Green-Mountain freeman. [volume], February 19, 1846, Image 1

About Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884

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Liberty and Equality, JTlan's common birthright, Go tl's richest g i ftR eligion and La to their defence.
BY. POLAND & BBIGGS.
MONTPELIER, VT., THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19, 1846.
VOL 111, NO. 8.
f
HISTORICAL.
From the New York Evangelist.
Present Aspects of Russia,
NO. 4.
BY ilEV. JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.
Aluch has been written of late years in the English
newspapers, respecting the reforms which are pervad
ing the Ottoman empire. And it is true that the late
Sultan Mohmond put on a frock coat, and drank cliain
paigne, and c'ressed the ladies of his harem in the la
test fashions of the Palais Royal and the Thuileries.
But no new motive of action has been culled into be
ing; no dormant energy awakened. The Turk still doz
es upon his divan, sipping his coffee and smoking his
pipe, and as fortresses and provinces of his country
fall into the hands of the Russians, he exclaims, "Mush
Allah !" God is great ! and quietly re-lights his pipe.
The cross will soon supplant the crescent on tho dome
of St. Sophia.
One plan strenuously urged, by some of the English
journalists, to arrest the appalling increase of the Rus
sian power, is the last resort of desperation. They say,
tho present moment is a crisis of awful import to every
nation on the globe that unless something is done
speedily and effectually, Russia must soon become tho
undisputed mistress of tho world. They urge that all
the power of the British navy be immediately collected,
that it force its way through the Hellespont and the
Bosphorus into tho Black Sea, utterly annihilate the
Russian navy, plough up the very foundations of Se
vastapool, and burn every dock-yard of the Emperor.
But to this it is replied, will not tho civilized world,
and indeed the English nation, c ;,' out n gainst so wan
ton an outrage ? Will they not usk, what right has
England thus to wage war against: a nation which stu
diously avoids every act of provocation, cr even dis
courtesy towards her ? And again, it is ;wt the pleas
ant pastime of a summer's day, even for the British
navy, to destroy a well-built and a well-armed Russian
fleet, manned with thirty thousand troops, having been
for mahy years exercised in nautical discipline and
warfare. The result of such a conflict would be, to
say the least, extremely doubtful.
And then Sevnstiipool. wound whoso fortifications
twelve thousand men h we been constantly employed
, for many years, to render the post impregnable, is not
to bo battered d nvn by a few hot shot from an English
frigate. The hostile navy, be it ever so large, which
floats within the range of tho guns of that fortress,
must have a very uncomfortable position. And in fine,
as Russia has already virtual possession of the Dar
danelles, probably at tho very first demonstration of
war, the banks ot the Hellespont, from the Mediterra
nean lo the Sea of Marmora, would bo bristling with
Itussinn cannon, and thronged with Russian troops, and
the who!? British navy would be destroyed before it
had forced its way a dozen miles in tho passage of the
strait.
Quite recently, Russia and England appeared as
allies, to sustain the tottering power of the youthful
Sultan of Turkey against his vigorous antagonist, Mo-
hemet Ali, viceroy of Egypt and conquOior of Syria.
Into the political mazes of this subject we have not
now time to enlor. We may, however, briefly remark,
that France refused to enter into this alliance against
the warlike chieftain of Egypt, as the safety of her
colony in Algiers is quite dependant upon tho friend
ship of Mahomet Ali. His owity is a more immedi
ate object of dread to France, than the remote en
croachments of the great despots of the North. France
endeavors, therefore, ut all hazards, to keep tho peace
with the monarch of Egypt. England, however, has
nothing to fear from the anger of Mehemet Aii, uiiu is
determined, if possible, to preserve the Turkish em
pire from destruction, that that empire may oppose an
obstacle to the encroachments of Russia. She there
fore sent her fleet to batter down the cities of Mehem
et Ali, asid thus she compelled the proud Egyptian to
renounce all claim upon the province of Syria, which
he had vanquished and overrun, and to restore the na
vy of Mahmoud, which he had taken and triumphantly
anchored in his own harbors. In this enterprise Aus
tria, with lukewarm zeal, feebly co-operated. And
Nicholas, also, anxious to retain his ascendency in the
Turkish councils, andto retain the friendship of the
Dardanelles, very zealously lent his fleet, to help his
pood friend the Sultan. These were the main influen
ces which directed the movements of tho fleets and
ariuies, w hich a short lime ago were hovering around
the shores of the Mediterranean, and filling the soli
tudes of Syria with the discordant din of war.
Europe has once been overrun with northern hordes
There is r,o little danircr that it may bo again. It is
difficult to see where the power is to arise, which is
effectually to arrest the progress of Nicholas. In the
short limits of a few newspaper articles, but very fee
ble justice can be done to a sul.ject so momentous, and
so extensive i;i its bearings as that which we have now
been considering. But if we have succeeded in giving
a general view of the subject which now agitates Eu
rope ; and if we have touched upon those points of
this subject which may be the topics of future thought
and conversation , and if, in fine, one new emotion of
gratitude to God may be excited in the reader's heart,
in view of our far remove from the desolations of in
vading armies, and from the ambition of kings and
courts, one great object, of these communications will
have been accomplished.
