Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-05-29

we'll, We ought, then, rellgiousy TO adhere
to the promises We made the people of this
country when Mr.. Lincoln was elected Presi-
dent We ought religiously to abstain from
all interference with the domestic institutions
of the slave or the free States. We ought to
stand by the Constitution as il is--by the I'M
ion as it is Whether rebels are in arms or
not, our duty is to stand by our pledges-to
stand by our manhood-and tor one will do
IT,"
But Monitor asks II zoe are to respect
The local lao Of sldUery tohy are zoe not also
to respect the local lao of secession :" The
answer is exceedingly plain. We are to
respect the local law of slavery, because the
local law of slavery is recognized by the con-
stitution, and existed anterior to its forma-
ton but we are not to respect the local law
of secession, because 1t finds no warrant in
the constitution; on the contrary, it is IN vio-
lation of all its provisions, and destructive
of it. We are amazed that our correspond
ent should ask such question. But if our
amazement is excited by such question, we
are still more amazed that Monitor should
lay down the proposition that If slavery is
their supreme local right, it is their right 10
do anything that will preserve slavery from
the aggressions of Northern civilization p
All the courts of the country, from the foun-
dation Of the Government have recognized
slavery as a local right" 1--WE speak Of le-
gal not moral "right.D We have shown
that the entire Republican party, even its
most extreme members, have admitted 1t to
be local institution, and yet Monitor tells
the Secessionists "D this be so,-that is, il
that be true which the whole Republican
Party has proclaimed in its platform 10 be
true, then you have right to do anything to
preserve your institution from the aggressions
of civilization" That is just the argument OF
Toombs, and Alexander Stephens, and Yam
cey. They claim it is their right to do any
thing, even to the disruption of the govern
ment, to preserve this local institution from
the aggressions of civilization Pray, where
does Monitor find such right? He can
find it nowhere tits the germ of secession
1t is the rankest heresy! The constitution
contains no provision, express or implied,
that it may be destroyed to preserve the local
institution of slavery from the aggressions of
civilization. The point is too plain for ar
gument ...
Now in regard to Hunters proclamation
we are aware that it stands upon some what
different ground from that which we have
been mainly discussing. 1t was military
act, by military commander, and we are
not disposed to deny that under martial law
and as military neosssiss, 40 ssS ~, no set
a nperry. Martial law when in force is SUI
preme. Nothing can stand before it. 1t is
one of the most effective of military weapons
at times, and all forms of Government recog-
nize its existence. But the great objection
to Hunters proclamation was that it assumed
toreach beyond the lines of bis actual militia
ry occupation, whereas martial law is for
the police regulation of armies and camps
In assuming to set free one million of slaves
in the borders of three States, Gen. Hunters
proclamation partook essentially of the char
acter of legislation. Regarded in military
point of view it was simply blow aimed at
the air. Viewed as political edict, as it
really was, it was issued without competent
authority, and was void, and while it could
net of itself be operative to lberate single
slave, beyond the lines of his army, certainly,
it uas calculated to stir up the bitter feelings
of even the loyalsts of the slaveholding
States. ....... --. .s ~#
We like the Presidents mode much better
He favors a system of emancipation which is
unquestionably constitutional, and we think
practicable. 1t will not g wreck nor rend
anything" He sees it is great work, but
he looks to its consummation with hope and
confidence. 1t is no less than the abolition
of such a gigantic evil as that of slavery,
inwrought by the growth of more than CEN
fury into every social fibre Of the South.
But he believes that such an extensive
moral pestilence cannot be cured in day.
AS if by some memorable law, it has ever
been that reforms are gradual in their opera
ton. AS well might one expect to drive
malignant fever from the human system by
proclamation, by incarnation, or by the
thrust of bayonet, as to expect to drive
great moral malady by mere force of pronun-
ciamehtos, and at once, from half continent!
All Christian philosophy and experience
all sound political ethics and craftsmanship,
give no warrant for such hope.
We think the Presidents policy the wisest,
hacause II will surelv raise mn an o,, ~, ,;,o,