ABSTRACT
It has been said by foreigners that Americans are tolerant upon all subjects except that of slavery; that upon this question they are apt to be sensitive, excitable, prescriptive. There was a time when the remark was true with little qualification; and it may still be made with justice of certain classes of our population. But a better feeling is beginning to prevail. The spirit of ‘toleration’ displayed upon questions of politics and religion, generally, is gradually infusing itself into the discussion of the question of slavery. A majority of the anti-slavery people of the free States, without abating their zeal, or compromising their principles, clearly see that mere denunciation may inflame, but not convince - may terrify the cowardly, but must arouse the indignation and resistance of men of courage and intelligence. At this age of the world, people are too clear-sighted to mistake the invectives of human passion for the anathemas of inspiration. On the other hand, there are Southern men who feel in their hearts that the haughty claim that slavery shall be exempt from investigation, discussion, opposition, is a gross