Shepherds in Judca.
Shortiv after leaving the city we mot several flocks
of sheep, preceeded by their shepherds, walking slow
ly towards Jerusalem, and tit once the full force of all
the beautiful imagery, and the many touching simili
tudes derived from such scenes and associations, so oft
en alluded to in the Scripture, came vividly before me.
These Arab shepherds, clad in the turbans and simple
abbass worn by their class, and carrying a wooden
crook in their hand1:, walked in front.
The sheep, which are a peculiar and very handsome
breed, are mostly low-sized ; the fore parts of their
bodies are of a fawn color, the hinder parts white; they
have long, pende;i, silken ears, and sweeping tails:
their faces more oval and longer than the species in
these countries, und they have altogether a more pleas
ing, docile, mid mild expie'ssion of countenance.
Not one of them ventured before the shepherd, but
stopped or quickened their pace us he did ; or if a young
and froward creature lagged behind, or strayed to eith
,er side, a single word from their leader, often a very
look, brought it back and checked its wanderings, A
few favorite lambs frisked about their master, rubbing
themselves against hit: legs and garments.
After the sheep, came some young goats and lambs,
and the whole procession closed with about two dozen
old patriarchal looking goats, which brought up the
rear. These goats have long horns and pendent cars
that hang almost to the ground, and their hair is a
glossy black and of the finest grain ; the sheep and
goats were perfectly distinct.
These shepherds are often to be seen about sundown
slowly approaching the city from all sides, to seek shel
ter for their flocks during the night, in some of the
leep valleys by which it is surrounded, carrying the
lambs in their bosoms. It is almost incredible, the in
fluence that the shepherds of Palestine possess over
their flocks ; many of them have no dogs, but a word
is often sufficient to make them unUf isUiid and obey
the will of their shepherd.
. He sleeps among them at night, and in tiie morning
leads them forth to pasture; always walking before
those nlaces where they can en
joy the best food, and resting when he thinks they have
obtained a sulficency, or during the heat of the day,
in some cool shady place, where they all immediately
he down around mm,
Common Schools.
From the St. Jllbans Messenger.
Town Superintendents.
It will be borne in mind that the Deriod is annroach-
ing for the appointment of town superintendents of
common acliools ; as they are to be chosen by the sev
eral towns at their annual March meetings. And since
the office cannot be regarded otherwise tlian as a very
important one under our present school syiStorn, it np
pears desirable that the peoj should, in advance, set
tle in their minds some definite principles by which
they may be governed in their selection. And for the
purpose of calling public attention to the subject and
inviting discussion, I propose to offer my opinion.
In the first place, then, I believe our town superinten
dents should be men of good elementary education
well acquainted with first principles and, if possible,
men who have had some experience in actual teaching.
We do not consider it as at all essential that they
should be to use the familiarphrase "college-learned
men ;" for allowintr that such could be found in
every town who could be induced to undertake the du
ties of the office, they would not by any means neces
sarily be tho best qualified. Extent of learning we
should regard as a matter of less consequence then
thoroughness of acquaintance with those branches
usually taught in our schools. Without this a superin
tendent would not be competent to test the scholarship
of those who are to teach these branches, or to judge
when schools are correctly and properly instructed.
Still, the more a Superintendent knows, the better
provided always that he knows it well.
In the next place it would seem desirable that those
officers should feel a deep interest in tho cause of com
mon school education. We would not, however, set
this down ns an indispensable pre-requisite, in case the
other qualifications are secure ; for we can scarcely
think it possible that one should labor long in such a
deiigiufiil and interesting field as this, without his feel
ings becoming deeply enlisted, and his soul kindled in
view of the interest that surounds it. It is a great law
of our nature that what we have aided and fostered
and cherished, wo soon learn to love. And this general
law must especially hold good in regard to an object
of such intrinsic and essential interest as this. That
nature must be cold indeed whkdi could resist tho go
nial influence of such an occupation as that which we
are contemplating. Still we should regard a good de
gree of interest on this subject, in advance, as a very
excellent capital to commence business with, and per
haps a moderate amount of it might be deemed essen
tial. Again. Town Superintendents should be men of
good common sense, sound judgment, prudence and
discretion. Mere learning nnd zeal would not bo suf
ficient 1.) ensure the best and most efficient discharge
of their duties. They should be capable of giving
good, jti'licious and suitable advice in regard to a mul
titude of matters connected w ith the instruction and
management of schools. Indeed we regard the use
fulness and success of our present school system as
ucueniicnt, in no small degree, upon the manner in
which they discharge the varied duties growing out of
their close and intimate connection with our common
schools.
