Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1862-05-07
What Nextf

- What Nextf
The Republican party went before the
country, in the canvass of 1860, witt, the
solemn declaration that it was not their in
tention or desire to interfere with slavery
where Il lawfully existed.-Wheu Democrats
charged that total abolition was their ulti-
mate aim, even though in Its accomplish
ment might be necessary. as Mr. Speaker
(now GeneraI) Banks SAID, TO .!et the Union
Slide" and that the ineyitable anu logical
tendency Of their sectional spirit and doc
tEines was toward abolitionisIn. the charge
was tiatly denied, and denounced with ap
parent Indignation, ss "Locofoco lie.n
The Republicans have now been in power
little over year. Let Us see how far the
predictions OF the Democrats, and the derii-
ais Of the Republicans have been seyera.lv
verified. This may be best done by referr-
ing 70 the legislation Of CJnsress touching
slavery
First. then: C5ugress nave enacted, and
tie President has approved. new Article
. Of VA, making it a criminal offence, pun>
ishab!r by summary dismissal from the ser
VICE, for any officer 81 the Army to return q
fugitiTe slave that may have taken refuge
"i'hin his lines, - tie loyal owner-inu
r.JeI slave-owEer would dare to approach a
camp Of Union soliirrs fyr that or any other
! purPose]-s, that. III the total suspension Ct
the civil law :n The States where this Article
viii Apply, be Is practically deprived Of all
means !or reclalming his runaway slave
Second: The Senate has passed. bill re-
ing the " ise restriction which has here
tof,Te existed by law against the employ
meEt.sf negroes in the important public
service Of carrying the mails.
Third: Iue House has raised :, Committee
under . resolution adopted on the eth inst.
10 inquire into, and report plan for the
gradual emancipation of the slaves, and cx-
tinc;ion Of slavery in Maryland, Delaware.
Virginia, kectucky, Tennessee. Missouri.
! ard, if expedieut, Ia the other slave holding
! States
! Fourth: Congress have passed, aud the
President has approved, for the immediate
abolition of slavery in the District Of Column
bia. without regard to the rights or wishes
/ Of the inhabitants uf the District, but COM
/ pu'sory in its provisions, and limiting the
/ amount Of compensation TO be allowed the
/ owners Of the slaves thus taken from them
/ I-..iust their Consent.
These are the chief measures that have
/ been thus far adopted in reference 10 slavery
! The candid observer will st once see that
| they are by no means small steps towards
| the accomplishment of total abolition. as the
ultimate design Of sectional RepuLlicauisrn
/ Il is true they do not violate any express
provision Of the Constitution, and therefore
! they keep within the strict letter Ct that
fundamental lav. But, that they are un>
constitutional in 50 far rs they cvince spin:
I or disposition 10 over ride that instrument.
ana transcend ats authority. is clear 10 our
n.iud, The question may here be appropn
atelv asked: Were these acts necessary to
facilitate the Administration of the Goytrn-
ment, aud aid ii il prosecuting the war for
tie suppression of rebellion and tIeascnl II
uCt-and 20 sane man can say they were
Was 1t net iniuijoious. 81 ineXpeLient. TO SAY
tie least, to urge them at this time? paTtiSu
larry in view of the lac, tha; they are highly
offensive to the loyal Union men uf TIA,
South. who are slave holders righ;fally 81
. as hey believe-and to conci.iate whom
rather than irritate them. should be one O
the first duties Of the Administration: be
, cause, at Last, it Is only through their Patri
: otic influence ard example that we can hop
: to bring the Southern people back TO the al
!. legiance they owe To the Union, peaceful!
: and contentedly. after the war shall hav
: settled the mere, and by Lo means fiuail
e decisive, question Of our power 70 hold then
e in subsection to its authority. Forbearanc
, toward the weaker party by those who, f,
+ limite,i period. are commissioned to wiei
1t power, IS always greater virtue than
Is wanton, unnecessary and arbitrary cxercis
IS From abolishing slavery in the DistIic
,e to an attempt 10 abolish it in the States,
O. very small step need be taken. True. it vi
al be q step beyond the Constitution, but tho
=. who habituate themselves to violation
n. its spirit, will not long hesitate 10 TRANSFER
4 il, both in letter aod in spirit. To Il
!. ! reini of governr.,ai revelation. and cen.