The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-08-02
[connunics.edl
DISPOSAL OF THE NEGRO QUESTION"

the lapse of time 1t should be remembered by
every patriot in this hour Of our countrys dis
tress. 1t is now generally admitted that Slavery
is the cause Of the present war, and must be
removed before permanent peace can be secured
The "negro question is therefore the great
question now to be decided. We are glad to
know that Congress has been compelled to look
this matter full in the face We rejoice that SO
much has been done in the way Of legislation.
We have the abolition of Slavery in the District
Of Columbia We have also somewhat strin-
gent confiscation act. We will not despair of
reaching the right point at last. But as yet We
are far short of it. Slavery is not merely po-
litical evil 1t is also sin against God. In
dealing with it we must not forget this fact.
The Lord is angry with US as nation, because
we have so long tolerated this abOmination
among us. The North as well as the South is
guilty, though perhaps in a less degree. Hence
it is that in Furnishing the nation the loyal men
as we'll as the rebels experience the displeasure
of their Maker Under present circumstances,
We of the North have no right to expect that We
shall escape the rebukes of God. Hence, no
believer in Divine Providence can wonder that
our armies meet with so many disasters. We
have not yet forsaken the sin Of completely with
Slavery. 1t is doubtless true that since the COM
mencement of this war, public sentiment has
undergone material change relating to Slavery.
They now look upon it as nuisance which
must be abated but they hardly think of it as
a moral evil-as SIN, which must be abandoned.
Hence, in all our legislation regarding it, we
have been looking simply at the claims fjustice
so far as the whites are concerned. We have
utterly ignored the rights Of the colored man.
1t is true, he may gain his freedom. one of the
results of the war. But this will be only an
incident. 1t is not the ostensible object aimed at
We can therefore claim no praise for the freedom
of the slave. Indeed, nearly the whole line of
policy thus far pursued has been designed to
secure blessings to the loyal whites, while simple
justice to four millions of Africans has been
almost utterly disregarded. Surely just God
cannot look with Indifference upon such a state
of things. What reason have We to hope that
He will prosper us in the present war, until FROM
THE RIGHT PRINCIPLE we are ready to let the op-
pressed go free? Must We carefully protect even
loyal SHAREHOLDERS in their supposed rights, and
utterly disregard the obvious rights of the slaves!
If We hold fast to our Declaration of Indepen-
dence We must stoutly maintain that slaves as
well as other men have the right to life, liberty
and the pursuit Of happiness"
What then is the first and obvious duty of the
President? Simply to proclaim freedom to all
the slaves. This he has an undoubted right to
do. The rebellion has delivered him from all
the trammels of the Constitution. He is then at
liberty to do not merely what military necessity
may require, but also what simple justice de-
mands. Who does not envy him the pleasure
of causing four millions of human hearts to leap
for JOY? If he has courage to act out the benev
olent feelings of his nature, his name shall be
had in grateful remembrance when all the stat
ues of Caesar and Napoleon have crumbled into
dust.
In now proclaiming liberty to the slaves.
justice and expediency combine. We shall thus
compel the Border States to show their true colors
Now they hesitate to take decided stand, be-
cause they hope to gain something by delay.
But let them know that they must make their
choice at once between the North and Freedom,
or the South and Slavery, and firmly believe
they will throw their influence in favor of the
North. Then, too, we should close the mouths
Of Northern synpathizers with secession. We
have something to fear from them in the present
posture of affairs. They are gathering strength
by our delay. 1t is good policy to bring them
to stand at once.
Again, We shall secure to the cause of loyalty
more vigorous support from the mass of the
Northern people. They are satisfied that Slavery
must be destroyed. They longing for the decree
of Abolition to 60 forth. Multitudes now hesitate
about engaging vigorously in the war, because
distinct policy, securing the destruction of
Slavery, is not announced. Let it be declared
that Slavery shall die. and the Northern arm
will be nerved with vigor that cannot be
resisted.
Again: We shall be freed from all fear of
foreign intervention. Whatever NAV lie the
wishes of some Governments towards US, the
mass Of the people in the old countries are in
favor Of Liberty, and thus would not allow their
Governments to stand in the way of the freedom
Of the slaves. We shall also secure material
aid from the slaves. Such has been our conduct
towards them hitherto that they could not tell
| whether We were friends or enemies. But let
them know that we have resolved to secure their
freedom, and he must be an unbeliever in facts
and human nature who does not perceive that
their strength will be added to ours.
Once more: By freeing the slaves We shall do
an act that God will approve. Of this truth no
thoughtful and reasonable man can doubt. He
will be on our side, and thus victory will be
certain There is Providence which shapes
the destinics of men and of nations. The panic
at Bull Run, and the disasters at other places.