The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1862-04-23
WM. B. JAcoBY. EDITOR.
BLo0MsBURG, WEDNESDAY, April %. 1862
What kexf!


The Republican party went before the
country, in the canvass OF 1860, with The
solemn declaration that ii was not their in
ten:iou or desire to interfere with slavery
where it lawfully existed When democrats
charged that total abolition was their uld-
mate aim, even though in its accomplish
ment it might by necessary, as MIR Speaker
(now Genera) Banks said to ..let the Union
slide,n and that the inevitable and logical
tendency oi their sectional spirit and doc
times was towards abolilionism, the charge
was fatty denied, and denounced with ap
parent Indignation, as "a iocofoco lien
The Republicans have now been il. pow
er little over a year. Let us see how far
the predictions oil the Democrats, and the
orally verified. This may be best done by
referring 10 the legislation OF Congress on
the subject OF slavery.
First, then: Congress have enacted and
the President has approved, new Article
oi War, making il a criminal offence, punish
able by summary dismissal from the ser
vice. for any officer OF the army to return
a fugitive slave that may have taken retuge
within his lines, 10 the loyal owner-(no
rebel elave-owner wonld dare TO approach
q camp OF Union soldiers for that or any
other purpose)-so thai, in the total sus-
pension Of the civil law in the States where
this Article will apply, he is practically de-
prived of all means for reclaiming his run
away slave.
Second: The Senate has passed a bill
removing the wise restriction which has
heretofore existed by law against the en-
ployment OF negroes in the impor ant pub
lie service OF carrying the mails.
Third The House has raised commi,-
tee, under resolution adopted on The 7ih
inst, to inquire into, and report plan for
The gradual emancipation OF the slaves and
extinction of slavery. in Maryland Dela-
ware, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mis-
souri, and, il expedient, in the other slaves
holding States.
Fourth: Congress have passed. and the
President has approved, bill for he i'm
mediate abolition OF slavery in the District
Oh Columbia, without regard to the rights or
wishes of the inhabitants of the District,
but compulsory in its provisions, and linz
Ting the amount OF compensation 10 be al
lowed the owners of the slaves thus taken
from them against their consent.
These are The chief measures that have
heen thus far adopted in reference 10 sla-
very. The csDeid observer will at once
see that they are by no msans small Steps
IL -. 81 n ah,It
rioE, as the Ultimate design OF sectional Re-
pubIicanism. II is true. they do not violate
any express provision of the Constitution,
aud therefore they keep within the strict
letter of that fundamental law. But, that
they are unconstitutional in so far as they
evince q spirit OF disposition TO override
that Instrument. and transcend lis authority,
is clear TO our mind The snesion- may
here be appropriately asked: Were these
acts necessary TO facilitate the Administra
ion of the Government, and 10 aid il in pros
ecnting the war for The suppression OF re
bclli9n and treasonl II not-and no saEe
man can say they were-was it not iniudi-
cious, or inexPedieni. 10 say he least 10
urge them al this timei particularly in view
Of the TACT that they are highly offensive 10
the loyal Union men Of the South. who are
e-holders-rightfuIIy so, they believe
and 10 conciIiale whom. rather than irIi-
tate them, should be one OF The first duties
CT the Administration; because, al last, ii is
only through their patriotic Influence and
example that we can hope 10 bring the
Southern people back 10 The allegiance
they owe TO the Union, peacefully and con
tsnledly, after the war shall have settled
the mere and by no means fiualIy decisive
question OF our power TO hold Them IN sub
lection 10 It's authority. Forbearaoce toward
the weaker party by those who, for limIi-
ed period, are commissioned 10 wield pow
es, is always a greater virtue than IFS wan
ton, unnecessary and arbitrary exercise
From abolishing slavery in the Districi,
TO an aiiempr TO abolish i; in the States. a
very small step only need be taken True,
j, will be step beyond the Constitution
bnl those who bab,uate themseyIes 20 a
violation of lis spirit, will not long hesitate
to transcend it, both in letter and spirit To
this point of governmental revolution, and
consequent anarchy, The extremists OF the
sumner and Loveicy school who evidently
control Congress, aud who appear at las, Ia
have gained over The President TO iheiI
side, are doing their utmost TO hurry the
naiion. Three days were sufficient TO rev.
olulionize France, aud completely chaoge
the form and character OF its government =
II will be three years before the American
people can decide, al the ballot boxes
whether they are ready to sacrifice thei
Constitution and ihe Gcyer1ment il uphold'
for The sake of Iiberating four million of ne
gro slaves. Their decision may come los
late Nuilify and destroy he Constitution
as the Aboiilionisis will surely Go. If no