tremendous uproar raised in States where there existed no power
whatever to put an end to slavery; but hardly a syllable had been
uttered where, if anywhere, some effect might have been produced
beneficial to the slaves, had abolition principles been practicable
anywhere. The conduct of the abolitionists had been of a piece with
what would have taken place in this country, had an agitation been got
up for the direct abolition of idolatry in China, or of popery in
Spain. Their principles had never yet been advocated in the South, but
by means of the post-office, the effects of which, in the tearing up
of mail bags, &c., Mr. Thompson well knew, and had declared. But the
fact was, that such metaphysical propositions as those propounded by
the abolitionists--even admitting them to be true--were altogether
uncalled for. Thousands of slaves had been emancipated before the
abolition principles were heard of, and all that was needed, was, that
those who were engaged in the good work should have been let alone or
aided on their own principles. What was the use of blazoning forth a
doctrine which was in all likelihood false and ruinous, but which,
were it true, could do no good? For if you could persuade a man that
his duty required him to give freedom to his slaves, and he became
suitably impressed with a sense thereof--he would do it just as
certainly and effectually as though you had begun by saying to
him--now as soon as I convince you, you must set them free
immediately! He could indeed characterize such a mode of proceeding by
no other term than that of gratuitous folly.

Again he might say that this principle of abolitionism was contrary to
all the experience which America had acquired as a nation on this
subject. Principles favorable to emancipation first took root where
there were few slaves, and when the products of their labor were of
little value. They had spread gradually towards the South, the border
States being always first inoculated, till no fewer than eight States
which tolerated slavery, adopted this principle, and successively
abolished it. To these eight States were to be added four others,
created since the formation of the Federal Constitution, which never
tolerated slavery, thus making twelve States in which slavery was not
permitted. By the influence of gradualism alone, had the cause of
freedom advanced steadily to this point, and every day rendered its
ultimate triumph throughout the whole empire more