the abolitionist, expressed himself willing to relax the
laws and weaken the protection which is given to the
slave property in this district! Mr. Davis, of
Massachusetts, held the strange doctrine, that while he
would not disturb the rights of the slave-holders, he
would not cease to discuss those rights! As if Congress
ought to discuss, or to protect a right to discuss, a
domestic institution of the Southern States, with which
they had no right to interfere! Why discuss, when they
cannot act? Why first lay down an abstract principle,
which they intend to violate in practice?

Such fanatics as Giddings and Hale are doing more
mischief than they will be able to atone for. Their
incessant and impertinent intermeddling with the most
delicate question in our social relations is creating
the most indignant feelings in the community. The fiery
discussions they are exciting are calculated to provoke
the very riots which they deprecate. Let these madmen
forbear, if they value the tranquillity of our country,
and the stability of our Union. We conjure them to
forbear their maddened, parricidal hand.

An article like this in the _Union_ was well calculated, and probably
was intended, to encourage and stimulate the rioters, and accordingly
they assembled that same evening in greater force than before
threatening the destruction of the _Era_ office. The publication office
of the _Era_ was not far from the Patent Office; and the dwelling-house
of Dr. Bailey, the editor, was at no great distance. The mob, taking
upon themselves the character of a meeting of citizens, appointed a