The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1868-02-08
FROM MtW YORK.

NKW OK, Feb. B, 1868.
70 the Editor Of the WoAKIHeNAEs Advocate.
Governments, like religion, as they are
carried out, are based ON the idea that il you
adopt them it gives you q domineering posi-.
ton over others who dissent from them and
there is an aristocracy OF government, as
well as Of religion. The moral example that
is set by either, is held to be counted as
nothing. The government Will NOT recog-
nize'you except az slave, or as subordinate
to it. II was no benevolent or respectful
regard for you. They tell US there is no
holiday now for the negro at the south, as
ther was before his emancipation-as if he
had not now the motive placed before him
- create his own holiday. The minion of
government says Of his own father or bro
tber, If he is an enemy to the government he
should be hung as traitor. The Eealot in
religion says, or seems to sar, to the world,
We have given you a faith-take 1t or per-
| ish. Both, say reason, in Northumberland
pendent thought, opinion-must not be ex
ercised. At the point that We ascent to this
claim, at that point, and At that moment, we
place ourselves in Others power. IL the
government, or the church, can steal away
your independents moral opinion, they have
got you down." 80 to speak, and an easy
victim Of obedience. Or, in other words, if
they can do this they have got you harnessed
to the car Of the state and will drive you
whittier they please. But the government
aud the religion which maSes peace, and
dwell in peace, and break not the peace-or
do not carry out their dogmas by war, are
worthy to be believed in, and to be Low ed.
and harmonized with, and submitted to, or
they present some of the strongest claims for
it. But no other cln be or does in nv opi
mon. do NOS expect human nature is
to be altered--or that it is to be al
tered essentially. 1t is capable of being
improved by slow progress, by moral
means. ! viii say that am willing to com
promise in conduct with the world, but ask
for myself perfect liberty of opinion, and
(while do not Interfere with others rights)
Of person. That compromise expect Of
others, and that liberty accord to Others
The danger Of sgItating moral questions
ID that (and have before referred to it)
they run into war. William LLOYD Garrison
never meant war to put down negro slavery
(he was for secession of the north from the
south-or the expulsion Of the latter from
the union) but be ercited others who dill
mean war. And so wherever missionary
OF religion goes, il il said war and CONQUEST
are sure to follow. The reason, of course
in al tlhssssf eases-ia the sjaSse Of Mr. CARR.
son, and those he excited, and Of mission.
aries, and Of nations in going to wars thai
they wanted, or are wanting, in the spirit Of
compromise-or that they were not willing
land - { IiJt willing) to use moderate and
moral meaas to work reforms. | wish |
could gay Of Mr.. Garrison Il will say 10 Thu
evnnection) that il ~ had foreseen a war
growing out OF his advocacy Of negro Free
dom he would never have taken up his pen
in the cause, but have learned that he is an
advocate OF war in extreme cases | have
The evidence OF this in letter Of his written
asst summer to the Universal Peace Society,
and printed in an account os one Of its meet
Ings, which have read. Can a good thin.
come out Of an evil one?
believe may safely say that anv pOliti-
cal party, started upon moral grounds. like
the Anti Slavery party, or Republican party,
that would carry out it's ideas only 81 far as
it eor!d and AVOID war, would gain con-
hdence OF the greatest number Of people, and
become mighty, rs it would be an indies
tructible party, With the power to shape the
destiny OF the nation in such manner as it
pleased. II is so much bettes. to live ia an
atmosphere of love than OF hate, that it seems
that II should commend itself to everf man
to dwell in 1t. Let but the nation set the
examLle OF compromise and love-the love
as Of parent-and how quickly would il be
initiated BY every rising youth Of the coun-
try Governments Sd Duld he by the consent
Of al--yet what security has man who
may at any moment be hauled forth 20 all a
military draft? Governments. as thew
should be just, so should they be economi-
cal, and avoid all extravagant expenditures
in carrying them on Throughout the coun-
try men and women are stinting themselves.
and their dependent little ones, in the bare
necessaries Of life, to pay the taxes that
yearly accumulate upon the country. In
some parts OF the country, not excepting
New England, the truth is you can scarcely
get decent meal Of victuals from the penu-
rious disposition inwrought in the people by
the oppression Of capital and the govern
ment.
IL We can get q fine capital building (such
as they have at Washington) we ara "a
With il ss a young lady with q newly mr.
chased waterfall. But, / would ask, what
sense 10 there In fine marble buildings. while
the windows OF the, residences Of the moor
within sight Of them may have their broken
panes replaced with old hats and closhinR
stuffed In them to keep out the s3rivine wind
and rainf The honest and worthy object OF
governments should be, NOT for vain show,
bus to elevate the masses of their people.
When every one OF the citizens Of country
= well fed and clothed, and housed, Il Il
time (but not before) for lie government %
bring up the req with tine marble baildines
To love OF ornament We may moe object,
but would there mot be great incousistencv
In the man who with new broad-cloth ,oe,
A on his back, should 60 about with holes in
the heels OF has stockings All thines ehouId
be Sin keeping one with anothef. Ther,
should be { may say an inviolabls symms.
try In all things
4 said In former letter that oapital ant
the church we're linked 6ogeshefs via
these the national governmsns il linked
Legislaters a. 10 sympathy with capital
That ~ u 20 We need % no farther 10 prov,
, than 70 eek why Il 10 that laws ere not mad