The Portland daily press., 1865-03-27

for.
These slaves have always had kind Of
telegraph among themselves BY which iheykeep
up correspondence with each other, and
OF which their masters are ignorant. 1t
has been SO for long time. There is pc
culiar wit, cunning, or instinct ia the ele,
ments of the constitution of the African
which-is seldom found in anyother race,
at least, this peculiar trait Is developed in the
characters of the Southern slaves.
But it was not our purpose to discuss such
questions when we commenced this article.
The question naturally arises, when speaking
: Of the relation between this war and the ne
gro slaves, why is 1t that they have been SO
quiet during the struggle? Why have there
not been bloody instructions? Why have
they manifested such meek aud quiet dispo-
sition? Why have they SO patiently abided
: their time? These are questions pregnant
with meaning. and more easily asked than an
swered. Some may say this patience and
qnietness on the part of the slaves are owing
to their ignorance and stupidity, but we think
those who thus reason take superficial view
Of the subject.
& It Is true that they have been down trodden
and oppressed enough to make almost any
race stupid, and it is also true that they have
been deprived of all means of education so far
as books are concerned; for it has ever been
the policy of their masters to keep them in
ignorance and fear; but after all, the love of
1;l,a-Axt haa oauer laov cruohad onf nf shoro
nor the instincts of humanity obliterated.
They are yet men in spite of chains and fet.
ters. The spirit breathed into them by their
Creator can never be quenched, nor its nature
and essence changed by any earthly power
It is constantly sustained by the same Power
that created it. bge gra a
We believe an unseen hand has had control
Of these African souls and kept them quiet
thus far during the war; Servile insurrec,ions
were not needed in the strife, and therefore
they have not occurred. Some inhdels may
scout such doctrine, but that viii rather
prove It's truth than its falsity. The negro
character will shine brighter with his freedom
obtained without the blood that must have
flowed from instruction. Let the slave
holder arm his slave to hght for his BONDAGE
If he believes in such policy, but we believe
such measure will help the slave to his free-
dom. Better for tue slave, thus armed and
equipped, to gain his freedom than rise ana
murder women ana children. Slaves. tbus
having the sword girded on, will not LONG
fight in rebel ranks. but escape and join those
who are fighting for liberty, and SO sIayehold-
ers will become the unwilling instruments. IN
the hands Of a wise Providence, Of giving Free
dom to race they have long oppressed. We
believe such WILDE the inevitable result
We look forward to happier days which vii,
come in Gods appointed time when, in tho
language of the immortal Bard of Avon:
mo more the thirsty Frinnys Of this soil
Shall dsub her lips with b r own childre MS blood
Nor bruise her how'ret, with armed host
OF hostile PAGES thos opposed eyes, I.E
All OF one nature, Of one substance bred
Did lately meet in the Intestine shock
Apd furious close Of civil hatchery
Sha lnow in mutual, well beseernine ranka
March one way and be no more on1ns.d q
Against acquaintance, kindred and aII;es.
The edge OF war. like an III sheatbed tn;f5 agi
No more shall cut his ma. ter.n