The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-03-07
Tho Issue botwoen Slavery and
Freedom.

Freedom.
We like the tone Of the following editorial
article which we COPY from the New Bed
ford Mercury on Congressional action in
reference to the above question in connection
with the war now waging in our land:
"As the federal forces advance into slave
territory, and take possession Of important
points, the commanders very wisely proclaim
that the rights Of property OF tho peaccably
disposed citizens shall be sacrcdly regarded.
This is in consonance with the policy Of the
administration in the conduct OF the war,
and in strict accordance with the repeated
affirmation of the President and the solemn
resolution of Congress as to tho main object
of taking up arms. We seek to restore the
Union-to yindicate the national authority
to maintain the supremacy Of the law. We
are moi engaged in a crusade against any in
stitution, nor is it the design OF the govern
ment to overthrow any rights which have
been established by law. We have no fault
to find, therefore, with the announcements
made by General Hallcck and Commander
Foote, that the relation between master and
slave is matter for the civil courts to settle,
and is not to be interfcred with, except in
cases where the parties aid and assist the
enemy, and thus become belliSerents. We
do not suppose that by any action of the
military authorities the State of Tennessee is
to be converted into FREQ territory. The
great business just now, and in our judgment
il is meeting with pretty thorough atten-
ton, is to put down the rebellion, to establish
the national authority in every sececded State,
to repossess ourselves Of the custom-houses,
forts, dockyards and -arsenals, and to bring
to punishment the leaders of the rebellion
We have insisted, and we now insist, that in
doing this. interference with the institution
of slavery is Inevitable; ind that 1t is the
boundcn duty Of Congress by some resolve or
law to systemize such interfcrence-to pro-
vide specifically for the confscation of slave
property of rebels in arms, and the entire
Acknowledgement Of such slaves. To certain
extent, without any Congressional action,
this has been done for we take ii, that the
negroes now at Fortree Monroe and in the
various Sea Islands on the coast of South
Carolina are free men, never again to be re-
duced to slavery. Still, the better mode, in
our apprehension, the wise course Of action,
is for tho national Legislature to settle this
matter by distinct enactment.
We cannot blink this question forever
We must meet il. And we see no reason
why philanthropist or statesman should
seek to avoid its discussion. Mr.. Bancroft
says, "slaycry has forced upon us the issue |:
and has lifted up its hand to strike death
blow at our existence us people,. What
docs this mean, II not that the issue is be-
tween slavery and freedom? And what settle
ment of this issue can there be, unless by the
extinction of one Or the other of the contend
ing forces? We have no desire to complicate
matters, and peril the success OF our arms by
the introduction Of questions OF policy which
are to be settled hereafter. We would avoid
scrupulously all mere party disputes. and
ignore party altogether. But we cannot see
how the peace Of the country is to DO perma.
nently secured, how q genuine republican
government is to be maintained on this con.
tinent. il the slave power which has forced
upon MS the present issue and has lifted up It's
hand to strike death blow at our existence
as people, is to he left free as heretofore to
plot mischief. We may, by tho triumph Ct
our arms, suppress tho Instruction. and,
unless they fly the country, we may hang
the chief conspirators. But II We leave the
cockatrice's egg, We must look for more
rattlesnakes and future rebellions.
We look for the extinction Of African
slavery in tho republic us a political power,
and for its ultimate abrogation asa system
of labor, not alone as matter demanded by
the free States for their protection from
future civil strife. hut rs absolutely necessary
for the best interest OF the entire white race
ON this continent; for the good Of the whole
republic. II is not to-day sectional ques'
ton. 1t should not be u party question:
The life OF the nation requires its settlement !;
and if the non.slaveholders Of this country,
North and South, who have suffered from
this institution, do not insist that the end OF
this rebellion shall bo the end of slavery.
they cowardly postpone 1t to the end OF
another rebellion.