The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1864-04-06
{ CONCLUDED. J

nation, this one stands fret in importance. |
Without it the bond OF union would be as
weak Is an invalid between whom and |
the grave but breath intervenes. The
supremacy Of the Constitution, the laws
and treaties of the United States, are
necessary to our existence as nation
Our unity can be preserved in no other
way. This was the belief of those who
ordained the Constitution, and our expe-
rience accords Herewith. But sir, sla-
very planted itself in opposition to this
provision of the Constitution, and declar-
ed that it SHOULD not be enforced. Do
you ask for proof? We need not go far
to find it. Turn to the Constitution and
take ss guide the words:
"The citizens of each State shall be
entitled to all the privileges and immuni-
To what extent has this been regard
ed as the supreme law of the land in
States where slavery controlled legislation,
presided in the courts, directed the Ex-
ecutives, and commanded the mob? 1t
is provision of most vital importance to
every citizen. We could not be nation
of equals without it. 1t is the peerage
title of our people. How has it been OBJ
served? What has been the conduct of
slavery toward it Let us turn again to
the Constitution for practical aid in the
solution of these questions. In the first
article of the Amendments to the CoLsti-
tuition we find this language:
sCougress shall make no law respect
ing the establishment of religion, or pro-
hbitng the free exercise thereof; or
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
press or the right of the people peacea-
blyao assemble, and to petition the Gov
eminent for redress of grievances
Tie great rights here enumerated were
regarded by the people as too sacred and
too essential to the preservation of their
liberties to be trusted with no 6rmer de-
tense than the rule that Congress can
exercise no power which is not delegated
to it," Around this negative protection
was erected the positive barrier Of abso-
lutte prohibition. Freedom OF religious
opinion, freedom OF speech and press, and
the right of assemblage for the purpose
OF petition belong to every American cit.
izen, high or low, rich or poor, wherever
he may be within the jurisdiction Of the
United States With these rights nc
State may interfere without breach OF
the bond which holds the Union together
How have these rights essential to liberty
been respected in those sections Of the
Union where slavery held the reins 0
local authority and directed the thoughts
prejudices. and passions of the people
The bitter, cruel, relentless prosecutions
of the Methodists in the South, almost
as void of pity as those which were visit.
ed upon the Huguenots in France, tel
how utterly slavery disregards the right
to fee exercise OF religion. No religion
which recognizes Gods eternal attribute
of justice and breathes that spirit of low.
which applies to all men the sublime
commandment, "W haisoever ye would
that men should do unto you, do We ever
SO to them," can ever be allowed free ex
ercise where slavery curses men and de
fies God. No religious denomination car
flourish or even be tolerated where SLAYER,
rules without surrendering the choices
JSWSic VI itc iaN u Abto shC hCNRiuE VI thn
infidel power which withholds the Bibl
from the poor. Religion, "consisting il
the performance of all known duties t.
God and our fellow never has beel
and never will be allowed free exercis
in any community where slavery dwarf
the couscieDces of men. The Constitu
ton may declare the right, but SLAYER
will hos Ia III
Constitution and prevent the enjoymeu
of the right.
How much better has free discussio
Jared at the hands of the black censor VIII
guards the Interests of slavery against tn
expression of the thoughts OF freemen? O
what road of this Republic cursed by 81,
very have men been free to declare the
approval of the divine doctrines of IL
Declaration Of Independence Wher
except in the free States of this Uniol
have the nations toiling millions been pc
nitted to assert their great protective do
trine, sThe laborer is worthy of bis hirey
What member of our great free labor fore
North or South, could stand up in ii
presence Of the despotism which owns me
ahu ScMbot thc dtIOCiUuS dcSCIuOu Ill
''Slavery is the natural and normal col
dition OF the laboring man, whether viii
or black, with the noble declaration TIL
Labor, being the sure foundation of ii
nation prosperity, should be performf
BY ircemer, for they alone have an int
est IN the preservation Of free govern
ment,' with any assurance that his Ii
would not be exacted as the price of
tementy! In all this broad land not OF
could be found. The press has been pa
locked, and mems lips have been scale
Constitutional defense of free discussie
BY speech Or press, has been a rope
sand south of the line which marked Il
limi, OF diguiied free labor in this cou,
try. South Of that line an organized ell
nent of death was surely sapping the fou,
dations of our free institutions, reyers;r
the theory Of our government. dwar6r
our civilization, contracting the nation
conscience, composing the destruction
everything calculated to preserve The I
publican character of our Constitution
and 10 man in the immediate presence
this rapidly accommodating ruin dared