National Republican., 1874-05-28
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those charged Win the con0uct OF anhlIs.
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The abolition of slavery n the United
States marked notable epoch in the his
tory of the effort to secure the freedom OF
the human race. At the same time II es-
tablished a new policy in the American
system which pledges the Government Of
the United States to the idea of freedom for
the blacks and for the oppressed in every
cline in the Western hemisphere. There
were other objects in view during our days of
colonial dependency, and during the subse-
quent period when the Madisonian doctrine
asserted itself; but when the war against
slavery occurred, and when the nation
committed itself to the grand principle of
emancipation. new theory entered into
our national policy. As nation we be-
came the accredited exponents of Abolition
ism. Great Britain, with its opposition to
the slave trade, was simply overshadowed
in the effective progress made by our own
people in the direction of emancipation.
The next step in this pathway is plainly
indicated by the effort of the Cuban pa
triots to do what the Spanish authorities
have promised and failed to do-i 9. abol-
ish slavery in the island of Cuba. If the
Cubans are sustained. we shall realize one
great and effective stride in the advance
ment of this new policy. Already this
question has attracted the attention of such
leaders of the colored people in this coun-
try as Prot. ]. NJ Lsngston. In q recent
speech delivered by him on the occasion of
the celebration at 0berlin, Ohio. of the an
niversy of the ratification of the fifteenth
amendment he gave utteranoe to senti-
ments which show very plainly that it has
assumed political significance.
with freedom established" he said,
'fn our own country. and equality before
''the law promised in early Federal if not
State, legislation we may well consider
"our duty with regard to the abolition of
slavery, the establishment of freedom and
"free institutions upon the American CONT
''nent especially in the islands of the sea,
"where slavery Is maintained by despotic
Spanish rule, and where the people, de-
''claring slavery abolished, and appealing
ITO the civilized world for sympathy and
justification of their course. have staked
'fall upon the dread arbitrament of war
There can be no peace on our continent,
'there can be no harmony among its
people, till slavery is everywhere abol-
'fished and freedom established and pro-
''tected by law; the people themselves,
making for themselves. and supporting
'their own government Every nation.
whether its home be an island or upon
continent If oppressed, ought to have,
'like our own, new birth of freedom,
'tand its government of the people. by the
people and for the people, shall prove at
'tonce its strength and support. Our
'fsympathies especially 60 out to-
"wards the struggling patriots of
"Cuba. We would see the Queen of
''the Antilles free from Spanish rule; her
Slaves all freemen, and she advancing in
cher freedom across the way of national
greatness and renown. Or, If her million
'fand a half inhabitants, with their thou
sands of rich and fertile fields, are unable
''to support national independence and
unity, let her not look for protection from
''or annexation to country and government
''despotic and oppressive in its policy. By
''its proximity to our shores; by the ties of
'blood which connect its population and
''ours; by the examples presented in our
Revolutionary conflict when France fur
'tnished succor and aid to our struggling
'but heroic fathers; by the lessons and ex-
'famples of international law and history;
''by all the pledges made by our nation in
favor Of freedom and equal rights, the
oppressed and suffering people of Cuba
''msy justly expect demand our sympa.,
!'thies and support in their struggle for
freedom and independence. Especially
'1et the colored American realize that where
battle Is made against despotism and
oppression, wherever humanity strug-
"gles for national existence and recogni-
''tion, there his sympathies should be
"felt, his word and succor inspirating, en-
''couraging and supporting. To-day let us
'send our words of sympathy to the strug-
''gling thousands of Cuba, in whose midst,
'as well as among the people of Porto
Rico, we hope to see slavery, indeed,
abolished, free institutions firmly estab-
'lished, and good order, prosperity and
Happiness secured. This accomplished,
''our continent is dedicated to freedom and
"free institutions, and the nations which
compose its population will enjoy sure
'tpromise of national greatness and glory.
Freedom and free institutions should be
'tas broad as our continent. Among no
nation here should there be found any
''enslaved or oppressed. Compromises
between right and wrong. under pretence
''of expediency. should disappear forever;
'four house should be no longer divided
against itself; q new cornerstone should
'be built into the edifcs of our national
continental liberty, and those who guard
land support the structure should accept
'tin all its comprehensiveness, the sentiment
''that all men are created equal, and that
governments are established among men
ito defend and protect their inalienable
rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness"