ANTI-SLAVERY AND ANTI-POPERY.

THE Rev. Hugh M'Neile has just published a powerfully-written letter, addressed to Edward Cropper, Esq., and Thomas Berry Horsfall, Esq., in which he has vividly drawn the parallel between Slavery and Popery-the inconsistency on either side, of opposing one of those systems, without opposing the other; and the perfect consistency of ardently desiring, and diligently aiming at the total abolition of both. The subject is so very important at the present crisis,

which they feel disposed to excuse. Hence the various effects produced by the same statement. It carries conviction to one the one, it comes with all the light and mind, it produces recoil in another. To From the power of internal evidence. other, it is rejected with all the repugnance of overstrained exaggeration, if not wilful falsehood. In the existing state of those minds, such various effects are inevitable; because the impression made by a statement on any subject must depend, in a great degree, on the extent of information on that subject, already possessed by the that we beg leave to make a few ex-therefore is not in itself criminal; but the hearer. The impression is involuntary, and tracts for the benefit of our readers.

state of mind which induces such an im

pression, may be the result of very criminal negligence.

"It is not denied, but that some statements are so obviously absurd, it is a waste of time to give them attention, and follow them up by inquiry. But surely it will not be pretended that the statements here

Is it true, that any anti-slavery Dissenters in this country, in defiance of their advocacy of liberty, both of person and conscience, become the apologists for Irish Popery, because they recognize, or think they recognize, in the present power and tone of the Popish priesthood, an effectual ally of the Dissenting interest?

"Before I attempt to give what I believe to be the real reason of this inconsistency on both sides, I will ask a ques- advanced concerning Slavery and Popery tion or two, not for the purpose of advanc-are of this character; they are each felt ing any charge, but for the purpose of sug- by some to be imperative on their belief: gesting, and inviting to, self-examination. surely then it is not too much to claim for them from others, a demand on their at tention and pains-taking investigation. This is all I ask, and ask this in the full confidence that the result will be a large and enlarging acknowledgement of the inconsistency on either side of apologizing for evil, and of the perfect consistency of those who earnestly desire, and diligently aim at, the total abolition of both Slaveryand Popery.

"Is it true that any anti-Popery Churchmen in this country, in defiance of their equally honest advocacy of true and lawful liberty, both of person and conscience; become the apologists of West Indian slavery, because they recognize, or think they recognize, in the continuance of the apprenticeship system, an effectual support of the West Indian interest ?

"Yes, we ardently desire that great Babylon may fall with all her craft: and in her Yes, were found, slaves and souls of men. we ardently desire to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, to break every yoke: not the yoke from the negro onlynot the yoke from the Papist only-but every yoke: to arrest every arm of arbitrary irresponsible authority-to snatch the lash of torture from every hand, whether of slave-driver, apprentice-master, or Popish priest-and to extend to every clime, and kindred, and tongue, and people, the inestimable blessing we enjoy ourselves, in known and protecting laws.

After drawing the parallel between Slavery and Popery, he proceeds to show the inconsistency, on either side, of opposing one of those systems without opposing the other.

"And is it true, that the consistent Christian, the fearless and impartial lover of liberty, becomes on every fitting occasion, the uncompromising opponent of both West Indian slavery, however masked behind the milder name of apprenticeship, and Irish Popery, however disguised in its outward aspect by the craft of men, who, after signing Pope Pius's Creed, commending Dens's Theology, and circulating with authority the Bull Unigenitus, turn round, and with fawning hypocrisy, to answer a temporary purpose, call us beloved fellow-Christians !'

