Fiat Justitia Ruat Colnm. of Merchants that decided the case under consideration, is not known. But it is not my intention to mention all the shifts to which these gentry have resorted. Garrison was exceedingly remiss in neglecting to attend to the suit himself; † and his attorney complains that he did not receive the necessary documents, &c. &c. to make a proper defence. Be this as it may, it is much to be regretted that the people of Maryland must suffer the imputation of supporting the abominable system of slave-trading (as the decision of the Jury, in the case before us, would seem to warrant) in the estimation of people at a distance. I do not believe that the great mass of them deserve this imputation. As I said before, the whole proceedings of the last trial were exparte. The Jury, with all their mercantile prejudices about *I believe that much the largest portion of the Jury were merchants. I do not assert that the Court and plaintiff's counsel (who had the management of the business mostly to themselves) selected merchants only, to suit their own interrests or prejudices. One of these gentry, I learn, was exceedingly wroth when he discovered that the names of himself and colleagues had been published in the last number of the Genius of Universal Emancipation. He threatened another prosecution of the editor! He has not yet put his threat into execution; but if he is disposed to run his head against a fount of types, he is welcome to do it. They shall be arranged in the best possible order for it! Types are potent implements of modern political and moral warfare. Castles fall before them-canons are silenced-swords and bayonets are crumbled, or turned against the holders, if in the hands of intolerant men. Let tyrants and ignoramuses beware how they bring any thing else in contact with them! Even Courts, Lawyers, and Juries are sometimes fallible and vulnerable! "Give me but the liberty of the press," says Sheridan, "and I will give to the minister a venal house of peers-I will give to him a corrupt and servile house of commons-I will give him a full swing of the patronage of his office-I will give him the whole host of ministerial influenceI will give him all the power that place can confer upon him, to purchase up submission, and overawe resistance; and yet, armed with the liberty of the press, I will go forth to meet him undismayed; I will attack with that mightier engine the mighty fabric he has raised; I will shake down from its height corruption, and bury it beneath the ruins of the abuses it was meant to shelter." In a letter to the editor, received just about the time of the trial, Garrison remarked: "I am willing that the Court should have all the sport to itself. I give Mr. Todd every advantage." This was wrong. Though he walked forth in conscious innocence, and thought himself secure, he should know that any cause, however just, depends for its success upon vigilance and activity. them, were called upon to decide a case when the story on but one side was told them, and when every nerve was strained to give it a color|ing that would influence their judgment. I am not about to assume the character of apologist for them. Before their God, their consciences, and their countrymen of the present and succeeding generations, they must stand approved or condemned. It is a serious matter; and the subject will hence assume a degree of importance that few attach to it in the present day. It is impossible, that with the present advancement of light and knowledge, both in the old and new worlds, such restrictions and shackles can long be imposed on the press, or on the minds of men, as this decision is calculated to enforce. And more particularly, I am certain that the spread of general philanthropy and republican principles must prevail over INDIVIDUAL DESPOTISM, as they have done over the priestcraft of Rome, and the monarchy of Europe. Nothing under heaven can prevent it, if its advocates do their duty-if they remain FIRM and PERSE VERING. A general review of the proceedings in the case under consideration, is not designed at present. This will probably be attended to by Garrison himself. Further remark is, therefore, withheld at this time. The editor of the "American Statesman," alluding to the circumstance of establishing this work at the seat of government, and the proposition for discussing the question of abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, remarks: "The editor is a warm hearted philanthropist-to his philanthropy let him add philosophy, and to these patience, and the Genius of Universal Emancipation will achieve much.We can assure the editor, in advance, that "intelligent and influential men from every part of the Union," view the agitation of this question with extreme jealousy and no slight alarm; and that if it be made the prominent topic of discussion, it must be done with