The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4

"The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4" by the American Anti-Slavery Society is a study of the troubles caused by slavery in the United States during the 1800s. The writing digs into the ethics, the laws, and government issues that arise from owning people as property. It makes a case for the idea that slavery should not be accepted, especially when contrasted with what the United States stands for. The writing begins by looking at the authority Congress has over the District of Columbia, saying they have the power to end slavery there. It stresses that governments should be based on morals and laws, limiting what lawmakers can do. Because Congress has "exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever," it can make moral decisions, like banning slavery. The writing presents proof from the past and popular beliefs to back up the claim that lawmakers can free slaves, asserting slavery goes against the basic principles of American justice and kindness.