February 28, 1862
Under the Refuge of Oppression column, there are three items with the heading, “Traitors”. One of these, is from the Greenfield Democrat, and is devoted to “Garrison”.
It indicates that Garrison spoke recently at Washington Hall. “The audience was not large, and of those present, many of whom were from out of Greenfield, we presume the majority were impelled to attend by a curiosity somewhat like that, which, though not commendable, always prevails to see notorious villains, and to the “dying confessions” of malefactors on the gallows…….”
February 28, 1862
The extent of the fire is described, and then: “The total loss is half a million of dollars, although some of the estimates are much higher than this.”
March 14, 1862
President Lincoln has urged that the United States offer “pecuniary cooperation” in case any slave state should adopt a gradual emancipation of slavery, including compensation “for the inconveniences, public and private, produced by such change of system.” The Liberator comments disparagingly of the message, and its style of writing. “…bungingly expressed, quite discreditable in that particular as official documents”. It abhors the ideal of gradual emancipation… “the President is at war with common sense, sound reason, the teachings of history….” The President “has now THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT, POWER AND OPPORTUNITY to “proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the in habitants thereof’; and neither the President nor Congress must be allowed to evade this solemn duty by any dodge of this kind….”
March 21, 1862
A long speech, given by Smith at the Smithsonian Institute. The final sentences provide a call for action: “The question is no longer whether slavery shall die. The sole question now is whether our slavery-bewildered nation shall live. It will live, if the Government resolves unconditionally that it shall. But it will not live, if the Government persist in the purpose that slavery shall also live.”
April 4, 1862
From the New York Herald comes an item which tells of the way Phillips was greeted when he attempted “do deliver one of his revolutionary lectures in that city.” “The abolition lectures in this city were not attended by the people. Cheever, Garrison and the rest have been only beating the air. …In the West they are regarded as dangerous lunatics, who ought not to be allowed to be at large….”
April 4, 1862
Here is an account of the tour in New York State, by Brown, where he has lectured on “The War and its connections with Slavery”. In Poughkeepsie he was asked to read his new drama on “Life at the South”.
April 11, 1862
This article recalls that for years abolitionists have petitioned for the abolition of slavery in the District, but have failed. It refers to the speech by Sen. Henry Wilson, printed in this edition, and credits him for a strong vote in the Senate, which has passed the emancipation bill. “Of course, the ‘loyal’ slaveholding Senators, ….were rampant in their opposition to the passage of the bill, and tried the old game of bluster and menace, but to no purpose……the overseer’s lash has ceased to have any terror, …”
April 11, 1862
From “C.K.W.” this article tells that the American Bible Society has recently refused to accept a contribution from the British and Foreign Bible Society.
The writer assumes that the reluctance to accept the contribution is partly because they do not want to take money from “the nation which declines to recognize the Southern Confederacy…” The article claims that “The Managers of the American Bible Society certainly belong to the class who are hoping for a reconstruction of our political system without interference with slavery. Nine of their Vice Presidents, and one hundred and fifty-eight of their Life Directors, are from slave States. ….have always preserved, ever since they refused, in 1834, and again refused, in 1835 to accept the offer of $5000 from the American Anti-Slavery Society, on condition of their distributing Bibles to slaves as well as to others…”
April 25, 1862
This article includes provisions in the Illinois Constitution, on which people in that state are soon to vote, which stipulate that “no Negro or mulatto shall migrate or settle in this State after the adoption of this Constitution”, and that “no Negro or mulatto shall have the right of suffrage, or hold any office in this State”. Comments on these provisions include: “We would fain hope that the State of Illinois will repudiate the barbarity thus sought to be forced upon her, and refuse to allow the hungry and naked and the stranger of God’s children, to be thrust out of her door…”
May 2, 1862
A largely attended meeting was held at the South Street Church, with Robert Morris, Esq., and The Rev. J. Sella Martin presenting resolutions. Twelve resolutions are adopted, all with strong anti-colonization sentiments.
