Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-04-01
.Free.Lahor Movement.

| ''ShuSN lOI h''S S'oSi sAN
liberty of SO using part of it. He says: Il
fully agree with you in regard to the import
ance of doing right in regard to small things.
He that is unjust in the least, is unjust also
in much You are right too, in your applica-
ton of the general principles. We ought, as
far as practicable, to refrain from using the
products of Slave Labor; and have no doubt
but that there are great many besides those of
your own denomination of Christians, who, if
their attention were distinctly called to the
subject and they could gain ready access to Free
Labor products, would use them exclusively
But the matter is not pressed upon the public
attention, and is not thought of by the mass of
the people, and if it were thought of by the
scrupulously conscientious, they would seldom
find itas practicable to obtain many necessary
articles, the exclusive product of Free Labor
The reform must begin with manufacturers
and merchants. If it Gree Labor cotton) can
be obtained at the usual price, think manufac-
tuners may be found in Vermont, and in other
New England States, who would gladly use it
to the exclusion of the Slave-Power article
"And then I an SURE there are many mer-
chants who would pursue the same course in
regard to the manufactured article. am sure
would do it if were marchnnt, even at the
expens, of some sacrifice of profit, if need
should be.
g There are, however, very many strong op-
ponents of Slavery who would say What's
the use of my refusing to purchase Slave grown
cotton? 1t would be like attempting to empty
the ocean with ladlc.' And most merchants
would probably say this. cit was said to me
by merchant to-day.) My reply to such
would be--Let US wash our hands thoroughly
of the great iniquity, by rofraining from giving
it the slightest aid, whatever may be the result
And then, there is the moral power of the act
of retaining. 1t is the power of II strong tes-
timony against wrong"
Thus far Gov. Slade, to which would res
pectfully reply, that it cannot fail of giving
satisfaction to every friend of the Frce-Labol
movement, Tor as some call it, Z" consistent Alb
olitionism,'') to find him endorsing the princi
pie involved in the movement; but as Gov. S
intimates, and us all reasonable men will allow
q principle if ever 50 good, that is impractica
bic, may be safely g laid on the table" W.
want practicable schemes in these days; prac-
ticable and practical Abolitionism to meet prac
teal Slavery. The Slave knows full well thai
every hour of his life Slavery Practically rob-
him of his earnings, and Abolitionsts know
that every day Aboltionists of tic North ar,
practically engaged in buying these earnings
and in giving to the Shareholder the very pat
ronage that he cannot live without-the none,
patronage! .7...-.-
Now it seems to mo that if Abolitonists car
consistently with their principles, do through
commerce what they well know does actually
go to the support of Slavcry-if they are al
liberty to pay their money in such away asshal
virtually andactnally EspAort Slavery, they may
with equal propriety pray for the prosperity Of
the " Institution" vnd they can also pote fol
thu same. In that case of what value would
b, our Anti-Slavery principles?
But we are convinced that there is a dun
resting upon us, impelling us to rote honestly
and to act faithfully in the church against
Slavery, but where the millions have the oppor-
tunity of casting their "mtes " into the treasu
ry-the only way open, probably, for millions
how can We say to them without the blush
of shame upon our countenances, you are at
liberty to buy the hire of the laborer that has
been kept back by fraud?" 1t crys out of that
bale of Slavc-grown cotton, it is true, but it is
far fetched idea to suppose that people, OF
that any considerable number of Abolitionists
(say some) are prepared to take any pains to
wash their hands clean from participating in a
business that they can make money by. How
can we honestly and consistently decide in that
manner?
Just as well as we know that Texas is PEG,
pied in fact by Shareholders, we know that ii
has about 10000 (thirty thousanD Germans
most OF whom do not hold Slaves, but raise cot
ton. We know that there is not yet public
sentiment in existence that will warrant them
in demanding more for their cotton on account
of its Anti-Slavery character, than what othel
cotton sells for, and it is known in general that
froe-grown brings no more-the transportation
costs no more, and the manufacturing Woui0
cost no more if only fraction Of the people
would patronizc the movement in earnest.
a movement is on foot in Canada East having
this object in view. | attended public meet
ing in that Province few weeks since, held fol
the purpose of considering the subject, anC
hopes are entertained that, us thu inhabitants
cannot legally vote at the bat'otbor against
Slavery, they willayail themselves of the cotton
mill to vote through. Success to them.
If an Association for the promotion of tn
same object should be formed in Vermont, the
two might be helpful to each other, and reduce
the expense of an especial agent. Any further
information that cin give in relation to THU
matter, shall, on being applied to, cheerfully
attempt.
Believing that 6 he that is unjust in the leas
is unjust also in much,' and that there is nj
necessity of our being in that condition,
am thy friend, HENRY MILES.
Monkton, Sd Mo. 10Th, 1858.
State Election in Connecticut April 9TH. Tn