Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-01-10
VOLUME L.
Original 4ap&rs.
SsS For the Yorkville Enquirer.
ARGUMENTS ON SLAVERY.

- ~ For the Yorkville Enquirer.
ARGUMENTS ON SLAVERY.
~ INTRODUCTORY.
Norman of thought can doubt that the
question Of slavery, in its varied aspects
bearings, accompaniments and results, Is,
at this time, pressing heavily upon the mind
of the American people. 1t has lifted it.
self into such prominence, that it is not
only the topic Of universal conversation, but
is, also, taxing the mental energies OF eve
ry profession, and, for the moment, affects
the interests of every department Of prac-
tical life. Politically, it has become a
cause which, as having gigantic proportions,
has been productive of most wonderful e.
vents. Commercially, it now echoes and
re-echoes its potency, as ruling agent up.
on which the interests of the civilized world
are balanced. Socially, it is an occasion
of unusual phenomena, in many commu-
nifty whose quietude hitherto, seemed i'm
perturbable. Morally, it is waking up the
consciences, both of its enemies and friends,
the minds of one of whom it is filling with
malignant thoughts, horrif6c apprehensions,
and rash purposes; whilst the other, the
friends zof the institution of slavery, are
searching for the truth, rising to deeds of
moral heroism, and made willing to brave
eyery storm that the defence of slavery may
provoke.
In view of these facts, it has seemed
proper to the writer, to ask space and invite
the attention of the readers Of the ENoUI-
RER, to some thoughts upon the subject OF
slavery. These, we propose, shall be gwen
in successive numbers of the paper, and
shall, in design at least, furnish defence
of the relation Of master and serUant'
1t is not his purpose, however, to defend
the abuses of slausry-to be either the ad-
vocate or the apologist Of unjust laws or
any evils not essentially connected with the
institution of slavery.
We have been prompted to this task by
several considerations. l. At such time
as this, every man should have definite
opinion, rs to whether or not, we have ten
able grounds upon which to advocate slave
ry. It isa question that no conscientious
man can now blink, and be true to himself,
his country and his God. All, in any way
connected with slaveholding community,
have responsibility which it is vain to en-
deayor to shirk. 2. The subject of slavery
involves reciprocal duties, the knowledge
aad practice of which may be greatly abet-
ted by discussion of the arguments for
slavery. 3. The information and sources OF
information now extant upon the subject,
are not within the reach of the Masses.
The numerous publications are usually in
book form, and for their perusal, the people
at large have neither the time nor the op.
portunisy, even where they have the dispo-
sition. A cool, thorough and argumenta'
tive discussion of the subject is seldom
made, either in the public discourses or in
the newspapers, to which the multitude are
so largely indebted for their ideas upon most
subjects. a. Misrepresentation and errors
are freely and frequently propagated by our
enemies, and being often reproduced in our
public prints, are seen by those whose in
terests demand that the antidote accompany
the poison on a subject so vital in its ten
denotes.
We regret the inconvenience, which al
ways attaches to the method of discussing a
subject in serial articles, but hope that the
reader will bear with US, in adopting this
mode, for the following reasons: l. The
subject is of such amplitude, and yet prac'
tical interest and Importance, that in this
manner alone can we present our thoughts
for the public eye and mind. 2. An at
tempt will be made to give completeness tc
each article, so that there will be no sus
pense of mind, or unnecessary burden upon
the memory, to connect the parts, one with
the other. 8. The articles shall have the
virtue of brevity and strict adherence to the
subject All side issues and irrelevant
matter will be excluded, and only column
and half will be occupied in any paper
Hence, if the reader does not find the ma
tsrial as solid as he desires, he will nothave
superabundance of stuff, trash and non
sense. 4. We have had the concurren
Judgment of others, as to the propriety o
this method of bringing the subject before
the readers of the ENQUIRER. Under thi'
prospectus then, we solicit tie favorable
consideration of those whose eyes are ac
customed to scan these pages. Follow Us
for few weeks, as We endeavor to fur
nish some of the arguments for Slavery
and if, when We have done, you are
not prepared to agree with the writer thai
slavery can be successfully Oindacated upo'
Biblicaz, social, economical, political ane
6eneuolent grounds, then you may have the
privilege of judgment diverse from
PHILEMON.
lilo