the caution and circumspection, with which the lighted match is applied to a train of gun-powder, * * * or all his airy dreams may be blown 'sky high.' Now, I can assure the gentleman that, as I have labored ten years, PATIENTLY, in this cause, I have necessarily endeavored to muster up a little "philosophy" to help me along. And, for my life, I cannot discover why this question should be viewed with such "extreme jealousy" and "alarm" as he (no doubt truly) intimates. What! shall "American Statesmen" fear to look this evil in the face, while it is yet in its infancy? How, then, shall they dare to encounter it, when it assumes the giant-form, and Fiat Justitia Ruat Colum. in its blindness seizes the pillars of our national fabric! If this Herculean monster can be "strangled in the cradle," I think we should act the part of wisdom in doing it. If, indeed, we neglect it much longer, I fear we shall find that, amidst our "dreams" of safety, we are rocking, as it were, on Etna's trembling summit, or or he will be sold for his prison fees, and other expenses, as the law directs. R. R. BURR, Keeper of the Prison of Washington Cy. TENCH RINGGOLD, D. C. for Marshal. AFRICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY. An association, under this name, was organ rolling 'mid the red-tinged billows of "Egypt's" ||ized, a few months since, at the City of Washawful sea! THE INTERNAL SLAVE TRADE. The question is seriously asked: What are we to think of men who will engage in such a traffic as this? Young negroes, only, are wanted. No matter what the feelings of parents may be, when their children are thus torn from them!And what should we think of editors or publishers of newspapers, who, for the sake of a little pelf, will publish such advertisements? The following is taken from the "National Intelligencer!" The names of the advertiser, &c. are suppressed. I would not, by inserting their names, make an advertisement for them: From the National Intelligencer. ington. The Constitution, together with a list of the officers, an address to the public, &c. comprised in a pamphlet of sixteen pages, has been received at this office, and should have been noticed before now, but was necessarily deferred for want of room. The object of this society is, undoubtedly, a good one. The elevation of the degraded sons of Africa to their proper rank and station, is a great desideratum, and should be encouraged by all proper means. appears to partake largely of a theological character; and on this account a jealousy towards it will be entertained by some.-This should be strongly deprecated; for although it may not exactly meet the views of all who are friendly to the cause, great practical benefit may be expected from it. Let all sects and parties labor for the extinction of this "supreme curse" of slavery, as may to them seem best; and let those who are not in communion with them lend a helping hand, whenever they conscientiously can. The abolition of slavery by the Society of Friends, so far as its members were concerned, was a "glorious" deed. And if the Presbyterians, and other religious denominations, will exert themselves for the moral improvement of that unfortunate race, though they should not, for a time, do all that should be desired, they will be entitled to the appre The measure in question The following advertisement appears in the "National Intelligencer" of Nov. 9th. This man, it is supposed, came to Washington for employment, not knowing the nature of the laws in this District; and he is now likely to be sold as a slave! Can no friendly arm be raised to shield him from such a misfortune, by ad-bation of mankind. vancing the amount of his jail fees? Do the people of the United States generally know that this state of things still exists in the District of Columbia? And will they not raise their voice against it, in a way that shall reach the ears of their representatives in Congress? NOTICE. Was committed to the Prison of Washington county, D. C. on the 27th of October last, as runaway slave, a negro man, by the name of EMANUEL GILBERT. He is 5 feet 8 inches high, supposed to be about 50 years of age; had on when committed a chip hat, blue cloth coat, blue cloth vest, light country cloth trowsers, cotton shirt, white yarn socks, and shoes about half worn. Says he was set free by the late Peter Dejean, deceased, of Prince Georges county, Md. The owner or owners of the The following is the second article of the Constitution of this Association "The exclusive object of this society shall be, such an education, in Letters, Agriculture, and to afford persons of color destined to Africa, the Mechanic arts, as may best qualify them for usefulness and influence in Africa." The terms of membership are one dollar annually; or twenty dollars paid at one time. Bishop Meade, of Virginia, is the President of the Society; Isaac