Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-11-11
No Slavery in Vermont.

EDrroR FREEMAN A move in the right diree-
ton, and from the right source, it appears is
being made at the present time to procure the
passage of law prohibiting the deli sRp
Of slave under the Fugitive Slave -
is onward. as it should be. How else can the
Republicans of Vermont come fully up to the
record of their principles. Their Republicanism
claims to be that of the Fathers, or as taught
by them. What was it? There can BE- no bet
ter explanation of what their principles were
with regard to the natural and equal rights of
all men, than is found in the Declaration of in
dependence. They there planted themselves on
the broad ground of equality in tho human
family, fixed by no less power than the great
Creator and Ruler of the Universe. To Him
they appealed as to the rectitude of their inten-
tions, and for aid in a just and holy cause
Wisdom higher than that of earth guided their
couuses. An all powerful arm struck down
their foes. Heaven crowned their efforts with
success. A nation sprang into existance having
for its watchword. 1.-The selfevident truth that
all men are born free and equal. and endowed
by their Creator with certain inalenable rights y
A Constitution based upon this declaration was
formed, and every expression that would convey
the idea of property in man was carefully ex-
cludcd A clause for the rendition of slaves
was voted down almost unanimously, for ne
other reason. In short, who can read that
Constitution and not see and feel that it is iol
Freedom ,.ng1Slavery-that there is no guaran'
tee, no shield, there for any system of opprcs'
sim whatever
History informs us that the general opinion
Of the time was that Slavery--undcrs such II gov
eminent, bearing aloft upon her banner thos'
noble truths written in blood must soon vansl
| from the land ] hen would that instrumen
stand forth in all its strength and beauty--at
impregnable bulwark of defence around tios
principles promulgated by the Declaration o
Independence Years have passed away. ant
Slavery driven by the united voice of Christian
ity almost beyond the pale of civilization, still
curses our land. And why should we recogniz
what our fathers would not--the right to max
slaves of those over whom we have the power
Il right to the bodies and souls of our fellow
men? That right belongs to Deity alone. LIE
Vermont speak out against such high-hande
robbery. Why cringe and crawl under the fee
of the Slave Power? Why not stand up Xix
men? Why skulk along, lodging from por
to point, as though we were ashamed of Oh
principles, ashamed of our State, ashamed
let our enemies know that we are in the feel
prepared to fight them to the end--till thos
principles upon which our Government is base
are in fact the governing principles of the'
United States, and first of this State? If W
are not dogs to come and 60 at the whistle
the Slave hunter, let us be men speak and az
like men who know their rights and are read
to defend them.
Let every Republican consult his own sense
right and justice his duty to his God and
man ana then doaSe vote, OF cast IL aga'h
a law making a man in truth, what he CLAIM
as a right from his Maker--a Freeman--wh'
within its rea ;l--anl we venture to say he WI
be more troubled to Justify his conduct to h
constituents, than he will with a clear co
science Why need our Legislature wait to
pushed along by the people They know IL
well public opinion will back them
The trutlsrts we need public men possessed
little more of the grit of olden times. Y
tbs cheering to see such men at the head as a
now urging on the move. They are the men
the times, and IL listener to the sounds movi
among the people may hear Of strong indie
tions that conservatism will not long keep the
in the background. &c.
Woodbury., Nov. l, 1858,