But unfortunately for us, ambitious demagogues have seized upon the subject of slavery, and are convulsing the country from one end to the other.  Slavery is the demagogue’s hobby, and he mounts it, raises his hat, kicks and spurs, as if the salvation of the universe was suspended on his elevation, to some petty, insignificant office.  Slavery is to us, as a great subterraneous fire, which is ever ready to burst upon us with volcanic violence, deluging our country with boiling lava, red hot stones, smoke and flames; carrying devastation, death and destruction in its train.  But the subject will be agitated, more or less, and unless the people of this country become better informed on this subject, and peaceably adopt some practicable means for its final extirpation; sooner or later the Union will be endangered thereby.  The North should cease to vex the South, and the South should cease to vex the North, and patriotic men North and South, should devise some means, by which the end might be accomplished at some future day.  The question now presents itself to every friend of humanity—­to every philanthropist; is there no remedy for these evils, or must we groan under their pestilential influence forever?

I know that the subject of slavery is a perplexing question, and that its abolition will be attended with dangers and difficulties, take what course we may; but shall we for that reason, fold our arms, sit still and do nothing?  Or else flee from its hydra-headed ghost in dismay?  No, my friends and fellow citizens; to those who put their trust in God, and have the wisdom to plan, and the will to work, all things are possible.  It is, however, folly for us to flatter ourselves, that slavery can be extirpated in the United States in a short time.  It will require time and patience to attain an object, so desirable.  Hasty and inconsiderate action will be likely to prove abortive, and result in no good to either master or slave; if not in irretrievable ruin to both.  We should avoid everything in word or deed, which has a tendency to irritate the South and arouse them to resistance.  Abolitionists by their low abuse and vile misrepresentations, have done everything in their power to excite and irritate them; hence, there is an impassable gulf between them and Southern men.  We should beware lest we fall into the same error.  The course of the North towards the South, should be kind and conciliatory.  We should consult her interests, and appeal to her patriotism, and thus may the North and South as a band of brothers, heartily co-operate in the great and glorious work, of restoring liberty to the enslaved Africans, and of enlightening their minds and thereby qualifying them for the enjoyment of freedom.  What patriot, what philanthropist, does not respond a hearty Amen?  Not one.  Show me the man who says no, and you show me a man in whose bosom a patriotic, or philanthropic sentiment never found a resting place—­a man who is an entire stranger to every sentiment of humanity—­to every tender and sympathetic emotion of the soul—­to all the kindlier and better feelings of our nature.