Anti Slavery Bugle

Slavery in the States.

Many insist that slavery in the States is repugnant to the Constitution of the Union. We think no such position can be maintained, except by construction so constrained, that the common sense of unbiased men, will, we fear, never acquiesce in it;—by construction so dangerous, also, that, if it were once received, it would, in our view, annihilate the rights of the States, and convert our federal system into a consolidated government.

Nothing, we apprehend, is gained to the cause of freedom, by insisting on a position so doubtful—not to say, so untenable. We have ground enough to stand upon, in the conflict with slavery, without resorting to that.

Denying to the Federal Government all power to create or sanction slavery in territories, or the seas; insisting that it shall remove every trace of slavery from every place under the exclusive jurisdiction of the nation; and urging upon State Governments, and the people of the States, to take measures for the certain and final extinction of slavery within State limits—we need resort, as it seems to us, only to maxims of interpretation, principles of construction, and topics of argument, which will commend themselves to the approval of the candid, and carry conviction to the understandings of the intelligent.

There is room enough here for all to work with direct practical effect. Upon this ground, we would have all lovers of freedom banded in council, and laboring together.

If, however, some choose to toil elsewhere, and upon positions which seem to us less promising, we have no coldness or censures, but only good wishes and warm regards for them. All we ask for, is, like forbearance and sympathy.—Louisville Exam.