Page:Criticism on the Declaration of independence, as a literary document (IA criticismondecla00seld).pdf/27

 All men endowed by their Creator with an unalienable right to liberty!!! When did this wonderful endowment take place ? The endowment of a right to liberty, without any endowment of means to obtain possession, one would think was rather a cheap affair, considering the source from whence it is said to come. Besides, how is the right to be proved without the possession ? Doubtless every man has a natural right to liberty, who is able to maintain possession; just as he has a natural right to life, so long as he lives. The proof of the right before one has got possession, would be just as difficult in the one case as in the other. The right to a farm at the bottom of the Atlantic ocean, may be set up, by such men as have a "clear and unquestionable right" to Oregon. But if it was asserted that our Creator had endowed us with a right to a farm at the deep bottom of that tempestuous sen, sane men would probably consider first, whether they were endowed with means to get there; if no proof of the second endowment were to be had, I am inclined to the opinion, prudent folks would doubt whether the title was genuine—whether it was good enough to justify an attempt to take possession.

The slaves of our country are in precisely the same predicament with regard to their alledged right to liberty, as we are in, touching a farm under the waves of the Atlantic—certain death attends all attempts, or most attempts to take possession. Where is the proof of their right? and if none, what is the value of their title? I may assert a right to a farm. When I go to my counsel for assistance, he very properly inquires on what proofs my pretensions are founded. "Are you in possession?" No. "Have you ever been in possession?" No. "Where is your deed?" Hav'nt got any. "It is devised to you then?" I've no writings of any kind whatever. "If you have no proof of your right, how can you pretend to have a right?" Why, I am pretending. "Oh ho, then your right is a pretence is it: you may pretend possession and that will end the matter." But pretending possession will not put me in possession. "To be sure not, neither will pretending to a right give you one."

I think I have been explicit enough to show, that rights to things one has not got, and cannot get; are just equal to no rights at all. The magnificent parade in the Declaration, of "unalienable