New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-12-03

the slave IOWci, uihhih6 INV no'N" VIII
but the civilized world, resound with the clash
of the conflict. Doubtless posterity will re-
gard this as the most honorable and brilliant
chapter in the long and eventful life OF this
extraordinary man. The service he rendered
to the cause of Freedom during these years
was of ncalculable value. The exalted po-
stions no had held, his multiarlous learning
his worldwide renown, lent luster to the cause
while his exhaustlcss resources, his skill in de-
bate, his dauntless courage and indomltable
will, were tower of strength to its friends
and neyer.failing source of modification and
discontinue to its foes.
The freedom of speech and of debate, and
the right of petition, had hardly been secured,
before the subject of the annexation OF Texas
and the consequent enlargement OF the area OF
Slavery, arrested the public attention. While
thousands of our best and wisest men OF all
creeds and parties early took alarm at this
attempt to commit the country to policy OF
aggression upon the rights of foreign States 1t
is due TO truth to say that the AbolitoniStS ana
their immediate coadjutors were the only classes
who resisted annexation upon purely anti
Slavery grounds. This contest, openingin 1887,
continued with occasional lulls until the Presi-
Dental campaign e 1884, when it largely
mingled in the discussions Of the two parties
that divided the country, the consprators
against National honor achieving triumph in |
the election of James K. Polk over Henry Clay.
1t was now eleven years since the American
Anu-Slayery Society was formed. During this !
period kindred societies had been organized IN
every considerable town and village in the Free
States. whose members numbered scores OF
thousands. These associations had employed
hundreds Of agents, who had traycrsed the
country delivering addresses in all the prncipal
ccuters of population. They had established
newspapers in all the Northern States, and had
circulated pamphlets and tracts By the million.
Not only had they pctitioned Congress, but they
had besiegcd the Legislatures of the Free States,
demanding that they themselves memorlalize
Congress in behalf of Emancipation, and pro-
test against the abridgment of the night OF de-
bate and petition, and the annexation OF Texas
j II.
sponded iayoraby to their demands in 1857, and
other States subsequently copied their example,
till at one period the Legislature OF every State
not hopeessly bound in the letters OF Pro-
Slavery Democracy spoke words more or less
emphatic for the slave and his cham
pions. The AbolitioniSts had also made
their power felt at the bailot-Dox,
either by voting for the most acceptable
candidates of the Wing and Democratic parties,
or BIZ bringing out candidates of their own.
Their principles had likewise made strong
Judgment in the leading religious denomna-
tions of the country Indeed, at the period of
the Inauguration Of Mr.. Polk, and tho conse-
ouent consummation Of the Texas villainy,
neither House of Congress, no State Legislature,
TO ecclc,iastical body, 10 educational Conycn-
ton. no benevolent society, no political assem-
blagr. could meet without finding itself
launched upon wide sea Of discussion concern
ng slaYery. The most superficial observer
could not fail to see, nor the most indifferent
spectator TO feel, that the principles Of the Adolf
lionists, after passing through the ordeal OF
long years of reproach and persecution. had
taken fast hold upon the intellect and conscience
of great masses Of the American people.
The annexation Of Texas was followed by the
Mexican war, which brought in its train large
acccssions Of territory. The whole nation was
now compelled TO stand face TO face with the
long dreaded and much avoided subject of
Slavery. Congress and the country were con-
yulscd The greatest minds of the time were
forced TO grapple with the agitating theme. |
The discussion summoned TO the forum the
loftiest craftsmanship. II sent to the closet the
ripesi schoa snip. 1t levied contributions upon
the eloquoncc, the learning, the genius of the
Senate, the Synod and the School, until all
ranks and conditions Of men were involved in
the agitation.
After the advent of tho Wmot Proviso in
l3i7-S, the Slavery agitation passed beyond
the pale Of the Abolitionists. Yet, from that
important epoch onward till Secession reared
IFS REASONABLE crest, not fundamental argyll
ment was employed against Slavery, nor vital
principle enunciated nor a sound view Of the
Constitution exhibited, nor an important fact
presented, nor prime objection answered, nor
a glowing appeal in behalf of Liberty uttered, |
which had not been previously employed, enun-
ciated, exhibited, presented, answered, and ut
tered by the Abolitionists. So true is this, that
TO minds familiar with the Anti.Slaycry litera::
ture Of the era, the speeches and projections Of
those statesmen and orators who, for the last
twelve ur fifteen years, have fulmincd in the
Senate and on the roStrun, while spurning the