And now we will venture to express our confident
belief that there may be found in all our towns men
uniting, in a competent degree, all these important
qualifications.
Having said thus much in regard to rexuisite qualifi
cations, we propose to offer a few suggestions with ref
erence to the proper number to be appointed in each
town. By the act authorizing the appointment it is
provided that eacli town may elect one or more, not
exceeding three. But we would recommend the ap
pointment of one on'.y, provided one can be found who
may be relied on to discharge the duties. One of trie
advantages ot tins plan would be, that one, thus ap.
pointed solely, would feel a deeper responsibility rest.
ingon him than if his responsibility and obligations
were divided between two or three. Another advan
tage would be, that if the lubors were performed by
one he would acquire an experience and facility in the
pcrfortnence of it. And another and very important
advantage would be, that the more one labored in this
vocation the more deeply would his feelings become
engaged, the more deeply would his love for the em
ployment be increased, and the more actively would
his energies bo exerted. And just in that name pro
poition would his substantial usefulness be increased.
If, however, from any cause there should bo doubt
whether the individual on whom the first preference
might fall, would be able to discharge, alone, t!:o du
ties of the appointment, an additional one should be ap
pointed. It cannot be objected to this plan of conferring the
appointment on one individual, that it is giving him,
exclusively, a "fat office." The compensation allowed
being not to exceed one dollar per day, cannot be
doomed to hold out any strong temptation to any indi
vidual to seek the office tor uio sake of its pecummy
profiits. It was the intent, doubtless, of the Legisla
ture to place the compensation so low that no town
could reasonably regard it as a burden to pay it while
on the other hand it was hoped that, saving as it does
the individual from making nn entire sacrifice of his
time and labor for tho public weal, there might be
found those who would feel sufficiently interested to
be willing to engage in the exalted and ennobling en
terprise. And now, Mr. Editor, w ill you insert this, and solicit
your brethren of the press to copy and comment, if
they have any dmcrent opinions to express, or addi
tional suggestions to otter.
A Friend of Common Schools.
Death of Christ.
.Come with us a moment to Calvary. See the meek
sufferer standing, with hands fast bound, in the midst
of his enemies, sinking under tho weight of the cross,
and lacerated in every part, by the thorny reeds with
which he had been scourged. See the savage, fero
cious soldiers raising, with rude violence, his sacred
body, forcing it down upon the cross, wresting and ex
tending his limbs, and, with remorseless cruelty, for
cing through his hands and feet the ragged spikes
which were to fix him on it. See the Jewish priests
and rulers watching, with looks of malicious pleasure,
the horrid scene, and attempting to increase his suffer
ings by scoffs and blasphemies. Now contemplate at
tentively the countenance of the wonderful sufferer,
which seems like heaven opening in the midst of hell,
and tell me what it expresses. You see it indeed full
of anguish, but it expresses nothing like impatience,
resentment, or revenge. On the contiary, it beams
with pity, benevolence, and forgiveness. It perfectly
corresponds with the prayer, which, raising his mild,
imploring eyes to heaven, he pours forth to God Fa
ther, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Christians, look at your Master, and learn how to suf
fer. Sinner, look at your Savior, and learn to admiro,
to imitate, and to forgive. Paysan.
TIIE F It E E MAN-
Religions.
Speak to that Young Man.
He has a prejudice against Christians. The speci
mens which he has been familiar, have not been of the
most lovely and attractive kind. Judging the many by
the few, he has contracted a disli'.c to the whole. He
thinks them unsocial, exclusive and coldly selfish, and
therefore he keeps as far from them as possidle. Spettk
to him. A kind word, a kind look even, may change
his opinion, give a new current to his feelings, and
render him more accessible.
Yon have heard of, perhaps seen, the Rev. Mr. ,
of . Several years ago he came from New
Hampshire, a brick-layer by trade to work in the town
of Lowell. lie cherished at heart a strong prejudice
against professed Christians, considering them as proud
and supercilious, and ever ready to Bay to him, "Stand
by thyself; we are holier than thou !" His feeling of
repugnance was so deep-seated, and had such a con
trolling influence over his intellectual nature, ns to
generate sceptical thoughts, and lead him to question
the truth of the Bible. One day, as he was going to
his work, he saw a gentleman approaching who had
been pointed out toliini as the Rev. Mr. , and
represented as one of the most affuble and courteous
ot Ins profession. "INow," said he, "1 will put this
matter to the test. Hero I am in my work-day clothes.
If this man noticos me, I will think there is, after all
something good in religion."
They met. The clergyman raised his hat, Dowen,
smiled, and looked as if he would say, "I should be
happy to become acquainted with you." The young
brick-layer passed on to his labor, but could not forget
his promise. The next sabbath he went to hear that
"gentlemanly minister," and acquaintance ensued of
the most agreeable and salutary kind. His sceptical
notions melted away before kind treatment, like snow
in an April shower, and he soon became an honest in
ouirer nfier truth and mercv. Now ha is the beloved
He has generally two or throe fnvnrite lambs who pastor of a flourishing church.