"The true reason of the inconsistency on both sides, of which we complain, is, I am persuaded, want of detailed information. The apologists on either side are ignorant of the working in detail of the system

"We desire to see Christian efforts made to controul both the driver and the priest. In compassion to the poor negro, we would controul the one, and in compassion to the poor Papist, we would controul the other. It well becomes the true dignity of a nation calling itself Christian, and possessing the legal power, to put forth the strong arm of law, to the utter abolition of all tyranny. "In claiming a law which would restrain the driver, it is at once seen and ad

These exactions from the

mitted that we are claiming a boon | others.'* for the negro. And it is equally nature of them, can be enforced only and undoubtedly true, though it may not upon ignorant credulity. A right knowbe so readily admitted, that in claiming ledge of the Bible would utterly and laws which would restrain the priest, we for ever put an end to them. The case are claiming a great boon for the Popish po- therefore may be stated in a few words pulation. It is not against our poor fellow SCRIPTURAL EDUCATION, versus SLAVERY!" countrymen that we desire a law of restraint; but against their tyrants, against designing practisers upon their superstition, who keep the people poor and ignorant, in order, by threats of the brute force of their willing slaves, to attain their own objects of avarice and ambition.

AMERICAN DEMOCRACY.

HORRID TRAGEDY.

"We are indeed accused of desiring to grind down our poor Popish brethren by the exactions of the tithe proctor, which are held up to odium, as the excesses of tyranny. But those who advance this accusation, should remember that the tithe charge is according to known laws, so known as to cause a proportionate reduction in the poor man's rent; so that in point of fact he pays nothing but rent.

He

"I shall not now change my subject to vindicate the principle of an Established Church. It is sufficient for my present argument, to slow that the tithe charge is according to known laws. This makes all the difference in the question of tyranny,

and our accusers know it.

"Further,We ardently desire scriptural education for both negro and Papist. In the case of the negro, the Christian duty of giving scriptural education is readily admitted. And it is equally and undoubtedly a duty in the case of the poor ignorant Papist. In asking this, we are not asking anything against him, but for him, and against those his enslaving ty rants who would keep the Word of God from the poor people, in order to keep an open door for their own superstitious and idolatrous traditions. The supposed benefits of those superstitious rites, it is in their power alone to bestow! And so long as a blind reliance upon them can be maintained among the people, a profitable traffic is maintained for the priest. This traffic is indeed tyrannical, because it is not regulated by any known law; but varies with the arbitrary irresponsible caprice of the individual priest. You have doubtless seen the Rev. David O'Croly's masterly exposure of this traffic. He says, Every priest looking to his peculiar necessities, or to self-interest, makes the most he can of his ministry, and multiplies his exactions, without any reference to statute laws, or episcopal authority.' And again, "Some priests in consequence of their "I take up my pen to address you under extravagance, or their avarice, are much peculiarly solemn circumstances. I have more severe in their exactions than just returned from viewing the lifeless

We have heard much talk of late years of the boasted liberty of America-its piety, its revivals, and its flourishing to question the healthy state of society voluntary institutions; but we beg leave in that country, where such a horrid tragedy can be acted by a pro-slavery mob, as will be found narrated in the subjoined letter. In the same number of The Philanthropist, from whence we have extracted it, the Editor gives a very unfavourable account of the present state of the town where it is printed. says " At this very time Cincinnati is working with the throes of a licentious and sanguinary spirit—a spirit which is just ready to overleap all bounds, and trample the majesty of law in the dust. What do they mean by the course they have adopted? Do they wish to see the bloody scenes of revolutionary France re-enacted in our hitherto peaceful country? If the anti-slavery press fall, what will stand between them and destruction? The despotism of a mob never works its own cure. It acquires records of our country for the last six strength by indulgence. Look over the years. The despotism of a mob was at first but impulsive and transient. Again and again it put forth its power, and as often was connived at, until it became a habit-the custom of the country-and it is now rapidly becoming a passion. Yes! it cannot be concealed. Our country mob is determined to assert its supreseems fast verging to a revolution. The macy; it has a passion for ruling; it has begun a new era-an era marked by

the blackest of crimes-the crime of MURDER; and now what shall stay its course, or limit its demands?"

The above remarks are fully borne out by the following letter:"ALTON, Nov. 8, 1837.

