They
are determined to keep them in this condition; and Massachusetts
is one of the confederated overseers to prevent their escape. Such
are not all the inhabitants of Massachusetts, but such are they
who rule and are obeyed here. It was Massachusetts, as well as
Virginia, that put down this insurrection at Harper's Ferry. She
sent the marines there, and she will have to pay the penalty of
her sin.
Suppose that there is a society in this State that out of its own
purse and magnanimity saves all the fugitive slaves that run to
us, and protects our colored fellow-citizens, and leaves the other
work to the government, so-called. Is not that government fast
losing its occupation, and becoming contemptible to mankind? If
private men are obliged to perform the offices of government, to
protect the weak and dispense justice, then the government becomes
only a hired man, or clerk, to perform menial or indifferent
services. Of course, that is but the shadow of a government who
existence necessitates a Vigilant Committee. What should we think
of the Oriental Cadi even, behind whom worked in secret a vigilant
committee? But such is the character of our Northern States generally;
each has its Vigilant Committee. And, to a certain extent, these
crazy governments recognize and accept this relation.
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