Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1857-02-20
From the st. Louis Ccnral Advocate, organ Of the
Methodist Church Soulful
Emancipation in Missouri.

This subject has for several days past
engrossed the attention and time of the
+ Legislature of his State. to the cxclu-
ion of almost everything else. The dis
cnssion has beer incidently called up in
the election of officers by the joint sess-
ion. but has, nevertheless. been discussed
with thoroughncss and spirit which
shows the thrilling interest felt in this
great question by the citizens of Mis-
souri,.
The dignifcd fearlessness with which a
number grapplcd and handled the thing
would do credit to any dchbcrativc body
in the land. We would deplore any
strife or vicious feeling which might
arise from the agitation of this subject a,
/ this or at any time. There is no necessity
! for strife among ncighbors and fellow
citizens in the consideration of this or
welfare of the State. We are not will
+ ing to acknowledge the free. intelligent
citizens Of Missouri incapable offrcc dis
cussion. even Of this subject. without
vicious strife. If the humiliating fact
/ should be found to exist. VIC would ever
abide the Divine rule. First pure. then
peaccablc.' If. as many OF the ablest
expositors Of our agricultural and COM
mercia interests in the State firmly be-
leve. the emancipation of the compara-
lively few slaves in our midst would add
immensely to the aggregate wealth and
prosperity Of the State, after deirayins
all the expense incidental to such a
change. in the increased value and pro-
ductiyeness of property within our
bounds. why not take decisive step in
that direction In tho name of the orlcr,
intelligence and patriotism of Missouri,
We ask, why not;
Other States Ct our glorious eonfed-
cracy have emancipated, ana the civilized
world commend them; why may no. we:
Is there less ofintcliisenca. less moral
ity, less love OF order with them: Let
whoever thinks so. now speak. We do
not believe it, but. upon the contrary.
believe the people of Missouri fully COM
pete"' and capable, if they shall think
well. peacefully. and without the in;rinC
ement OF the rights Of any, to emanci-
pate their slaves; and to do so, we be-
licve. would subscrve in the highest pos
siblc degree the interests of the State.
Bat there are other and higher and
holicr considerations which lead US TO
desirc-if in Gods providence i may
be accomplished emancipation. We
believe slavery 10 be great cvi'.. and
cannot, therefore, SO long as we have a
heart to feel for others woes--a Chris
tan hca!t cease to desire the removal Of
the evil.
Let not our fficnls be alarmed. or cur
enemies. if we have them. rejoice at the
frank avowal of our ser timents enter.
tanning them. we hesitate not to ayow
them we have nothing to disguise in
this matter: we hold no sentiments.
advocate no measures. pursue no nolicy.
which we would not help, advocate and
pursue anywhere in Hi, republic.
In the attitUd his subiec, is here as.
sumins. an attitude. as it should be. NV
en- it by oar own people aad representa-.
tivcs, uniatiuenecd by foreign olononts.
there are but these two positions assumed
slavery, Is it exists among u, is either
ar evil or 4 blessing: if the former. let
II BE- abolished; ii tae la.,zg, let II b.
fast'rcl.
1t Is have 10 dol ging, ~ siIe issues
wfung in. The scheme by which thi,
is to be effected, in ali It's details. can by
tie wisdom Of oar Statesman and phil
aaihropists, be wrought out in due ;ime
and the means necessary to the accom-