66

My dear Brother Chester,

Essay on Ecclesiastical Finance, p. 25.

were unwonted gatherings in certain coffeehouses. Here the spirit of vengeance, which had been rankling in their breasts, was excited to desperation by spirit behind the counter. By about ten o'clock, they were prepared for the work.

corpses of two of our citizens, and from the bedsides of two others who were wounded. Of the two former, our brother Lovejoy was one, and of the latter, our mutual and worthy friend Mr. Roff. Yes, Lovejoy has fallen a victim to the violence of a band of armed ruffians, fallen nobly too, in defence of those inalienable rights which were given to him by God, and guaranteed to him by the constitution. Rights as precious to you and to me, and to every other American citizen as they were to him. So he felt them to be. Had it been merely a question of his own private rights, he would willingly, gladly have retired from the field of too much strife and turmoil, and enjoyed quiet repose, in the midst of his affectionate but now deeply distressed family. But he felt that God, in His providence, had placed him in the gap, and he dare not leave his post, whatever might be the consequences. I grieve and am mortified when I say it, but such scenes have been acted over in Alton within the last week, as would disgrace any town on the coast of Algiers. Steam boats have been boarded indiscriminately by armed ruffians. Traveller's goods and boxes of furniture have been seized and broken open, in quest of printing presses, and their persons and lives have been threatened, for remonstrating against it: scenes similar to this have been acted over on almost every boat that has touched our shores within the last week or ten days. "On Monday night, the obnoxious press, so long looked for, arrived. Its friends had taken the precaution to have it landed late in the night, when it was supposed a mob would hardly be raised. They took the further precaution to have about 50 armed men secreted in the ware-room, ready for the service of the Mayor, at any moment. While the press was landing, the spies of the enemy were seen lurking about, and the sound of their horn was raised, shrill and long. But whether the enemies of peace and order were buried too deep in the arms of Bacchus and sleep, or whether they feared the formidable Ireparations that were made to receive them, I know not. There was no further molestation than the throwing of a stone or two, while the press was removed into the ware-room of Messrs. Godfrey, Gilman, and Co.-Things remained quiet have just been told also, by a very reyesterday, saving the threats and impreca-spectable citizen, that he saw him, just betions that were heard along the street, fore he was shot, very actively engaged in against Mr. Lovejoy and the press. Mr. throwing stones into the windows. I learn L.'s life was threatened openly and re- that his name was Bishop, recently from peatedly. The Attorney-General of the Tenessee county, New York. State was heard to say emphatically and significantly that Mr. L. would be killed within two weeks.' Soon after dark, there

"Accordingly they repaired to the warehouse of Godfrey, Gilman and Co. They commenced the attack by hurling volleys of stones through the windows and doors. Mr. W. S. Gilman appeared in the door of the second story, and addressed the mob in his peculiarly kind and impressive manner. He earnestly and affectionately advised them to desist from violence; told them the property was left with him on storage; that he was bound to protect it. Assured them that nobody in the building had any ill-will against any of them, and that they should all deprecate doing any of them any injury. At the same time he assured them that the press would not be delivered up, but that he and his associates would defend it at the risk and sacrifice of their lives. He was answered by a fresh volley of stones. Those inside then disposed of themselves at the different doors and windows, and prepared to defend it to the last. They all agreed that no gun should be fired till the doors were burst open, or till there was some firing from without. Volley after volley of stones were hurled into the windows and against the doors, then a gun was fired into the window from the mob. Presently a second gun was fired. The balls were heard to whistle through the windows, but neither of them did any injury. At this juncture one of the party within, with the consent and by the advice of the rest, levelled his gun upon the mob. One man fell, mortally wounded. His associates took him up and carried him away to a physician, and the mob dispersed. The young man died in about half an hour. The mobites have to-day taken a great deal of pains to send abroad the impression that this young man was a stranger, and was present only as a spectator and took no part in the riot. But I have ascertained that there is no truth in this statement. He was a carpenter by trade, and was at work yesterday for Mr. Roff, and was heard repeatedly to boast, during the day, of the part he intended to act last night.

