Year: 1859

From the founding of this great republic


the most profound and complicated question Of


political economy and of government which


has been brought before the attention of our
| statesmen and citizens generally, is the ques-


tion of slavery. 1t is by no means a sectional


question, and never has been. Our whole peo-


pie, of every State and of every principality
| are vitally interested in the solution of this
mighty problem. No intelligent American
citizen can fail to feel that his welfare, person
ally, is affected by the results to be reached by
the present thorough discussion of the several
| phases--economieal, governmental and moral OF
| this grand theme. The ramifcations of the
institution by which every interest of every
| circle of society is reached, need not now be
pointed out; they are apparent to the intelIi-
| gent mind.


Remembering the all-pervading character of
these Influences, and the fact that, though di-
vided into different States for the better gov
ernment of ourselves, We are after all one peo-
pie. and our whole country the common coun-
try for US all, it is not surprising that the feel
ings of some of our fellow citizens of the non
slaveholding States, should have been occasion
ally led to improper lengths in their operations
for the extirpation of the system. they sure
ly have been, and we have no disposition to
conceal the fact, or to plead Justification of
such improper interference. But surely we
should not allow ourselves to regard the citf-
zens of other States as foreigners, aliens and
enemies. If they have been imprudent, let us
admonish them of their folly, and charitably
attribute their improprieties to misguided,
pufrh If znal in


But whatever may have been, in time past,
the charactar of this outside Interference, it is
evident that our fellow-citizens of the non
slaveholdng States have now come to better
state of mind toward us, and now really enter
tain the most just and amicable feelings and
purposes in this regard.


Numerous proofs of the fact reach us al
most daily in our Free State exchanges. Con
trary statements by whomsover made, are to
be regarded as partizan appeals to prejudice,
which ought to be abandoned forever


The most universal and profound interest in
Missouri is awakened throught the whole coun-
try; and with but little abatement extends al
50 to the old. Whatever has connection with
Missouri is sure to receive consideration, and
awaken arlent enthusiasm. All feel q lively
concern with regard to our future dcrelope-
mcnts and greatness. Immigration, under this
mighty impuL e, is flowing in upon US. Skilled
labor and cash capital are turning this way,
like one Of lie majestic spring tides OF our own
mighty river. 1t is destined speedily to sweep
away whatever of lethargy and inattention to
our untold resources may have para1yzed us
and speedily to rut into active operation every
dormant energy of society.


The opening of fairs, the Development of our
unparalleled mineral deposits, the construction
of railroads, the erection of seminaries and
the erection of churches, are henceforth to be
the order of the day in Missouri.


Under such an impulse as this, it does not re-
quire prophets eye to foresee the destiny of
slavery. There is not an element of its being
that can long subsist uritler the presence of
these combined forces. Our wisest statesmen,
our shrewdcst business men, our educators and
journalists, our philanthropsts and Christians,
all alike premise the approaching downfall and
dissolution of the Institution and all alike
uiite in mailing the dawn of that glorious day,