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
Pro-Slavery Objections to Anti-Slavery
Action, answered,
Continued.)
"The North should have notuimu to no with
Slavery."
Permit mo to say thut all who make this plea for
their cold-hearted indifference on tiie subject of hu
man liberty, are fit instruments to be used by the Ne
ros and Caligulas of tho age, to pervert our national
laws, by tamely and blindly submitting to the dictato
rial spirit of the slavocmcy, and if it were not for the
charitable belief that they act without reflection, we
could not believe them to bo worthy of the name of
Americans; for there can be no oilier proper excuse
for such a state of feelings. Even want of reflection
on a subject of such magnitude involving the liberty
of three; millions of human beings with their posterity
in our own boasted land, of liberty, only proves a want
of benevolence, and is a striking proof of the degen
eracy of man. What! three millions of human be
ings in Christian America, bought, sold, and crushed
by the most wid;;: J 3ysiem of oppression that ever af
flicted man, and you are not in duty bound to sympa
thise with tliom and seek their emancipation? When
the territory in which our 'national representatives
meet, is polluted by the footsteps of resident oppress
ors, and men, women and children arc sold under the
very walls of the capital, you say with stoical indiffer
ence We at the North have no business to meddle
with slavery. That territory should be consecrated
ground, from which a halo of light should emanate to
shed a benign influence en America and Iho world, in
favor of liberty. Instead of being consecrated to lib
erty, it is consecrated to slaveiy, with a code of laws
that would make a heathen despot Mush to own ! You
inhabitants of the free States, permit it so to be, while
you have as much voice in the government of that ter
ritory as any of the slave States, according to your
representation. Why is it so ? Why do not our rep
resentatives demand, in the name of Freedom, the ab
olition of slavery in that district, and a thorough revis
ion of the infamous laws which pollute its records?
Were they true republicans they would show an ener
gy and efficiency in favor of liberty, at least equal to
the zeal of the supporters of slavery. They would
constantly " agitate" the subject, and never yield the
palm to the willing servants of Apolyon while they
looked to their constituents for sympathy and support
Why ilo they not do it? It is the fear that their party
would lose southern votes, coupled with degenerate
and cowardly subserviency to the slave power, that
prevents it ! It is their apathy on tho great subject of
human liberty that has infected many minds of the
people of the free States; but tho time has come when
the " day star" is arising in the hearts of tho people,
and tiiey see and iVql that they have something to do
with the subject of slavery, and they are fully Convin
ced that they have been led by the " leaders" long
enough, and for the future nre calculating to think
for llu-msclvcs, and they will seek representatives who
not only pass resolutions against slavery in our State
Legislatures, but who will carry their abolition to
Washington, even if they do " provoke a challenge."
The people of the free States have a constitutional
right likewise, to abolish Slavery in the territories un
der the United States Government. They have a
right in many ways to show themselves haters of op
pression and lovers of liberty to sympathise with the
oppressed by the universal dissemination of anti-slavery
principles to control public opinion to expose
the duplicity of political demagogues who barter lib
erty for a " mess of pottage" to refuse to uphold op
pressors and become partakers of their sins to defei.d
themselves against the aggressions of the slave power,
and, without hesitation, it is said that all those rights
arc duties imposed by the laws of justice, equity and
self-defence ; and we beseech you to refuse to cherish
the sentiment that you have no duties to perform in the
cause of suffering humanity, and in support of human
liberty, politically and morally. In this connection it
may be proper to notice the consessions of the domi
nant parties, that we are in danger of the slave power.
It is proper likewise, that we scrutinize their action in
the premises. They are the persons who have clothed
them with the influence which they profess to fear.
They are still clothing them with power, and seek to
create confidence in the minds of northern men in men
who are deadly enemies to free institutions ! Have
we no interest in opposing such a state of things ? If
the fountain is impure, will not the streams also be
do not mix with the flock, but follow close at his side,
frisking and fondling about him like dogs; inueed the
degree of intelligence and understanding tint exists
between tho Arab and his flock is truly astonishing.
"They know his voice, and follow him;" und "he
careth for the fheep." It was probably to such shep
herds as these that the angel announced the glad tid
ings of the Savior's birth. Wilde's Narrative.
I am a Christian and therefore cannot fight Maxi
milian. War is murder, but we get accustomed to it; the
sight of blood makes man a tiger.
Kind and courteous attentions to young men are a
very cheap, but they are often a very effective mode of
usefulness. As you read tins, my Christian brother,
vou probably think of some one whom you may have
passed with an air of indifference, when you might ea
sily have given him your hand, ami shown him some
civility. Speak to him. Very likely he will think the
better of you lor it, anaaiso tne Dcueror your religion.