Orr, of Washington, Secretary, and Richard Smith, Esq. of Washington, Treasurer. MARYLAND ANTI-SLAVERY CONVENTION. A meeting of the delegates from some of the branchesof the Maryland Anti-Slavery Society was above described negro man, if any, are request-held in Baltimore, on the 21st of last month. The ed to come and prove him, and take him away," meeting was small, and but little business was Fiat Jnstitia Ruat Colum. transacted. Committees were appointed to pre- 1 with every native sentiment of justice and humanity in the human breast, and yet we are gravely told that all this needs no Legislative interference! Monstrous indeed is the The Officers of the convention, at present, doctrine! But on this subject we will ap are: Wm. R. Jones, President. Henry Mankin, Rec. Secretary. PATRIOTISM IN NORTH CAROLINA. peal to the virtue and good sense of our Countrymen. These evils must be redressed, so as to render a degree of justice at last, to all within our Government, or we cannot rationally conclude that our liberties can be rendered perpetual. And it is in this work that we have engaged, and in this our toil is sweetened by the conscious rectitude of our motives, and our honest and cheerful The annexed extract is the conclusion of an Oration, delivered before the Manumission Society of North Carolina, in Septem-hope that we may ever be the benefactors of ber, 1829, by Amos Weaver, of Guilford County. It will rejoice the friends of our cause to learn, that this patriotic gentleman was very recently elected to the Legislature of that State, by a handsome majority. He was violently opposed by the advocates of slavery; but their opponents triumphed completely. Well done, North Carolina! "But permit me to remark, in conclusion, that should this and a few other evils in our mankind. Therefore, let us work while it is day. It is a glorious privilege which we enjoy, as free men, to engage in this work. In this, our Constitution will protect us. And under the broad protection afforded by the laws of our Country, we may fully discuss this subject; freely advocate what we may deem objects of public utility; freely censure what we may judge improper, or unprincipled, in the public conduct of the ruling authorities; and as freely give our box, against such as act improperly. Say votes, when we must approach the ballotelectioneering policy be suppressed; the you are devotedly attached to the cause of then by all your intercourse with society that evils and impolicy attending a system of ab- freedom, and the highest interests of your solute slavery fairly and generally develop-country. Urge your cause with mildness, ed; and the cause of virtue and knowledge but with a determined and unyielding permaintained among our citizens, we shall find ourselves served by men of a very different severance; and success will certainly crown turn from many of those who have served live to realize the ultimate design of our unlabors. your And although you may not all us heretofore in the councils of our country.dertaking, yet the zeal which we have We shall find men in our Legislatures to shown, and are yet showing in the cause of whom the appeals of humanity and justice humanity, shall survive, and glow in our may be made with, effect. We shall not then, as heretofore, have our humble peti-and the good which has been so generally successors; on them shall our mantles drop; tions ordered to lie on the table, or perhaps undertaken, shall be dispensed and enjoyed hear the hoarse muttering voice of oppreswhen the Sun shall rise to bless generations sion and cruelty, declaring that these things yet unborn." "need no Legislative interference." What! Are thousands of our fellow creatures, within our State, (creatures possessing the nature that we possess, united to the great brotherhood of mankind, all having descended from the same original stock,) destitute of every real protection afforded them by Law either in their persons of property, many of whom are under the control of cruel and relentless masters, from whom they receive much in-country. human abuse, being deprived of happiness here, and almost entirely deprived of the means of obtaining happiness hereafter; and we yet told that this needs no legislative interference? Are thousands of our fellow creatures living in some way among us, without any Law to guard their marriage rights, or without the law's having any knowledge of marriage among them, (for such is the fact with regard to the whole slave population among us,) and yet this need no Legislative interference? A system of slavery existing which must incur the censure of divine justice, it being at variance FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. The following article will be interesting to those who feel disposed to advocate our cause. The writer takes a serious and alarming view of the tyrannical crusade against the