Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-05-14


large as the domain of the American slave
holder. lie and his bondmen already occupy
by far the most fertile and genial portion OF
this continent. Let him rest content with
his territorial possessions and power. We
do not seek to disturb him. We neither as
sail nor defend his asserted right to hold this
peculiar kind of property. We simply affirm
that we have nothing to do with it, and pro-
pose to let him and his slaves alone where
they are. We make, therefore, no question
about the abolition of Slavery IN the South.
We but stand in defence OF Freedom In the
North. Kansas is in the latitude OF Phiia-
delphia In geographical position it is a
Northern Territory. 1t was dedicated by
solemn compact in 1920 to Freedom forever.
We claim the fulfIlment of the bond We
defend the integrity of the Northern soil
against the cupidity that would subjugate it
by violence into plantation of slaves.
Much has been said of the dangers involv-
ed In this controversy. We are counseled to
submission and acquiescence in the wrong,
because the wrong-doer threatens greater ca
lamites if we shall dare to defend our RIG hts.
Such threats are unbecoming those who make
them, and an insult to those upon whose fears
they are expected to operate. Great qnes
tions of governmental policy, involving the
very substance Of our liberties, and the nap
plness of remote generations, are not 10 pG
settled by appeals to the fears OF any part OF
the American people. Reason, and the calm
Judgment of an enlightened public opinion,
must decide between freemen-threatS are
terror to slaves Imaginary dangers become
realities to the timid-to the courageous they
vanish on nearer approach. So, here the
only danger lies in becoming alarmed.
The danger is overcome the day 1t Is met
with resolute courage and determined pur
pose. The right must prevail, and the wrong
must give way. Upon no other basis can the
questions at issue ever be permanently set
tied. 1t is no impeachment of the manly
qualities of cur Southern friends to say that
they will and must submit TO that which is
Just and right, when consttutl0naIIy embod-
led in the legislation of the government
Let the freemen of the North announce, in
language firm and unmistakeable, their pur-
pose to resist the spread Of slavery and, at
every cost, to preserve the integrity Of the
Union, and we shall have a lasting peace,
such as no compromise, having its foundation
in wrong, can ever secure 70 the country.
The position taken by the Convention, in
its resolve touching the duties and obligations
imposed upon those who seek adoption into
our great American family Of freeman,
must meet the approval of every patriotic
citizen. We have a right to expect and
quire a perfect and undivided allegiance
from all who are invested with the high pre-
negatives Of citizenship. As the adopted
citizen receives in full measure all the rights
ana immunities of the native born, so ought
he to render the like single and reserved de
voton to the country Of his adoption. He
should acknowledge no earthly power supe-
rior to the Constitution and the sovereignty
of the American people. There is no dan
ger that we shall err in our jealous devotion
TO our country and in the cultivation of an
intense American Nationality.
have not time to speak Of the other top
les embraced in the platform Of principles
adopted by the Convention, in the manner
their importance deserves. Opportunities
will be afforded me hereafter TO make my
views known on some matters Of domestic
policy closely connected IN my judgment
with the growth and prosperity Of our great
Commonwealth. While the utmost care
should be observed not to disturb the vast
business interests of a Commonwealth so
rich, and of such diversified pursuits as our
own, yet it cannot be denied that ours, the
richest Commonwealth of its extent in the
world, has not kept pace in the development
Of her resources and in productive industry
with some of her sister States.
" e may therefore without the charge Of
rashness, induire is our policy could not, in
seme respects, be made more conformable to
the spirit of the age, and more in harmony
with the wants Of an eYer-actiye business en-
terprise.
In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to
tender my thanks for the very kind and ex-
ceptable manner in which you discharged the
duty assigned you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
d. WILMOT
To j. S. Bower. VIZ. D. KELLEY, JOHN r.
EDIE, q. RUSH SMITH and RUSSELL EVERETT,
Committee.