Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1857-10-17
Tbe Antt- 5laprrp Buole.
CREDIT GIVEN TO THE ABOLITION.
ISTSn

1t not often that we find Southern journal
willing to award any degree of credit to Anti
Slavery men or "aboitionists," as Pro-Savery
writers invariably style all men not friendly to the
institution of Negro Slavery. But it seems that
this unfortunate class CT citizens have really
complished some good-that they deserve a little
credit-and the Richmond South awards it in the
following language:
"Slowly perhaps but surely enough is the
Southern mind working itself clear of every tradi-
tional prejudice against Slavery. May be, II the
Abolitonists had let alone, we might never
have ventured to explore the foundations OF our
system of society, and might still cover under the
self-accusing conviction that it is incompatible
with reason and justice. But the Abolitionists
forced Us to the alternative of abandoning Slave
ry or defending it upon principle and the result
is unquestionng and universal assent to the
proposition that the institutions Of the South are
in perfect harmony with the acknowledged rights
and the obvious interests of humanity. This is q
great step in advance. Our conscience is clear
our judgment is satisfied. At last Slavery is plac-
&c upon an impregnable basis, and we neither
shrink from its support, nor attempt to excuse 1t
by tmd apologies. This is the triumph Of an
earnest spirit of inquiry, and of n philosophy
which fearlessy follows out the conclusions OF log
ic. We stand now upon an elevation from which
we may exultngly look back upon recanted error
and exploded prejudice"
If these statements correct, what debt of
gratitude the south owes tine ADUiltOHlStS
Previous to their offcious and intermeddng agi-
tation even in the South there was a general feel
ing of guilt in regard to Slavery. 1t secretly
believed, after all, that to take man by force and
compel him to labor without wages, was wicked,
unchristan act. But, now, after examining the
question thoroughly in sefdefeuce, the South is
happy to find that &areyy is right. 1t does not in
terfere with acknowledged rights" and it is IA
vorable to the Interests of humanity" and, what
is better still, a universal assent" is given to
these propositions in the Slave States.
Tho old cry, that Anti Slavery agitation has
worked i'll to the slaves and to the South, is then
no longer reasonable for it has placed tho institu
ton upon ran impregnablc basis
1t seems, however, that the South is not yet com
pletely satisfied with the workings of Slavery.
Says the Richmond journal, quoted from above:
'In some measure the mind of the South is still
fettered by the ialacies of an unenlightened age
and till it entirely escapes from the bondage,
there should be pause in the work OF discussion
aud agitation.
In the South, at least nobody will now venture
to contend that Slavery wants the support of right
and reason; but very frequently we bear intelli-
gent people deny that it can subsist in certain
climate, or hold its own against the rivalry OF
hireling labor. Although these falacies 90 not
strike at the root of the institution, they yet
Of sufficient importance to justify formal refu-
tation.
"The idea that the slave labor of the South can.
not compete with the hireling labor of the North,
is the inference Of narrow and superficial obser.
vaton. People see hireling labor in exclusive
possession of the Northern States, and without
more inquiry they conclude that slave labor has
been driven from the field by legitimate rivalry.
Is such the case? Is it true, that the two interes is
contend in fair competition? Was Slavery allow
ed equal advantages in the North? = =
''Snce, then, slave labor is not allowed fair
competition with hireling labor-sincc the one in
terest is embarrassed by every sort cf burden and
impedment, and the other is free from all hind
rance and assisted by every advantage the
Northern States will not permit Slavery to try its
chances on their soil, while they claim and enjoy
IN equal rivalry for their system in the South
since these things so, how can any body ven
ture to affirm that slave labor is incapable of sus
tanning itself in tho contest with hireling labor
Are we not rather drivento the conclusion thai
the productive energies of hireling labor infer
ior to the productive energies Of slave labor wher
wo discover that, despite great disparity Ci
ly holds its own, but is stronger, more secure, ant
more aggressive, than at any former period OF it
history?"
We do not propose here to reply to these state
ments-for they are mere statements, unsupported
by facts. If the Southern planters are still "fet
tered by the fallacies of unenlightened age" i
them. Give them facts. PrOre to them that th
with free labor. Go to the census reports, anC
compute the wealth and prosperity of the two sec
tions of the country. This is an impossible task
and assertion must answer in the place of evi
dence,-National Era.