The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1859-12-16
For the JefTcrsoniun Democrat.
Reflections on the Fate Of John Brown
MARY z. TODD.

The ominous future is pregnant with un-
recorded events. Lberiy's fire that was
first kindlod in ancient Greece, aud warmed
the chilled and apathetic heart of every
slave throughout all Europe, burns with but
littlo external warmth in America, this day,
in the middle Of tho nineteenth century.
But ts flames are not wholly extinguished ;
though conservative Deinago guos, have tried
TO cover tho smoldering ruins with their in
famous Fugitive Slave acts. in hopes TO
destroy the noble element. still il burns, for
IL is a Aring fire. Tho recent outbreak at
Harper's Ferry is but spark from the
mighty volcano that underlies the despotism
of this Federal government. John Brown
did glorious deed, when he struck blow
at the overshadowing evil Of America, aud
gave new hope to tho harmless. and heart.
crushed millions of this land. II is an act
that will DO recorded on tho historic pages
of future time. Actuated by noble priuci.
plies, swayed by heart that loved Freedom
and abhored blood stained chains, forced
by the warm impulses of generous soul
ho moved for Liberty, and for tho mag.
unanimous act, now lins sick and wounded
martyr, to human liberty in Virginia prison
OF all the states-Virginia bears on hel
Egis, Liberty tramplIng on chains. Bu
now she has chains on Liberty, in the form
of John Bro wn, confined. and condemned
like crime stained villain, to dio an ign0
minious death. be hang il will but baster
on tho crisis slumbering Justice will b,
aroused
"For round and round We run
Aud over the right comes uppcrmost
And ever is justice DONE"
Tho boundless armament bends not q 'c
a Iovlier spot. shan that which is watcred by
the b Iood aud tears of chain bound mi!iiors
Gods justice and eternal law. which is above
all crushing human enactnents will no
always lilo dormant. Nations are awaking
and the dignity of manhood is starting from
servile degraded. depression Institutions
I that have become venerable with age art
totterng on tho eve of ruin. Prcjudicel
that have been held sacred through the long
period of tho past, have become u Iner,
by word. Tho growing intelligence OF tn,
last fifty years fills tho present, with thrilling
and fearful interest. To endure loDge
tyrannical bondage, and tho crushing nut o
tho divine element of tho human soul. is no
II virtue, hut craven cOwardice. So felt Johr
Brown, who il second to no man, for hi
bold and manly defence of freedom. in tn,
infant and joopardzed territory of Kansas
lie who has endured the sovering Of tn,
tondest ties of nature in tho most inhumar
forms, without feeling of rovengo.-seeint
his sons in tho primo of manhood. strucl
down by barbarian rnffianism-all has no
crushed tho God element from his nobl,
soul, but strengthened his love for human
Liberty. Antiquity has preserved no OK
ample Of adventurous trials moro worthy o
renown. The names of those selfsacrificin
mon who risked their lives at Harper's Ferr,
for pleading humanity. will ho treasured i
tho annals Of this nation; they have don
much to make its wrongs known, and recur
tho respect of tho world. Each wouD
received by them. will be rs u thousan'
tongues. speaking in thunder tones, word
of burning oloquence. for tho dethronemen
of wrong and tho enfranchisement Of tn
human race.