The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1860-09-19

more of the Territory Of the North than il
now is. Some States held slaves and
others were opposed to il. In some was
a high anti-slavery spirit, and in others
as high feeling for slavery. The subject
became one of deep and thrilling interest,
and at times threatened to overthrow all
they had done for their independence.
Atlength the subject was compromised
and all entered into the compact on an
equal footing. Some retained their slaves
with tho privilege of regulating their own
matters as they pleased; Others emanci-
pated theirs; and New York retained her
slaves until as late rs 1920, when it left
tho Northern States. All worked in har
mony, except occasionally restless spir-
it strove to unlock the chains Of friend
ship, love and truth, with which the
States were so softly and yet so strongly
bound, but those endeavors were soon
hushed by the still small voice of union
and patriotism, speaking from the ashes, it
were, of the revolutionary fathers through
tho hearts of their worthy sons. The
Union was thus preserved in comparative
peace, until within the last few years,
when it seems to have become fact with
some that the Union is no longer worth
preserving, because some of those who
were through their ancestors allowed to
retain possession of their slaves as prop
erty; and others are unwilling 10 forbid
them to migrate with them to any other
place, where they may seem to be invited
by more congenial cline and more
luxuriant soil.
Il is argued that "Slavery is curse
to our whole nation, and has ever been a
heinous sin crying TO God from the ground
for redress, and is bringing upon us as a
people swift destruction" They quote
the language of the signers of the Decla-
ration of Independence, that "All men
are created equal, and are endowed with
certain inalienable rights--among which
are life, liberty and the pursuit of happi-
ness" Here il is supposed is evidence
against the constitutionality and equity
of the institution, as we'll as its clearly
implied Introduction by the heroes of the
revolution.
Let us look this position in the face 9
moment and see if it will bear critical
examination. 1t has been seen and car
not be denied that slavery existed before
and after the revolution. Nearly if moi
all the Generals and greatest Statesmen o.
those days held slaves. Can il be sup
posed for moment that General Wash.
ington thought his slaves equal to him
self? Did he consider his own little
darkey, who stood by him when Lore
CORVALLIS delivered up his sword, and
showing his beautiful little ivorys, sale
with significant grin, "Massa, vested,
Lord Corvallis but to-da, Col. Wal
lace, all de corn sheled off," was equa
{ TO the British General whom he had 81
completely vanquished9 No! he knew
better He well knew that little fellow
| was created on plain far below that OIL
{ which his enemies in war received thei
$ existence.
D Those men who framed that ever mem
orable declaration well knew that tn
whole present race of the colored popu
lation was far below an equality with tn
: race of Anglo Saxons. Not only wer
f they inferior to the white races in thei
: physiological organism, but in their NOR
{ al bearings toward each other. An Al
y rican, at home, would sell his neighbor o
f his brother for any triae, the sight Q
:. which would please his fancy, sooner thai
+ we would sell favorite horse or COY
5 for fair price. And here, in this " Ian,
of slaves" as some are pleased to term il
o they are so far below our race in thei
e moral characters with some exceptions,
y as vice is moro fragrant than vanity.
= j. Ii. S.
N I'm r,r-nr,rrr. o. MIN, Nm, IL rrr-r