liberty of the press, experienced even in this boasted free From the American Daily Advertiser. LIBERTY AND EQUALITY. At this time, when our whole nation is rejoicing over the triumph obtained on the other side of the water, in favour of the liberty of the press, will it be believed, that, at this very moment, attempts are making in Baltimore, to punish by a heavy fine, a citizen of the United States, for some remarks made by him whilst editor of a paper devoted to humanity and freedom? He related some facts, Fiat Justitia Ruat Cœlum. CORRESPONDENCE. For the Genius of Universal Emancipation. FRIEND B. LUNDY:-The following is an extract of a letter from to -, touching a legalized traffic in human flesh and blood; and because he spoke of the transaction in a manner becoming a freeman, an American, a republican in principle, and not merely so in name, he was imprisoned and old Shylock, not satis- in reply to a communication from the latfied, is still persecuting him "for theter, calling in question the propriety of a pound of flesh." : sentiment advanced by the former, that If these kinds of prosecutions are to be had the society of friends kept faithful to tolerated, in this enlightened age and in their original concerns against African this "land of liberty," then farewell to slavery and oppression, there would have all our rights-civil, religious, and politi-been by this time, an article of Discipline cal. Americans! look to it! Something against the use of the produce of slavery. ought to be done to nip this spirit of per- If agreeable, please insert it in the Gesecution in the bud, or else in additionnius of Universal Emancipation. to the groans, chains and scourges of the Africans, we may have fire and faggots for such of us as dare to raise our voices against cruelty and oppression of any kind. AMERICANUS. THE GENIUS OF TEMPERANCE. A. B. Fifth Mo. 4th, 1824. BELOVED FRIEND: To the first half of thy letter I can cordially subscribe, knowing by some degree of humbling experience that human reason unenlightened and undirected by that which is indeed This excellent work is now published in light, is wholly insufficient either to guide our own steps right or enable us to point New York. It is edited by William Good-out the path of peace to others; yet while ell and Phineas Crandall, and ably supports the cause in which it is engaged. Our friend Goodell holds a powerful pen. Would that he could find more leisure to wield it against the monster, slavery. THE RIGHTS OF ALL.” wandering far and wide in error, human acts are not all indifferently alike, since those that are immoral and dishonest in themselves, tend powerfully to obscure and prevent the arising of that which is indeed the true light of men-hence the necessity of discipline made in the light This valuable periodical, edited by the of truth, though not wanted for its faithful followers; these have no guide but Rev. Samuel E. Cornish, a colored gentle-one, because they know that none but one man of Belleville, New Jersey, has not reach-could possibly have raised them out of ed us for several months. It is to be feared that the same withering apathy that blights every other publication that is devoted to the improvement of the colored race, has extended its scorching influence to the work above mentioned. Shame! shame! to the 64 the pit into which they had fallen. But while the gradual work of the new creation is effected "day after day," various causes may have prevented him who has seen and rejoiced in many of those days from beholding with clearness what is obvious to another in his earliest infancy. How can we otherwise account for the fact, that our worthy ancients, bright and shining instruments, should so long have bought, sold, and kept in bondage, their fellow creatures. And when the stripling Woolman proposed shackling them with "yokes of bondage," how did their feelassistings revolt from his implied charge of in 'philanthropists” of the United States. When will they reflect, that persons who labor in this cause, stand as much in need and are as deserving of support, as those who engage in any other? They might just as well turn away from the victim on whom the robber's hand is laid, as refuse to those who essay to effect his rescue. The engravings, accompanying a few copies of this number, were intended to be forwarded last month, but were omitted through inadvertence. For an explanation of them, see the "Black List," for September. A biographical notice of Anthony zet may be expected in next number. justice against them, had they not learned obedience from the things that they had suffered in the school of Christ? Being melted, refined, and set free from the law of sin and death. There we may see with admiration and gratitude the infinite compassion and tender dealing of Him with whom we have to do; in thus leading and Bene-blessing (as far as