The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-08-31
Hospitality to the South.

our midst, and which have had the effect of
driving away the greater portion Of our
Southern visitors from the State, is SUBJ
ject which commends itself to the calm con-
sideration of every sober minded man in the
community. 1t commends itself moreover
to the second thought" of those, whose
mistaken philanthropy has created all this
disturbance. 1t is not question of Slavery
which presents itself to the people of Min
nesota it is question mainly of courtesy and
hospitality towards those who come among
us, not as settlers, but as mere visitors!
We are all opposed to the institution of
slavery-Northern Democrats as we'll as
Republicans it question in regard
to the introduction of slavery into Mime
sofa, as an institution, we should unani-
mously and decisively reject it.
But this is not the point at ALL Mime
sofa is Free State and such she will always
remain-no human power could change its
destiny in that respect-no conspiracy could
render this a Slave State Our State
Constitution, sanctioned by the entire PEG.
pie, renders the establishment of slavery
here, an impossibility!
The conduct, therefore, we should mani
fest towards those Southern gentlemen who
come among us with their family servants,
with no intention of interfering with our
laws, or obtruding their peculiar customs
upon us, should be governed only by the
generous rules of true hospitality and not
by the stern judgments of an "irrepressible
conflict" These visitors are we'll acquain.
ted with our laws in regard to slavery
they hold our Constitution in respect. They
have not entertained the most distant idea
of violating it. They ask simply to be
let alone.
The Republican journals of this city, by
the modest tone they adopted some months
ago, encouraged them to come here. They
came as visitors merely, relying for protec-
ton upon the forbearance and hospitality
of our citizens! They knew very we'll that
our laays offered them none. Hence the
stronger obligation upon us, to see that they
were neither insulted nor interfered with by
men of more fanaticism, than decency or
common sense.
As our guests, we were bound to see that
they were not molested, whatever we might
think of their institutions, or their views in
regard to slavery.
The Arab will lay down his life, to pro-
tect his bitterest enemy, while sojurning be-
meath his roof. Have the men of Mime
sofa less honor and less hospitality towards
their brethren, than these barbarians of the
desert manifest towards their enemies7 1t
would appear that some of them have!
The question now is-shall we encourage
the people of the South to visit us, or not
If we desire them to come, we must not only
tolerate, but a0e must protect them avhite here'
If we do not do this by legislative enact
ments, we should at least-and without any
partizan distinctions -frown down any at
tempts on the part of our citizens, to inter-
fere with, or decoy away their domestic at
tendants. By so doing, we will not com.
promise our position on the slavery question
in the slightest degree. 1t would only show
that reason, and moderation, and common
sense in Minnesota, have the ascendency
over false philanthropy or an idiotic fanat-
acism! 1t must be evident to all, who stop
for moment to reflect, that no good result
can be accomplished by this interfering
with our Southern friends. The great cause
of human emancipation is not in the least
degree advanced thereby.
The only effect, is to keep from our State
entirely, thousands of individuals from the
South, who would otherwise be glad to
spend portion of the summer in our midst.
The benefits that would result from such
an intercourse, cannot be easily over estima>
ted do not allude altogether to the ma
terial advantages that would accrue to the
State, from the large investment of South
ern capital that would inevitably take
place.
Southern men would rapidly become i'm
with Northern ideas and North
ern sentiments. Que visitors would see for
themselves the superior workings and re.
suits of free labor. The lessons of true,
practical abolitionism would gradually be
into their minds, and l do not
doubt that the impressions thus received,
would not only be favorable to the anchor
alton OF the present condition of the labor
ing population of the South, but would tend
to draw nearer the day of their ultimate and
emancipation! 1 believe such
views are entertained by many conservative
Republicans as well as Democrats Do they
not deserve the consideration at least, of the
more ultra members of the community?
TO such they are modestly submitted by
your fellow citizen, Jew.
GEN. WALKER landed at Truxillo, Mica