Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-03-26

our object, il they were finally subdued and
exterminated, II we left the negroes on the
soil, for other whites would take the country
and hold 1t against the negroes, and reduce
them again TO slavery or exterminate them
| am morally certain, indeed, that to free the
slaves of the South, without removing them,
would result in the massacre of them. A
general massacre was on the eve of taking
place, in the State of Tennessee, in 1856, upon
a rising of some of them on the Cum berland,
and have been assured, by the II on. Andrew
Johnson, who was then Governor of the State,
that nothing but his prompt calling out of
the militia prevented it.
But this antagonism of race, which has led
TO our present calamities, and might lead to yet
greater, il it continues to be ignored, will de-
liver ms from slavery in the easiest speediest,
aud best manner, if we recognize it as il is
the real cause of trouble. and invincible, and
deal with it nationally. We have but to pro-
pose 10 let the white race have the lands in
tended for them by the Creator, to turn the
fierce spirit aroused by the secessionists to
destroy the Union to the support of it, and at
the same time to break up the slave system
by which the most fertile lands of the temper
ate zone are monopolized and wasted. That
is the result, which the logic of the census
shows is being worked out, and which no po-
litical management can prevent being worked
out. The essence of the contest is, whether
the white race shall have these lands, or wheth-
er they shall be held by the black race, in the
name of a few whites. The blacks could new
hold them as their own, for we have seen
how quickly that race has disappeared when
emancipated. Experience proves what ght
have been inferred from their history, that it
has not maintained and cannot MAINTAIN itself
IN the temperate zone, in contact and in COM
petition with the race to which that region
belongs. 1t is only when dependent that it
can exist there. But this servile relation is
mischievous, and the community, SO constitu-
ted does not flourish and keep pace with the
spirit of the age. 1t has scarcely the claim to
the immense. area of land it occupies which
the .36origfnes had, for--though the indians
occupied larger space, with fewer inhabitants
they did not waste the land as the slave
system does. No political management or
sentimentaliSm can prevent the natur ii revou-
ton of such a system in the end, any more
than such means could avail to preserve the
Indian possession and dominion.
The rebellion, like the Indian outbreaks, is
but vain attempt to stem the tide Of ciyilza-
tion and progress. The treachery, falSchood.
and cruelty perpetrated to maintain negro
possession, scarcely less than that of the saw
ages, marks the real nature of the contest.
Nevertheless, believe it might have been
averted, If we had adopted Mr. Jefferson's
counsels, and made provision for the separa-
ton of the races, providing suitable homes for
the blacks as we have for the Indians. 1t is
essential still, in order to aOrdge the conflict
of arms, and to fraternize the people, when
that is past, 10 follow Mr.. Jeferson's advice.
This most benevolent and sagacious statesman
predicted all the evils which it has been our
misfortune to witness, unless we should avert
them, by this, the only means which, after TIE
most anxious thought, he could suggest. No
statesman, of our day, has given the subject
so much thought as be did, or possesses the
knowledge of ability TO treat it so wisely
Let us, then, listen to his counsels. BY doing
so, we shall establish fraternity among the
working men of the white race throughout the
Union which has never existed and give real
freedom TO the black race, which cannot
otherwise exist
n or is IL necessary to the restoration of har
mony and prosperity TO the Union, that this
policy should be actually aud completely put
IN force. IL is. only necessary that it should
be adopted by the Government, and that IL be
made known to the people that it is adopted,
10 eNtinguish hostility, in the hearts OF the
masses Of the South, toward the people OF the
North, and secure their cooperation in put
ting an end to slavery. No greater mistake
was ever made than In supposng that the mass.
os OF the South favor slavery. | have already
stated that they did not take up arms to defend
It, and explained the real motives of their ac-
ton. The fact that they oppose emancipation,
in their midst, is the only foundation for the
contrary opinion. But the masses OF the
North are equally opposed to IL, IL the four
millions OF slaves were TO be transported to
their midst. The prohibtory laws against
their coming, existing In all the States subject
to such invasion, proves this. On the other
hand, the intense hostility Which is universal.
ly known to be felt, by the non. Shareholders
of the South, toward all negroes, expresses
their real hostility TO slavery, and it is the
natural form OF expression under the circum.
stances.
1t needss therefore, but the assurance which
would be given, by providing homes for the
blacks, elsewhere, that they are to be regard
cd as sojourners when emancipated, as in
point of fact they are, and ever will be, to in
sure the CO operation of the non Shareholders
in their emancipation. Nor would they re-
quire Immediate, universal or involuntary
transportation; or that any injustice whatever
be done to the blacks. The more enterprising
would soon emigrate, and multitudes of less
energy would follow, if such success attended
the pioneers, as the care with which the Gov
ernment should foster SO much important an
object. would, doubtless, insure and with
such facilities, it would require but few gen
erations to put the temperate regions of Amer
lea in the exclusive occupation of the white
race, and remove the obstacle to perpetual
Union of the States.
With great respect, aul
Your obedient servant, NJ. BLAIR.
To the Committee of Invitation &c &c