Chr. Watchman.
How to Stop a Quarrel. Make your enemy see and
feel your love to him; this will subdue his enmity, and
perhaps gain his affections.
impure ? Then it becomes us, for our ownsakes the
interests of our children and the oppressed, to seek to
strip tiie slavocracy of their power ; not by falsehood
and calumny weapons of the base but by withdraw
ing and forever withholding our political support, and by
exposing tho corrupt party movements of those who,
while they confess the dangerous designs of the slave
power, and acknowledge their injustice as oppressors,
still foster the vipers in their bosoms and directly aid
in their growth. Arouse ! people of the free States,
and let it be fully known that henceforth slaveholders
and their abettors can never gain your support and that
you are not men who will cry with alarm that we are
in danger from the aggressions of tho South, and still
uphold and clothe with power slaveholders. Hay not
we have nothing to do with slavery, but strike home and
be free yourselves, and carry joy to the hearts of eman
cipated millions.
W.
Whitingham, Vt.
Let the poorer classes refuse to bleed and suffer for
the privileged lew. Lhannwg.
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
The American Board and Slavery.
Messrs. Editors: It has been affirmed thut the
American Board of Foreign Missions can sustain no
relation to slavery that implies approbation of the sys
tem, or having any connexion or sympathy with it.
But it is believed that the reverse of this can be made
to appear.
Mr. Frelinghuysen, one of the corporate members
and President of the Board, has declared thit he is not
an abolitionist, and never has been. He has wholly
discarded sympathy with the movement that has in
view the abolition of slavery.
Dr. Armstrong, one of the Secretaries, has, at the
north and south, decried the abolition movement. He
has represented the measures, spirit and principles of
the abolitionists as being rash, wicked, ami contrary
to the clearest principles of tho Word of God.
Oue of the Secretaries has written a tract, justifying
the reception of slaveholding funds. This tract was
published under the direction of the Prudential Com
mittee, as expressive of the views of tho Board on the
subject In view of the principle embodied in that
tract, receiving agents have been appointed at the
south, and returned missionaries have gone there to
solicit contributions.
There were at tho last meeting of the Board, those
who maintained that slavery was justified by the Bible,
and that the sin of slavery, being an organic sin, it was
not so condemned and treated as were other sins.
Now, how can it be said that persons holding these
views, and going hand in hand, co-operating together,
do not sympathize with each other, and that they do
not approve of the system of slavery? Suppose the sin
on which we are now animadverting, was theft that
this crime was prevailing to an alarming extent, and
that there were individuals who were endeavoring to
rid the country of this evil. Should an individual de
clare that he was opposed, and always had been, to its
abolition; another should decry the motives and ten
dencies of doing it away; another should write a tract,
calling on thieves to contribute to the Board ; another
should organize theft in a way to do away with indi
vidual responsibility; others should try to prove theft
from the Bible, and these should sympathize together,
co-operate together, could it bo said that there was no
approval of the system? And is not the holding of
human beings theft of the worst kind worse than
highway robbery? If a man stole a hat, the Board
would excommunicate hiin. But if he stole a hat with
a man in it, or kept him, knowing him to be stolen, and
robbed him of himself, his wages, his wife, his chil
dren, this sin, in the view of the Board, should not
lead to a withdrawal of fellowship.
Viewing the position of the Board in this light, it
would not certainly be astonishing if certain other
things should follow which some would consider marvellous.
laiiily it would not be strange if slaveholders at
the mission churchs should continue to be received to
the communion of the church. It would not be strange
if among them there should arise many like Dr. Fuller,
who sholtM dofoml tho patviarcliial oaluul, UllU Say
that it was based on the scriptures. Those might, in
due time be elected corporate members of the Board.
They might be elevated to offices of trust, as those are
now who have ridiculed the abolition system. So will
those who maintained caste,who tread under foot those
of the lower orders, and not only anathamatise them
for this world, but also for the next; these could be
corresponding members.
So with the oppressive chiefs, who now grind the
face of the poor. These could give some of their ill
gotten gain to tho treasury of the Board, and be
entitled to marked respect All could plead organic
sins, and of course there would be no individual responsibility.
And it would not be strange that though the Board
should court investigation, and invite all to examine
its mode of procedure, it should after all, refuse to a n
swer the most simple question on points that ought to
be thoroughly investigated. Men sometimes love
darkness rather than light and will not come to the
light, lust their deeds be reproved. Those that do
right come to the light and are willing that their con
duct should be investigated, especially when they are
the representatives of others. And men who manage
a religious society, professing themselves to be reli
gious, should be willing to answer all reasonable ques
tions in regard to their conduct But all connected
with slavery, or that which builds up the system, avoid
the light of investigation.