they were prepared to receive) those who were entangled in Fiat Justitia Ruat Cœlum. things manifestly wrong and unjust. || phistry, persuading us that it would even When we love one another we feel that we be wrong for us to cease to oppress our can use great freedom. Allow me then fellow creatures, until loudly called upon to say that thy arguments appeared to me by convictions that he had incessantly just such as the beforementioned friend aided us to crush. He does not tell us urged against John Woolman, together to go to the theatre and pay our money with others more powerful in their favor, for the support of actors, while we blame for it is doubtful whether our conduct is the whole establishment as a school of not in some respects more inexcusable vice. He does not tell us to purchase than theirs--their slaves they knew were articles captured in war, and yet proclaim then tenderly treated, and if liberated that war is anti-christian. But he tells were often liable to be scourged and sol us to advance our money to induce anto worse masters; they were also in the other to do an act that we unequivocally way of receiving religious and civil in-condemn, and should disown our own struction; whereas, the thousands who members for so doing. He says that to are this moment toiling for us, obtain no withdraw our support would be a species assistance from us on those accounts. of coercion, and would not be the right I note thy remarks: "Those who walk way to remove the evil; and when the by faith are not in the nature of things understandings of any are opened in the bound by any human law---for the law of light of truth, to see and expose his snares the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath set and delusions, we hear him reasoning them free from the penalty of every other most loudly against the use of reason. law. This is as clear to my mind as it It is not in my power to express the soris that no inferior law can possibly judge rowful sense I have of the loss the societhe law of God, or bind the soul that has ty and many of its ornaments have suspurchased its freedom by fulfilling the tained for want of the latter bringing perfect law of liberty." However great their conduct in this respect to the true these truths, can the perfect law of liber- touchstone; were they to do this, their ty sanction clearly, known and acknow- exampie would powerfully aid, instead of ledged oppression of our fellow creatures? retarding the progress of reformation. I Oh, my friend! if thy heart has deeply felt feel no hesitation in repeating my full for these people (and I know it has) exam-conviction, that nothing but our own unine once more what it is that so shackles faithfulness has prevented discipline bethee--so shackles thousands from pleading ing made to wipe away this great inconsistheir cause. Poor inconsistent creatures tency between our profession and prac that we are! behold us reprobating a system tice; nevertheless, it may not be right to in words, yet supporting it in acts! pro- have that discipline made until we become claiming its injustice in the authority of more faithful, lest we be like another retruth (when truth can rise into dominion) ligious body who sometime since made and then hanging our heads in a deeply discipline to prevent their members from weakening sense of our own participation keeping slaves, and through weakness had in its support! Shall we never shake our to rescind it. The path of simple obedihands from holding of bribes? How pow-ence to what we know to be right, could erful is custom in closing our ears and eyes against perceiving what we do not wish to perceive, and what we should otherwise at once behold in its true colors. Indeed it is scarcely possible to believe that there can be one friend of common understanding who does not know that it is wrong that slaves should toil for him, or who does not know that Farewell--whenever it is convenient, they are so toiling. But here the adver- I should be glad to hear from thee: use sary steps in, and although he cannot as great freedom as I have done, and with persuade us we are doing right, he reaone hint more I shall close my letter. sons and reasons almost continually to The armor with which thou art sometimes stifle our convictions, suppressed and clothed, is too excellent to be used in any smothered as they have long been by hab-warfare that is not perfectly just. it: pointing out the difficulties attending a different line of conduct, and by a strange yet most successful piece of so lead through all our difficulties. May we patiently travel it, and if we possess any powers of reasoning on subjects abstruse or plain, yield these and every other gift to Him who alone can make them conduce to his own glory--to our good and to the good of our fellow crea tures. Thy assured Friend-- ****** *The Methodists to the Southward. |