Page:Anti-slavery and reform papers by Thoreau, Henry David.djvu/83

 J 2 Aiiti- Slavery and Reform Papers.

which the founder thinks he casts it more essential than the constitution of it and of himself? The United States have a coffle of four millions of slaves. They are determined to keep them in this con- dition ; 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 w^as 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 Iter sin.

"^L Suppose that there is a society in this State that out I 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 occu- pation, and becoming contemptible to mankind ? If private men are obliged to perform the offices of govern- ment, to protect the weak and dispense justice, then the government becomes only a hired man, or clerk, to per- form menial or indifferent services. 01 course, that is but the shadow of a government whose 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 Com- mittee. And, to a certain extent, these crazy govern- ments recognize and accept this relation. They say, virtually, " We'll be glad to work for you on these terms, only don't make a noise about it." And thus the govern- ment, its salary being insured, withdraws into the back shop, taking the Constitution with it, and bestows most