It would not be strange, neither, if funds committed
to the charge of such should be hazarded. Thousands
of dollars have been paid into the treasury, no doubt,
that the donors never thought would go to build up
pro slavery churches. When collections have been
taken up in New England, has it been known to the
people that slaveholders, and caste, and oppressive
rulers were to bo received as Christians? Did the
churches generally know that men were received who
gave up some sins and retained others, from tho con
sideration that they were organized? Would it be
strange if there should be a betrayal of confidence in
this respect' There, slavery has on undue influence
over the mind, and men tire disposed to justify it who
can say that they are not liable to be deceived?
And it would not be strange that some of the officers
of the Eoird should want and obtain large salaries
three times as much as much as ministers generally
obtain. Wherever there is the spirit of slavery, men
are cxhorbitant in thei: demands. They certainly
must want some money to maintain caste m their fam
ilies. If they have hired help they must not sit with
them at the same table must not sit with them in the
samo pew at the church. Agents must have their
eight, ten and twelve hundred dollars, and then travel
ing expenses paid. All which may appear to some
like living for the conversion of the world. Was this
the course pursued by Christ and his apostles ? Did
not he who became poor that we through his poverty
might bo rich, leave us an example that we should fol
low liia steps ?
And it is not strange, taking all things into account
that the Board made out just such a report as they
did. Public opinion was so strong that they certainly
would condemn slavery in the abstract. But they
must have a loop hole, just big enough for every pro
slavery man and slaveholder to get out his head. They
justify themselves in that they say or consider them
selves as not responsible for the effects that are produ
ced by receiving slaveholders and oppressors and
castes to the communion. And they give us to un
derstand that certain results may follow after things
have gone on so and so, which they must know is con
trary to experience developed in the whole history of
slavery in this country. They say, under these influ
ences, may not the master be prepared to break the
bonds of the slave, the oppressive ruler bo led to dis
pense justice, acd the proud Brahmin be prepared to
embrace his brother that is of low caste? I ask, was
it so at the South, where the slave Bystemhos brought
to maturity a Fuller, & corporate members of the board,
slaveholders. His not the gospel been preached
there,or part of it at least, as it has among the Indians,
and what are the fruits ? Are not the slaves as bad as
heathen in any part of the world ? And how does it
appear that they want slavery abolished, and caste and
oppression as in the case of certain rulers ? Has not
Mr. Frelinghuysen justly said that he was not an ab
olitionist, and Dr. Armstrong too? have not the Board
said that it is right to receive the funds of slavery
into the Treasury ? Has not Dr. Beecher said that sla
very was anorganic sin, and exculpated individuals
from all blame ? Have not many of the Board justi
fied the system from the Bible or tried to? Have
they not admitted slaveholders to their embrace, and
virtual cooperation in the person of corporate members?
Is it not clear that they have done nothing at all tow
ards doing away slavery in this country ? Whence
then these crocodile tears on account of the system in
foreign countries, if it is not to produce a certain im
pression on the minds of those who sustain their ope
rations? There are some sticks that are hard to be
straightened in this world one would think that it
would be hard to harmonize this report Is it probable
thnt one so hopeful and profound will be forthcoming
next year ?
And it would not be strange that many should follow
i:i the wake of the Board that should crii.ge and kiss j
the great toe of the Pope. And these too, professing i
to be the friends of the slave. They will read the
Herald and offer up prayers for the success of the
Board when they know that every thing that is done !
to further it is only binding the cords of the slave. j
your word is sufficient." This appeared to calm our
friend's resentment, so lowering his tone, he asked the
agent if he did not remember iiis bringing his servant
with him to Washington about a week ugo? adding,
you ought to know that bonnet your Washington
niggers don't often carry such head gear" at which
the agent, smiling, went away, saying, " all's right, sir,
all right !" and away went the cars, gentleman, ser
vant and all ! and she is now living where the slave
holder will not find her, or if he does, he dare not take
her. Thus was a young woman rescued from " worse
than death," and thus was a Northern 1111:1 made into1
an abolitionist, which he was not when he left home
for tho South. Essex Transcript.
Letter from Frederick Douglass;
Victory IIotki., Belfast, )
January 1st, 1840. J
Mv Dp.ar Krif.nc Garrison :
I am now about to take leave of the Emerald
Isle, fur Glasgow, Scotland. I have been here
a little more than four months. Up lo this time,
I have given no direct expression of the views,
feelings, and opinions which I have formed re
specting the character and condition of the peo
ple cf this land. I have refrained thus purpose
ly. I wish to speak advisedly, and in order to
do iliin, I have waited till I trust experience has
brought my opinions to an intelligent maturity.
I have been thus careful, not because I think
what I may say will have much effect in shaping
fhe opinions of the world, but because whatever
of influence I may possess, whether little or much
1 with it to go in the right direction, and accor
ding t. truth.