"In about an hour after the mob had had time to revive their spirits, and recruit their courage in the aforesaid coffee houses, they

of arms, besides small arms; they were not desirous of destroying life, or they might have shot down 50 of the rioters as easily as one. The Mayor was heard to express the opinion to-day that there were of the rioters from 150 to 200, of whom from 50 to 80 were armed. Our young and worthy Mayor exerted himself, and did what he could to disperse the mob. But his kind admonitions were only returned by curses. A certain grog-seller in town stood a short distance from the Mayor, and vociferated that if any one of their number was arrested by the civil authorities, he was authorised to say, he should be rescued by force and arms.' What is civil

returned with increased numbers, and armed with guns and muskets, &c. &c., and recommenced the attack with renewed violence. They formed on the east side of the store, where there are no doors or windows, and occasionally a fire was given from each party. Whiskey was brought and distributed profusely among them, and all were exhorted to be "good men and true." Occasionally one of the mob was heard to sing out "if any more guns and whiskey is wanted, away to the French coffee house." Baffled in their attempt to gain admittance into the store by the doors and windows, they resolved unanimously, with a shout which cleft the air, to fire the building, and "shoot every abolition-authority here? and what can civil authoist in it, as they should attempt to rity do? But I am admonished by my escape." Accordingly a ladder was made, watch, that the mail soon leaves, and that and combustibles prepared, and a man as- I must come to a close, or I could state cended to the roof. Presently it was in other particulars, and dwell a little upon a blaze. Meantime the company within the causes which have brought about these sent out a detachment of four or five of calamitous results. The immediate cause, the number. The man on the ladder however, which emboldened the mob, was was fired at and wounded. Just about this the same here as that which preceded the time, Mr. Lovejoy, who stood near the famous riots of your own peaceful city. A ladder, was deliberately aimed at by a man public meeting was got up, and resolutions who stood a few yards from him, and shot were passed, not driving Mr. Lovejoy down. He jumped up after he was shot, from the city, but just strong enough to went into the counting-room, exclaiming, excite and embolden the mob to do it. The "I am shot," "I am a dead man," and fell Attorney-General of our goodly state took down and expired in a few minutes. Those a very conspicuous part in this meeting. within perceiving the building on fire, and He came out in an inflammatory speech, in that it, together with its valuable contents, which he abused, by every epithet he could must inevitably be destroyed, and the press command, Mr. Lovejoy and his associates, which they were defending with it, pro- and the ministers of religion generally. He posed to capitulate.-They were assured denounced Mr. L. at one time as a very by those without, that if they would with- wicked man, at another as a fanatic who draw from the building, and leave their was utterly beside himself, and ought to be arms behind them, not one of them should taken care of. But he did not yet hand be molested. They accordingly left the him over to the tender mercies of the mob. building, and as they were going out of Oh no! I will testify for him, that he said the door and turning the corner, almost expressly that he would not advise that every one of them was fired at. Mr. Roff that individual's property or person be received a ball in one of his legs, which sacrificed, until the peace of the city rehas not yet been extracted. It is appre- quired it.' But at the same time he plainly hended that his leg will have to be ampu- intimated by the turn of his eye, and the tated. His clothes were perforated with peculiar expression of his countenance, several holes, and one shot entered his that that time was not far distant. A renose near his eye, which bled profusely. verend clergyman of our city followed in a Mr. Weller, of the firm of Gerry and speech in which he attempted to explain Weller, received a ball in his leg, but it is the doctrine of expediency, reminded the thought the bone is not fractured. Seve-meeting that St. Paul's friends thought it ral others have their clothes perforated expedient on one occasion to let him down with balls. They were pursued and fired in a basket from the wall, and let him go. after in every direction, till none of them Whatever may have been the intention of could be found. The mob then entered the speaker, it was manifest that the audiunmolested, threw out the press, and de- ence were willing to construe it as a good molished it. precedent for them to dispose of Mr. "At about two o'clock, they dispersed. Lovejoy. But I must stop immediately or It is said several of the mobites were seri- lose the mail. You will doubtless hear ously wounded. They are, however, con- more about these transactions soon: cealed by their friends. There were 18 mean time adieu. men in the building, with about 36 stand

"W."