The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1857-01-16


aGeettg as thpy do, the right and interests 81 the
Commonwealth, the people OF the State cannot be
/ Indifferent. Pennsylvania, occupying high and
conservative position in the ssfeThood Of SiaIe--de-
voted to The Constitution and the Union, their IN
tegFitv and harmony has been, and viii erhe, as
ready 10 recognize the rights as her sister States as
10 defend her own These sentiments she has never
ahanGened--rhese principles she violated
Pledged 10 The maintanance of the rights oil the
North, well those Of the South-sineereiy desi-
roRs to promote the peace, harmony and welfare Of
oar whole co0ntry-and disciaiming all intention or
desire interfere wifh the constitutional rights OF
the States, their domestic instItutionsfhe people
OF this Commonwealth viewed with alarm and ap-
prehension the repeal Of the Missouri Compromise
a compromise rendered sacred public esteem by
its association and connection with the great cause
OF national harmony and union--regarding it as a
papabe violation Of the plighted faith and honor of
the nation, and unwarrantable attemptto ex-
tepd the Institution Of domestic slavery 10 territories
then free. This reckless and ndeensible act of our
National Congress, has not only aroused sectional
leaonsies ard renewed the agitation of vexed and
distracted questons but, as consequence, L has
filed Kansas with fraud, violence and strlie--has
stained It's SOIL with blood, and by system ~ ter
ritoral legislation, Justly styled s'ihiamous has
made freedom of speech and Of the press, felony,
and perilied the great principles ot liberty and equal
rights. If the doctrine OF s.popular sovereignty IS
IN good faith 10 be applied TO that TerrItcryif the
people thereof to be left 'Eperfecty free 10 form
and regulate their domestic Institutions IN their own
way. subject only the Constitution Of the United
States, then the obstruction OF the great National
highways to the northern emigrant-the employ
nent of the National forces, and the suhversioR OF
law and Justice alike by the official, in Kansas and
Washington. 10 force slavery upon an unwilling peo-
PIE. cannot be too severely condemned.
Freedom is the great centre-truth Of American
Republicanism-the great Jaw OF American Nation
atty; slavery IS the exception. It is local and
tlonal and lis extension beyond the jurisdiction cre
aiing II, or 10 the free territories OF the Union,
never designed or contemplated by the patriotic foua-
timents Pennsylvania true to the principles OF the
act Of $780, which abolished slavery within her ter
rltofial lrnits-true 10 the great doctrines OF the
Ordinance OF 1871, which dedicated 10 freedom rhe
northwestern territory of the Union--;rue to Ma
tona faith and National honor asks and expects, as
doe 10 her own citizens who have. in good faith set
Tied in the territory OF Kansas, and as due the in
dustry and energy Of a free people, that Kansas
should be free.
In This connection and as consequent u7os aha5 re-
peal the Missouri Compromise. references bon
osition made by some OF the leading sous mr.
nais, and more recently sanctioned bY hs# ciai
authority IN sister State, 10 re-cpen E# can
slave trade viii not be deemed Improperly That
such trade, declared to be piracy. ard exccrated
by the civilized woFid--so crowded with horrors in
every stage o. lis pUrsuItso revolving 10 every
ifnent OF naaty-eyeTy impulse OF pure and no
bic feeling, should be advocated O. approved IN
this nineteenth century with apparent sincerity, and
urged a measure Of political economy and of ius-
ce and equality to the Southern States OF the uion
are facts that find only explanation and apology in
wild enthusiasm, d still wilder fanaticism That
overwheims alike the reason and the Conscience
ne wisdom and humanity OF a proposition start
ling and monstrons, seek their parallel and IL
lusTaiIon IN the dungeons Of the lnquisirion, in
the hold Of the slave ship, amid the horrors OF the
.'mldde passage" Equally repulsive TO the intelli-
gent and vlruous sentiment of the South as well as
the North is should receive. the indi gnat rebuke Of
every lover of his cuuntryof every friend Of Justice
and humanity. The history Of the world ard of
crime does not reveal traffic more inhumau and
atrocity more horrible. against proposition so ab-
hotent, and against The principles il involves as the
representatives OF free people, and II their
you should enter their unanimous and emphatic pro-
test.
The Union OF tie States, which constitutes us one
people, should be dear 10 you--to every American
citizen. In the heat and excitement Of political
contests--ln the whirl of sectional and conflicting
nterests-amid the nursing o. human passions. harsh
and dlscordant voices may be heard Threatening lis
integrity and denouncIng rs doom but in the calm
<'sobeT, second ihouzht OF patriotic and virtnous
people, will be found rs security and defence. Foua-
ded IN wisdom, and cherished BY the intense affec-
ton Of pure and devoted patriotism, twill stand
safe and uudisturbeG, amid tie insane rage o porf-
cal demaeosnism, and the ttful bowling OF frantic
taHatciSm: and when il fals4-if IGli it must--it
w'il be when liberty and truth, PATRIOTISM and
- ''' il letiay failld l9eIatSS no >Fl-
limcn oil disuaon--she knows rot The word Dis
union ''tis after thoasht-a uGon>troIs wish
unborn til V.gtne dies.' The Union and the Con-
7titut on--the safeguard and bond Of American Ma
uonaliy-will he revered and defended by every A.
mercan Freeman who chershes the principles ard
hoaors The memory of the iilussioas founders OF the
Republic.
Recognizing our respons lbility TO Rim who con-
trolls Ihe destnies of nations and ol men. and Bvo-
king his blessing your deliberations, may order
and harmony characterize your sessions, ard with
single reference to the public good, may your lee
latiye action, in It's character and results, promote
the happiness and welfare OF the people, and the
benor and prosperity OF he Commonwealth.
JAMES POLLOCK.
ExEcUTivE CHAaBeR,