I hardly need sny that, in speaking of Ireland
1 shall be influenced by no prejudices in favor of
Biitthcythinkthattheymustbowdowntogreatnames.iAmcrlc:l- 1 u""k "'J' circumstances all forbid
It matters not what course the Board take, they think j lbt- 1 1,ave 110 c,uI t0 sc";vp 110 crecd lo "P''"ld,
that it is all right. They have not moral courage e- 1,0 government to defend, and as to nation I be
nough to come out from pro-slaveiy. The anti-slavery j lu"br lo 110"e' 1 hi,v0 n,) protection at home, or
cause owes nothing to such. These will bo strong an-! res,i" Pli,cp ahroaJ. Til I'""1 of 'J bir,n wel-
cumu me to her shores only as a slave, and spurns
with contempt the idea of ti citing me different
ly. So that I am an outcast liom the society of
my childhood, an outlaw in the land of my birth.
a stranger with t lice, and a sojourner as
When the pop-
ti slavery men when it will do to be.
ular tide turns they will becoming.
It would not be strange that if all to a man that are
anti-slavery, should abandon entirely the Buard. For
how can they follow in iu wake. They now repent
that they ever gave u single cent to the Board, and
they would not have done it, had they known that it
'I am
my fathers ucr
tnotie is to me
'." That men slnuld be pa-
leitcctly natural; and as a pliilo-
would have gone into a treasury where were gathered "pl'ic;il fuct, I am able lo give it an intellectual
mil no itirtner can i go. 11 i ev-
tho fruits nf iinrnriiiitnfl tnil whom v;,a tlin nrion ,,f i 'eC.'gllillOIl
nmi tut it .-nni,i m n tm.iMi,on n. i,n.io r!or had any patriotism, ni liny capacity for the
What they have done they cannot un
the oppressor.
do, but they can renounce their allegiance to that so
ciety. They arc bound in duty to do it They will
do it if they ure true to the cause they have espoused.
A host would come out with them, if they know the
whole truth.
There are now in this country three millions of
slaves. Even slaveholders themselves confess that
they will bear comparison with heathen in any part
of the worid. The Board receives the funds of their
toil and suffering f 10m tho hand of the slaveholders
1 loaves them to perish. What authority have they
to do this? Is there any religion in doing it? Is it
not wicked to do it? And does not the voice of con
science and of God say in accents that cannot be mis
understood, Come out of her my people, that ye be
come not partakers of her plagues. He that is on the
Lord's side he that would have an approving con
science in life and in death: he that would receive the
welcome plaudit on the great and final day, Come ye
blessed of my Father, let him row come out and let
hiin act for the poor und needy, let hiin cry aloud and
spare not let him break cveiy yoke and let the op
pressed go free, and Christ v ill say to him at the last,
Inasmuch as ye have done.it unto one of tho least of
these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
CHARLES BOSWELL.
West Fairlet , Feb. 5, 1840.
The District of Columbia.
ESCAPE OF A SLAVE FROM THE ROBBERS.
A correspondent of tho Cleveland (Ohio) American
gives a thrilling account of tho rescue of a young wo
man from a Rlave-gang in Washington City, by a gen
tleman from a free State, It seems that the gentle
man and wife wore on a visit to their sister,who resided
in the city. He took with him a young colored girl
who was free, and who was living with him in the ca
pacity of servant. One evening between sun-set and
tlatk a cotllo of slaves, ninle and female, tied to a long
rope was driven by his lodgings. He stood looking at
the disgraceful n"d monstrous spectacle, when ho was
startled bv a shriek behind hiin in the house. On en
tering he found his servant had fainted, und was lying j
on the floor ; he dashed some water into her face,
which revived her, when he asked, what was tho mat
ter ? She replied " My God ! they have got my sis
ter in that coflle." " Hush us !" replied he, " show me
which she is, and make no noise about it." lie then
went into the street, with his knife concealed ia his
hand, and quietly cutting the cord that bound her to
the coflle rope, without any body except the captive
seeing it; ho then said to her in on angry tone, "Go
into the house, you huzzy, or I'll knock your d d
brains out." She instantly obeyed bis languago and
bearing, and her obsequious submission, was in such
good keeping with Southern manners, that " the by
standers never suspected that anything was wrong."
"The head devil, who had charge of the coflle, was at
tho other end of the rope, and no notice was taken of
the transaction by nny body." The gentleman then
went into tho house, and concealed the fugitive. It
was several hours before the cars would start for the
North, and the gentleman says they were the longest
hours he ever remembered.
