Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-10-15
COMMUNICATED.
4 nj AN CIPATION.

In tracing the aggregate results of polit-
ical events, we can detect gradual approx
imation towards perfection, and like tho trav-
eller who starts from earth to penetrate space,
as he advances, although he approaches no
nearer the confines of eternity, he is still get
ting further from the world so iE political
economy, although mankind can never have
perfect political system, yet we are still
leaving the errors of past ages further in the
rear. In approaching the subject of slavery.
we are touching upon one of these principles
of politics upon which the wisdom and ex-
perience of man has long since passed its
sentence-the inhumanity, immortality, and
absurdity of which is now acknowledged by
all Governments, even the most distant in
their approximation towards civil liberty
The only question which should now be
discussed in connection with emancipation
in Maryland, is merely a matter of State pol
icy, or, in other words, the convenience of
the slaveholding party. Let us understand,
then, in the first place, that the small minor
ity who own slaves hold them only go long
as the large majority think consistent with
the vast interests of the State at large, or
until the aggregate intelligence of the masses
become sufficiently advanced to appreciate
the barbarism of the institution, and its APP
plicability to all colors and classes.
To presume that stakeholder does or can
claim any right over the body or Involuntary
service of human slave except that of force,
is simply to suppose that mankind prefers
bondage to freedom, which is contrary to the
teachings of history, and to the feelings of
the would be shareholders themselves An
other point at issue in this case is whether
int cla obnlI bo, ~; -
discuss this question. This point we think
can easily be settled, if the subject be viewed
in the light of huge inhumanity, it GER
tainly SHOULD not depend for its correction
upon the few individuals who conceive it to
be Their personal interests that it should COD
tinue, while its numerous victims, and those
who are forced to witness its operation, stand
silently by ami wait until self-interest and
love of power ceases to be principle in the
human heart past experience proves that it
is not wise nor just to wait for such mil
lenum.
When i! is once conceded that slavery, as
a political principle, is wrong and that there
is little hope that its arbitrary supporters
will favor its abolition, to whom must pos
terity look for its abrogation -? To the spec
tators and to the slaves themselves. 1t is
even question if the STAKEHOLDER should be
consulted ir the matter he can only COM
plain that it is detrimental to his own inter-
| est, but what are his pecuniary losses COM
pared to the continuance in bondage and in
digence Of human beings? TO show the in
difference which men, claiming to be intelli-
gert and even philanthropic, will evince to-
wards tie wrongs and sulferings of their fell
low-creatures, we have only to refer to the
case of Lord Shaftesbury, when he brought
it to the attention of the English Parliament,
that hundred thousand children and young
girls were aboring in the different mines and
factories eighteen hours in the twenty four
for miserable existence, and demanded that
their masters should be forced to be satisfied
with q shorter duration of labor, he was
branded as fanatic, a disorganizer one who
desired to ruin the wealthy manufacturers,
who were the main-stay of the Government;
and what for? tho miserable and ignorant
poor, who could not appreciate the change !;
and it was only after ten years labor that he
succeeded in amelorating tie condition of
persons of bis own country and blood. The
masters opposed it to the bitter end.
In view Of this, what are we to expect
from our own Shareholders who bold in sla-
very and ignorance men and women not Of
their own nation or color, aud between whom
there is little sympathy except as master to
his slave property? 1t seems, then, that in
this question of political and moral reform
the master may be said to be outside Of the
discussion, unless he chooses as an individual
citizen to join the tide Of progress, and be
identified with the advancement of the times.
BY emancipation, we mean the repeating
of a statute, or modification of oonsttu-
ton, which, as long as it is respected by the
majority, gives the master the power but not
the right to hold Ibis slaves. Laws Of this
character have always been in existence, but
are less In number in proportion to the adj
vanccment Of civilization; laws which give
power, can only give right, when the prin-
ciple Of right is embodied in the law; but
laws of power are often destitute of justice
and dian critically opposed to right, as fol
example, the Assembly of Maryland, in 1862,
passed an act that no Catholic should have
the protection or benefit Of any of the laws
of this colony. This act was. as everybody
will now admit, contrary to the simplest and
most elementary principles of right and JUS
tlce. yet it was no less a law. This shows
that all laws and cnactments are not to be
approached alike such as the above are
swept from the statute books as soon as those
opposed to them obtain power, without any
respect for the feelings or private interests OF
those whom they favored. So in regard to
this legal right to make slaves of portion
of mankind as long as the slaveowner is in
the ascendant he can enforce his laws and
hold his slaves, but as soon as the opposite
party gets the power, it is certainly great
mark of disinterested sympathy to consult
the wishes or interests Of the STAKEHOLDER
and yet this is exactly what the friends OF
emancipation propose; with the assistance
of the General Government they propose to
pay them for their slaves, pay them to sub
scribe to a common principle of humanity
Let them be wise, for their power to hold
their slaves is fast slipping from their grasp
II they neglect the present opportunity il
may never occur again. 1t is probable thai
ten years hen e no Legislature will be vii.
ling to vote one cent to compensate slave.
holder for allowing man to go free. 20