Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1860-01-05

and discussion had been employed by the
convention, was an absolute nuliity from
the beginning, and all that has since been
done under it mere usurpation.
It was we'll and wise 10 confer this pow
er on Congress because, had it been left to
the States, its efficient exercise would have
been impossible. In that event any one
State could have efectually continued the
trade not only for itself, but FOR all the 9th
er slave States, Though never so much a.
gainst their will! And why? Because AZ
rcan slaves, when ence brought within the
limits of any one State, in accordance with
It's laws, cannot practically be excluded
from any other State where slavery exists.
And even if all the States had separately
passed laws prohibiting The importation Of
slaves, these laws would have failed Of ef-
feet for want of a naval force to capture the
slavers and 10 guard the coasts. Such a
foreo no State can employ IN time of peace
without the consent of Congress.
These acts of Congress, it is believed,
have, with very rare and insignificant ex-
eeptions, accomplished their purpose. For
period of more than half century there
) has been noperceptib!e addition 10 the num-
Der OF cur domestic slaves. During this Pc
, Rod thsir advancement in civilization has
, far surpassed that of any other portion Of
/ the African race. The light and the bles-
: sings of Christianity have been extended 10
; them, and both their moral and physical
condition has has been greatly improved.
Reopen the trade and it would be diff
/ cult 10 determine whether the effect would
= be mere deleterions on the interests Of the
master or those OF the native-born slave
: OF the evils iothe master, The one ,.ust to be
dread I'd would be the introduction Of wild,
, heather. and Ignorant barbarians among
the sober, orderly and quiet Slaves, whose
t ancestors have been on he soil for several
n generations. This might tend to barbarize,
: demoralize and exasperate the whole mass,
G and produce mos! deplorable consequences.
J., The eGec; upon Tie existing slave woulG
/, if possible, he sill more deplorable. III
: present he is treated with kindness and hui
: manly. lie is we'll fed, well clothed, and
: hot overworked. His condition is incom-
:, parable better than that of the coolies which
S modern nations of high civilization have
employed as a substitute for African slaves.
e Both The philanthropy aud the self-in;erest
e OF the master have combined 10 produce this
e humane result. Blu. let this trade be re Q.
II pened, and what viii be the effect? The
d same, 10 considerable extent, as on a
c neighboring island-the only spot on earth
y where the African slave trsdo is openly
d tolerated. and this in defiance Of solemn
r, treaties with power abundantly able at any
]. moment 10 enforce their execution. There
&c lie master, intent upon present gain, ex
Of forts frem the slave as much labor rs hi.
e physical powers are capable of enduring
Il knowing that, when death comes 10 hi
relief, his place can be supplied at price
81 reduced TO the lowest point by the compe
s, l'ion Of rival African slave traders. Shoul,
Ii this ever he tbs case in our ccuniry-whicl
y DO not deem possible-the presen, usefu
e character OF lie domestic Institution, where
: i'll those TOO old and zoo young 10 work arr
IS provided for with care and humanity, a.,
* these capable Of labor are not oyertaske,
le wonld undergo an unfortunate change. Tn,
feeling oil reciprocal dependence and attach
IN ment which now exists between master an,
10 slave would be converted into nu.ua. dis
to trust and hostility.
id But we are obliged as Christian an,
'e moral nation TO consider what won!d be tht
ID effect upon unhappy Africa Itself il wt
l. should reopen the s!ave.trade. This woul.
J. give The trade an impulse aad extension
l. which il has ncvsr had even in It's palm es
J. days. The numerous victims required f
s. supply ii would convert the slave coast int,
ID a perfect Pandemoaum, for which thu
D. country would be held responsible in TN
II eyes both OF God AID man. Is petty tribe.
70 would then be constantly engaged in preIn
I, tory wars against each other Tor the pur
re pose Of Selling slaves TO supply the Amer
= lean market, All hopes OF African civil
re zatos would TINS be ended.
j. On The other hand, when market 70
is African slaves shall no longer be Furnished
10 in Cuba, and thus all the world be close
Sc against this trade, We may then indulge
/ reasonable hope for the gradual improve
I'd ment Of Africa. The chief motive of wa
mt among the tribes will cease whenever iher
r is no longer any demand for slaves. TIN
If resources Of that fertile, but miseraLl
er country might then lie developed by tn
lie hand Of industry ard afford subjects 70
O. legitimate foreign and domestic commerce
In this manner Christianity and civilization
SIS may gradually penetrate the existing gloom
st CUnA.
lie | need not repeat The arguments whic
h, | urged in my last annual message in favo
ct Of the acquisition OF Cuba by fair pur
y. chase. My opinions on that measure re
i main unchanged. |, therefore, again III
is wife the serious attention of Congress (
Il this important subject. Without rscog
iy milton of this policy on their part, it viii b
sh almost impossible 10 institute negotiation
iy with any reasonable prospect Of success.
&c PAcIFIc ROAD.
| would again express most decided @
is pinon in favor of the construction OF a Pa
n. ciiic railroad, for the reasons stated in m
n last annual messages. When | reflect upo
al what would be the defenceess condition {
Id chr States and Territories west of III
n Rocky mountains in case of a..war with nj
IS, val power sufficiently strong 10 interrul
IL all intercourse with them by the routes {