Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-07-04

for Florida consumption than Tor Ner
mont.
Mr. Caopmon.--( Register Of Probate')
We are to understand are we, that that let-
Ter was for FloriSa consumption, or "iof
bunkum," as they sayf tLaughter.1
Mr.. Robiasoa.--Yes, sir.
Mr., Pike-Are there any papers printed
in jacksonville {?
Mr.. Ro5iason.- Yes, sir.
Mr. Pite,-How many!
M. RoJsasoa.- are two.
Mr.. PIe.-Which papers have the most
circulation in Florida, the Bellows Falls
Argus or the Jacksonville papers?
Mr.. Robtnson.--The Jacksonville papers,
of course.
AZ. Ptte.-Then why did you not pros
mulgate your views in the Jacksonville
pagers, instead of sending them to Ner-
mont
Mr.. Robinson.-Because it would not
answer my purpose as well to have II pub
lshed in the papers at home, as in some
northern papers. l do not wish to say that
that article was one to be commended. 1t
was shown in certain quarters by friend
of mine, and think it saved my life. In
fact almost know it did. | was always
taught philosophy that even deception
was iustifable to save life. Mr.. Robinson
then admitted that slavery was an evil, and
very likely viii receive blow in this re-
belion by which it will become extinct.
Mr.. Pike.-Do you believe that slavery
of itself is moral evil
Mr. Robirson.-I decline to answer that
question.
The court here interposed that Mr.. Rob.
it,son would not Of course answer such a
question unless he choose to do SO.
Mr.. Pike.-Do you now repudiatc the
article which you published in the Argus
Mr.. Rotinson.--ff that letter carries
with it any such construction as that placed
upon it here in Vermont, l do utterly repu-
date it, but it is now more than year
since it was written, and do not remember
all there was in 1t.
Mr.. Ptkc.-That does not answer the
question. There is an it." The letter is
here and can be read.
Mr.. Robinson objected to the reading of
the letter.
The court said he, with many of his
townsmen in. Springfield, had formerly
known Mr. Robinson. They had known
him favorably, but more than year ago
they were panied to see published letter
pnrporting to have been written by him,
As these Proceedings were informal, he could
see no objection to reading the letter and
would like to hear it read.
The letter was then read by Merritt f.
| Goddard, amid some laughter at the close
where it commended Bishop Hopkins Bible
view of slavery, and recommending to the
editor to publish it if he had not already
done so.
| Mr.. Pite.-Having heard the letter read
do you now repudiate the sentiments there.
in contained?
4 Mr. Robinson.--f do repudiate them SC
far as they sustain the southern rebellion
The war has been brought on mostly or
account of slavery. At this point Mr.. Rob
inscn undertook TO state his sentiments or
the subject of slavery, but they were stated
in such way that we are unable TO report
them. In some respect his views seemed
to be all that most northern people would
entertain, while in others, they seemed tc
be clogged with qualifications. The bes
) that we could gather was, that If in the pro
gress of the war and the providence b
God, slavery should be destroyed, then h,
would very likely believe that slavery wa,
moral evil, leaving the inference of eours,
that his views on the morality of slavery
are dependant upon what might be done Ii
the Providence of God at the end of tn,
war This Was the impression lefi on th,
: audience SO far as we inquired, and we viii
add that if Mr.. Robinson wishes to give
! more clear statement OF his views ON thi
particular point he can do SO through thes
: columns.
Mr.. Pike spohe briefly. The answer
of Mr.. Robinson TO certain questions hat
not been satisfactory. There were SO many
ifs and qualifications that the people conlt
not and did not have confidence in the mai,
He was believer in slavery, for all tina
: could be made out here. His mind had be
come poisoned by that institution, and as :
consequence the people did not think him .
proper person to be appointed guardiar
over one of his own slaves.
Mr.. Robinson replied, saying: 81 re
nounce the idea of the divinity of slavery
L renounee the idea that slavery is an insti
: tuition to be cherished" He remarke,
further that he believed there was no plac,
: where slavery was directly condemned il
e the Bible. At this point he was inquire,
of if there was any thing in the Bible whicl
directly condemned sheep stealingl Amit
:, some laughter the resphnse was NOT hoard