bushes The nme gentleman had his pockets
tnt,n - orr -