Year: 1861

The War and Slavery.


1t has not been the policy of our Govern.
ment to interfere with the subject of Slave
ry. The Administration has not demanded
of the South, that they should lberate their
slaves. The Government propose that each
State shall have the opportunity to regulate
this matter TO suit themselves, provided they
do no violence to the Constitution of the
United States. Although this fact is under
stood, still it cannot be concealed that the
question Of Slavery is involved in the great
struggle that is now going on in our country
and must be most materially affected by the
issue. There can be no doubt that the South
hope to render Slavery more permanent and
profitable by secession, but such hope is ev-
identity as bascless as the fabric of vision
Some have assumed that the slave population
of the South would join hands with their
masters to repel Northern troops, and defend
the cotton States in their defiant al titude Of
rebellion but such an idea is perfectly alb
surd 1t is true, that to this period in the
present troubles, the general feeling of the
Slave population has not been tested, but
who thinks that liberty would not DO dear to
them, and that when Slavery Or Freedom is
set before them, that they would not choose
the latter? The idea that they would not
accept of freedom, and even fight for it, is a
libel on human nature. The President Of
the Southern Confederacy has exultipgly as
serted that the battles in this impending con-
fict, must all be fought on Northern soil, but
it is not certain that be will have his choice
in the place where the battles shall be fought,
or who shall be the victors. If Northern
army goes into the slave States, it must be
the great point of attraction for the painting
fugitives, who would gladly flee from the ten
der mercies of American Slavery.


We are told that three hundred and fifty
have alreadyhed for protection to Fort Monroe
1t is question which has been often asked,
what shall be done with them? Gen. Butler
has already been obliged to act upon it, and
it seems that his decision meets with the ap-
proval of the North, and the sanction of the
Government. Those in the country who rec.
ognize the right of property in man, will con.
cede that it is right that negro slaves belong
ing to Secessionists and Rebels, should be re-
garded as contraband commodities, and ale
Justly included in the spoils of the conflict.
Those of course, who deny the right of prop.
erty in human beings, will not find fault at
the annihilation of the pretended claim of
the slave holder. Although they are not re-
turned to their masters they are not to be
sold into bondage or ensaved by Northern
troops They may, however, be used as cir
cumstances may dictate to aid in carrying on
this war to suppress rebellion. Who does
not know that they may render our troops
valuable service in various ways? They
make good cooks, and if we may credit the
report of the South, they know how 20 work
in erecting fortifcatons, and their knowledge
of different portions Of the South, will rem.
der them efficient guides, and some of them
would know how to fight rather than be taken
and returned to the lash, and the fetters of
their hopeless servitudc.


For one we are glad to learn that they
are equitably treated by the Government,
and we hope if this civil war is continued,
that not slave will be left at the South
We are not troubled to know what we shall
then do with them. First, let them be freed
and God, in His providence, will open the
way for their future sustenance and protec-
ton. We have land enough on which to
coonze them, if this is thought desirable,
and we doubt not they would make peace
able and loyal citizens. The present strug-
gle will be among the things that will help
to prepare them for freedom, which, when
secured, they cannot fail to appreciate. The
loss of the slaves must be great property
loss to the South, but that which is loss to
them will be gain to the millions that are
now oppressed.