Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-05-13
CLEARFIELD, PA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1857.

Philadelphia. In geographical position it is
Northern Territory. 1t was dedicated by a
solemn compact in 1920 to Freedom forever.
We claim the fulfilment of the bond. We de-
fend the integrity of free Northern soil against
the cupidity that would suhjugate it by vio-
lence into plantation for slaves.
Much has been said on the dangers involved
in this controversy. We are counscled to sub
mission and acquiescence in the wrong. be-
cause the wrong doer threatens greater calam-
tiles if we shall dare to defend our rights
Such threats are unbeeoming those who make
them, and an insult to those upon whose fears
they are expected to operate. Great ques-
tions of governmental policy, involving the
very substance of our liberties. and the hap
piness of remote generations, are not to be
settled by appeals to the fears of any part of
the American people. Reason, and calm judg-
ment of an enlightened public opinion, must
decide between freemen-threats are terror
to slaves. Imaginary dangers become reali-
ties to the timid-to the courageous they van
ish on nearer approach. SO here the only
danger lies in becoming alarmed. The dan
ger is overcome the day it is met with reso
lutte courage and determined purpose. The
right must prevail, and the wrong must give
way. Upon no other basis can the questions
in issue ever be permanently settled. 1t is no
impeachment of the manly qualities of our
Southern friends to say that they will and must
submit to that which is just and right, when
constitutionalIy embodied in the legislation of
the government. Let the freemen oft the North
announce in language firm and unmistakeable,
their purpose to resist the spread of slavery
and, at every cost, to preserve the integrity of
the Union, and we shall have lasting peace,
such no compromise, having its foundation
in wrong, can ever secure TO 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 freemen, must
meet the approval of every patriotic citizen.
We have right to expect and require per-
feet and undivided allegiance, from all who are
invested with the high perogatives of citizen
ship. As the adopted citizen receives in full
measure all the rights and immunities of the
native born, ought he to render the like
single and unreserved devotion to tie country
Oi MS duoptIOH. ne SDOulu aChHOWIeu5e no
earthly power superior to the constitutional
sovereignty of the American people. There
is danger that we shall err in our jealous
devotion to our country and in the cultivation
of an intense American nationality.
1 have not time to speak of the other topics
embraced in the platform of principles adop-
ted 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 judgement, with the
growth and prosperity of our great Common
wealth. While the utmost care should be OBJ
served not to disturb the vast business inter-
ests of Commonwealth SO rich, and of such
diversified pursuits as our own, yet it cannot
be denied that ours, the rchestC 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. We may, therefore, without the charge
of rashnesS, inquire if our policy could not, in
some respects, be made more conformable to
the spirit Of the age, and more in harmony
with the wants of an ever active enterprise.
In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to ten
der my thanks for the very kind and accepta-
assigned you. Very respectfully,
Your obed't servant,
d. WiENor.
To J. S. Bowen, VIM. d. KELLY, JOHN r.
Fprr q Rusu SNsITu and RussrIr FRpFrr