About an hour and a half after the girl had been
thus far rescued, a horseman was seen passing up tho
street on a full run they had gone some distance
from the town before the young woman was missed,
this man (or rather demon,) had returned in search of
her; nobody had seen her nobody knew anything a
bout her the search was fruitless. They " knew that
they had brought her to Washington, and as there
were always plenty of people about it, it was impossi
ble she should have escaped in the city ;" so ho con
cluded she must have eloped after they got out of the
city; and back he went, on a full run, as if "Old Har
ry" was after him, in order to search the country be
tween the city and the place where they first missed
her. lie was -io sooner gone than our Northern gen
tleman told the affrighted girl to dress herself in her
sister's clothes, and follow him to tho Railroad Depot
as his servant Now came the great trial ; it wus a
dangerous experiment for him and her; the scrutiny
was severe. Before the cars started the agent came up
to iier and demanded, " who do you belong to ?" She
replied, " to Mr. ," pointing to him. The agent
asked him, " does this wench belong to you ?" " 1 cs
sir!" was the laconic reply, with all the hauteur of a
Southern nabob. The gentleman hud a sallow com
plexion, dark hair, grey eyos, and might readily pass
fori Southerner; but tho direction of the route in
which he was travelling, or something else, made the
agent hesitate. It was a fearful moment, when the
gentleman, assuming all the "chivalry" of which he
wascapablo,and "feeling indignant" at the craven
tool of Southern slavocracy, his eye flashed fire, us he
put his hand into his bosom, (as though he was in the
act of drawing an unanswerable argument from his
breast pocket) and turning round t" the agent deman
ded in a tone which made him quuil, "do you doubt my
wordir?" To which the agent replied, "oh no, sir,
leeiing, it was wtitpt out oi me long since uy me
lash of the American sonl-drivcrs.
In thinking of America, I sometimes find
myself admiring her bright skies her grand old
woods her fertile fields her beautiful rivers
her mighty lakes and star-crowned mountains.
But my rapture is soon checked, my joy is soon
fumed to mourning. When I remember that
all is cursed with the infernal spirit of slave
holding, robber) and wrong, when T remember
that with the waters of her noMest rivers, the
tears of my brethren are borne io the ocean, dis
regarded and forgotten, and that her most fertile
f'lds drink d.iilv of the warm blood of mv out
raged sisters, I am filled with unutterable lonth
ing, and led to reproach myself that any tiling
could fall from my lips in praise of such a laud.
America will not allow her children to love her.
She seems bent on compelling those who would
he her warmest friends, to be her worst enemies.
May God give her repentance before it is too
late, is the ardent prayer of my heart. I will
continue to pray, labor and wait, believing that
she cannot always be insensible to the dictates
of juMice, or deal to the oicc of humanity.
My opportunities for learning the character
and condition of tl.ii people of ibis land have
been vciy great. I have travelled almost from
the hill of 'Ilowth' to the Giai.t's Causewnv,
j and from the Giant's C, nscv.ay to Capo Clear,
j During these frin els, I have met with much in
tiie character and coniiilii n r.l the people lo ap
prove, and much to cmni, i.'t' much that has
thrilled n.e with pleasure ;'iid very much that
has thrilled me witn pain. I will not, in this
letter, attempt lo g'ue you ; ny description of
those scenes which have giver, me pain. This
I will do hereafter. I hae nough and nit re
than your subscribers will be disposed to read at
one time, of (he bright side of the picture. 1
can truly say, 1 have spent some of the happiest
moments of nsj life since landing in this coun
try. I seem to have undergone a transfinnation.
I live a new life.
The warm turn generous co-operation extend
ed to me by the friends of my despised race
the prompt nnd liberal manner with which the
press has rendered me its aid the glorious en
thusiasm wilh which thousands have flocked to
hear the cruel wrongs of mv down-trodden nnd
long-enslaved fellow-countrymen portrayed the
deep sympathy for the slave, and the strong ab
horrence of the slaveholder, every where evin
ced the cordiality with which members and
ministers of various religious bodies, and of va
rious shades of religious opinion, have embraced
me, and lent me their aid the kind hospitality
constantly proffered to mc by persons of the
highest i auk in society the spirit of freedom
that seems lo animate! all wilh whom I come in
contact nnd the entire absence of every thing
thai looked like prejudice against me, on account
of the color of my skin contrasted so strongly
with my 1 ng and bitter expedience in the United
States, that I look with wonder and amazement
on the transition.
In the Southern part of the United States, I
was a. "lave, thought of and spoken of as prop
erly. In the language of the Law "held, taken,
reputed and adjudged to be a chattel in the
hands of my ow ners and possessors, and their ex
ecutors, administrate!, and assigns, to ail intents,
constructions, and purposes whatsoever."
Rrcv. Digest. 22-1. In the Northern States,
a fugitive slave, liable to be hunted nt any mo
ment like a felon, and to be hurled into the hor
lible jaws of slavery doomed by an inveterate
prejudice ngainst color, to insult and outrage en
every hand, (iMussachusetls out of the question)
denied the privileges and courtesies common
to ethers in the use of the most humble convey
ancesshut out from the cabins of steamboats
refused admission to respectable hotels carica-.
Hired, scorned, scoffed, mocked and maltreated
with impunity by any, no matter how black his
heart, so lie has a white skin.
But now behold the change! Eleven das.
and a half gone, and I have crossed thiee thou,.