New Slave States
Congress have exercised the power to admit siavé states into the Union. They may bO said to possess it, because, ; cording to the form of' the Constitvtion, there is no remedy when the deed Ãs done. But the admissior. of Slave State i8 an abuse of power as we}] as of confidente. Such was the state of public sentiment in regard to siavery, at the time tho Constitution was made, that no one feit any apprehension that such an evil would befal us. The Convenlion did not suppose that any Congress wou ld prove so treacherous to ihe principies avowed the Declaration of Independence, and U ', the great object of the constitution itself -the securing of lïberly to all joithin itr scope- as to admit a new Slave State into ' the Union, when to admit it or not, was left wholly at its discretion. If the firet application of such a" State for admission had been rejected, the country would not be encountering tile dangera and suffering the agitations throiWh which it is now evident it will have to pass before tho Abominations of slavery can' be wboÃly east out. Congress atuses its power when it legislates for the promotion or maintainance of siavery in any way or in any plaee. Slavery, so far from promoting any of the objects of the Constitution, is opposed to every one ofthem; to union - to justice- to domestic tranquil ity - to the comraon defence - to the general welfare, and to the security of liberty. - J G. Birney to B. F. Hofman, MayS, 1844.
Article
Subjects
Signal of Liberty
Old News