tion of intemperance, pauperism, and crime" (April 9, 1855). This measure prohibited the use of liquors except for mechanical, chemical, or medicinal purposes. It was a rigid law and at once gave rise to many lawsuits. Finally it was carried to the court of appeals, where a bare majority decided it to be unconstitutional (March, 1856). The next year harsh license-laws were passed to regulate the liquor traffic, and the excitement abated. Various laws have been passed since that day to regulate intemperance.

CHAPTER XLIV.-SLAVERY IN NEW YORK

Slaves in New York.-Indian slavery paved the way for the introduction of African slavery into New York. The Dutch brought negro slaves to New Netherland in 1626. In spite of the grand ideas of 1776 there were 33,300 slaves in New York in 1800. Ten years later the number was reduced to 15,000, and in another decade to 10,000. In 1830 the number had fallen to 75, and in 1840 to 4. Thus for more than two centuries slavery was a legal institution in New York.

Western New York.-Slaves were owned all over the state, even in the western part. A run-away slave founded Paris (1789). Slave-sales were common in Utica, and the last one took place in 1817. Robert S. Rose, a Virginian, settled in Seneca county with 40 slaves (1803), and Captain Helm brought 100 with him. There were a few slaves at Auburn, and in Cherry Valley they were common till 1825. Oneida county

had 9 slaves (1820), and Onondaga 59 (1823). Cruel treatment was not common, however.

The Slave-traffic. In the early days and occasionally later the blacks were advertised for sale or for rent. The old newspapers are full of such notices. "A parcel of likely young slaves, men, women, and boys," was offered for sale (1762). In 1664 a minister bought a slave for $175, and some of the slaves confiscated from Loyalists during the Revolution sold for $1,000 in paper money. Although the slave-trade was abolished in 1808, still slaves were smuggled into New York City. All the great families owned slaves before and after the Revolution.

The Abolition of Slavery was early advocated in New York. Until that was done John Jay said that the prayers of New York would "be impious." In 1799 slavery was provisionally abolished, 28 years of ownership being given over those born in slavery. The act of 1817 declared all slaves born before 1799 free after. 1827. New York now stood for human freedom. The Quakers of New York City and the sons of John Jay deserve most credit for this action. It was not until after the Civil War that the negro was granted full political equality. To free him was one thing, to give him a vote quite another.

Antislavery Ideas gave birth to organizations to overthrow the hated social system. State and county societies followed the American Antislavery Society (1833). Antislavery literature was issued, paid lecturers were sent out to create public sentiment, and petition: after petition was sent to Congress. The State Society met first in 1835 at Utica, but a mob including some of

the best citizens hooted the 600 delegates out of the city. The Genesee County Society was also routed by a mob (1836). Governor Marcy denounced the abolitionists in his message as tending to foment sectional jealousies (Jan., 1836). The Western New York Antislavery Society met at Warsaw and nominated for President James G. Birney. The Abolitionist party was formed, and existed until merged into the great Republican party.

New York Freed her Slaves when the institution was becoming the most important question in national affairs. Gradually the people took a firm stand against the spread of slavery. They opposed the admission of Missouri as a slave state. They disfavored Texan annexation and denounced the resulting war, though when war was once declared no state gave men and money more loyally. They objected to the compromise of 1850, which extended slavery to western territory and forced free states to return runaway slaves to their masters. They denounced the Dred Scott decision which committed the Supreme Court to the validity of slavery in all the territories until changed by the states. They watched with great eagerness the contest over Kansas and Nebraska. Still they were disposed to let slavery alone in the states where it existed.

Republican Party Formed.-National parties soon formed on this issue. Seward had suggested the Republican party in 1855, and the next year it was definitely organized. It was an amalgamation of Whigs, Democrats, and several other factions. It stood for a liberal interpretation of the powers of the national government about slavery, a protective tariff, and a national bank. It

demanded that Congress restrict slavery to slave states. It met in a national convention at Philadelphia and nominated John C. Fremont and William L. Dayton (June 17, 1856). The Know-nothings had held their convention in the same city, and had chosen Fillmore as their candidate (Feb. 22), and he was indorsed by the Whigs at Baltimore (Sept. 17). The Democrats at Cincinnati named James Buchanan and John C. Breckinridge (June 2), and they were elected by a large majority. In New York, however, Buchanan received 80,000 votes less than Fremont, but 70,000 more than Fillmore. By more than 400,000 ballots New York disapproved of Buchanan and his platform. In the state election the Republicans had an easy victory. John A. King defeated Amasa J. Parker and Erastus Brooks for governor.

Panic of 1857.-The growth and expansion of New York was rapid and in all directions, but still for the most part steady and normal since the panic of 1837. So great were the resources of the state that the panic of 1857 did comparatively little damage. Ships came and went, factory wheels hummed, railroads and canals were busy, and all kinds of business thrived.

New York against Slavery Extension. After the election of Buchanan the voice of New York was raised continually against the extension of slavery to new soil. The press, the pulpit, and the state government reflected the people's will. It was a clear contest for principle against business interests. New York depended greatly upon the south for trade by sea and land. Her factories, insurance companies, newspapers, and wholesale houses demanded friendly relations with the

south at any price. But the people's consciences led them to refuse to sacrifice right for gain.

State Politics.-While Buchanan's administration was carrying out its timid, mistaken policy, the people of this section were making a record in state matters. To succeed Governor King, Edwin D. Morgan was elected, defeating the nominees of the Democrats, Americans, and Abolitionists (1858). Morgan was born in Massachusetts (1811), but grew up in New York, where he made a fortune as a wholesale grocer. At the outbreak of civil war he was in the executive chair and rendered invaluable service to the nation by organizing 492,000 soldiers. He was governor till 1862, and the next year was elected United States senator. In 1877 he was again the Republican candidate for governor, but was defeated.

National Issues.-State issues were soon lost in national questions. All eyes were on the struggle over Kansas. John Brown, a native of Connecticut, a resident of the "John Brown tract" in New York, a fighting abolitionist, led a crusade into Kansas and was forced to flee from there charged with murder. With a few desperate followers he went to Harper's Ferry, Maryland, to make war upon slavery (1859). Most of his comrades were shot in the fight which resulted, and he with a few others was taken prisoner, tried, and hanged by the state of Virginia (Dec. 2). His body now lies buried at North Elba, Essex county, N. Y. In the summer of 1899 the remains of seven of his associates were placed by his side amid impressive ceremonies.

In the Presidential Election of 1860 sectional hostil