The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1860-08-15
WHOLE NO. 200.
NORTH IOWA TIMES,
That "AggrassOr.o


That "Aggrsssor.''
The comparative growth Of the free and
slave States of the American Union pre-
sents some facts which should be borne in
mind by every one who cares enough about
politics to exercise the elective franchise.
The question of slavery by the arts Of poll
ticians, has become deeply mixed with
American politics, and no man who has
been a resident of the free States for the
past halfdozen years has failed to hear
some wonderfully affecting appeals 10 his
passions and prejudices upon this fruitful
subject.
1.-THE aggressions of the slave power is
the prolific theme from which has been wo-
ven ten thousand sermons, a myriad Of
newspaper articles, and an endless number
of speeches, all designed to convince the
voting public that our law makers were
doing every thing possible to extend the
domain, power and influence of slavery.
1t is not our intention here to argue the
abstract question Of the right or wrong of
slavery per Sc, but we desire the reader to
pause and reflect before he finally Judges
whether the 'slave power" as it is termed,
has been an aggressire one.
1t appears as a matter of history that in
the space Of forty-one years, the free States
have increased their representatives in
Congress from lO3 to IA, making gain
Of Al; being an average gain Of one for
each year. During the same time, the
slave states increased their representatives
in Congress from 70 to 80, a gain Of 21; a
clear gain of 20 in favor of the free
States.
In 1911 the slave States had 7s Repre-
sentatives. The free States had 1O3. Un-
der the census of 1862, the slave States had
80, and the free States 144.
The fact is apparent enough, to any can
did, reasonable man, that slavery in the
States Of our Union has not sufficient ele-
ment of power to be successful eggressor
1t is easy enough to assert that slavery is
spreading itself over the country, but the
history Of the country proves that it is not
only shorn of power for evil now, but it is
apparent that its future may be Judged by
the past.
| Those who allow themselves to be car
ried away by the annual anti-slavery ex-
citements, would do well to ask themselves
whether the facts will justify the almost
uncomfortable sectional animosities which
they help to cngender, destroying the COM
ity Of States, and endangcring the perpetu-
ity of the Union.
The census returns of 1860 will show an
overwhelming preponderance in favor of the
free States. While Iowa, for instance, will
be entitled to six or eight representatives
instead of two, the great State of Virginia
will probably not have as many votes in
Congress as now. This cry of politicians
about ''the aggressions Of the slave power "
is the most transparent humbug ever at
tempted to be forced upon an intelligent
people, and just so long as Republicans a
the North, and Slavccodeists at the South
force this fire brand upon Congress, thu.
long will the whole country be kept in .
blaze of agitation. An agitation that has
already caused clash of arms upon tn,
soil Of Virginia and Texas, and if persisted
in, may result in that most fearful of Ma
tional calamities, the dissolution of tn,
American Union.
The only safe practical method of settlin:
the question of the existence or extension
,, of slavery in the States or Territories is t,
leave it to the people thereof The peopl
Of Iowa decide to have no slavery here
the people Of Texas decide to have SLAYER,
there, and neither asks Congress whethe
their State Constitutions shall or shall no
admit of involuntary servitude; and tn
) people of the territories are equally citizen
of the Union, and no more. bound to asl
Congress for advice on this subject or for
! law to regulate it.
f The difference between the several par
ties upon this question is simply this. Tn
Breckenridge Slavecodeists want Congress
to force slavery upon the people Of the ter
ritories, where they don't want it; and tn
Lincoln Republicans want Congress t
keep slavery out of territories where tn
people do want It; while the Democrat
are in favor Of leaving the whole matter t
,, the people of the territories, as they are tn
parties Interested. In other words-Re
publicans and Slavccodeists are in favor Q
, having Congress govern the people; Will
Democrats believe in the right of the pee
pie to govern themselves.
@Has Congress the right to prohibi
I; the introduction Of Polygamy into new tel
> ritores ?-Irairic du Chen Leader.
, So, no! Mr.. Leader man, you are inte,
ested there, arc you? Go right along ou
to Utah, Congress will never interfere wit
!, you; there will be no great amount {
. harm done. SO pitch in Mr. Green q