Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-01-13
FOR THE ARGUS.

a GREAT deal ofsolicjtude is manifest
ed in relation to the pablo guard. This
no doubt originates in the apprehension
thai the insurrcctionary temper Of the
slaves requires that this establishment
should be supported. This is not all. The
value of the public property, both tixt and
movable TT Richmond, is such, that it's
safety ami protection requires cnnstant
VatchinIncss. These objects combined.
will require the vigilance of government
aided by men and money.
With respect to the slaves, IL is likely
that general change of policy would he
productive OF greater benefits than can be
expected from the public guard, such rs it
49, In order to invite the attention of the
public tothis subject the following remarks
are most respectfully submitted to notice.
Two opposing opinions now distract the
state. One set of men, with honest, gene
rous. but inlpr'ulent zeal, aim al general
and unconditional emancipation. Others
influenced BY motives equally pure, not on
" thwart and oppose these humane i-,.,ova-
tors, bat take deligh, in expressing and en-
differing the fate of the unfortunatcs. In
both OF these cases, true policy is perhaps
neg ected. The general weight aud :nfu-
ence OF public harmony is lost the ener-
gles OF the state are paralyzed; and men
iot e1ual responsibility, Of equal ciaims to
public favor are arrayed AGAINST each o.
Their. Other courses ought then to be a.
dopted, which promise not only to guard
against the evident evils of general enan-
olpation, but ameliorate the condition of
the slaves.
Every slave ought 70 have Tic means Of
protection against the cruelty, Injustice
and systematical expressions, Of inhuman
and flinty hearted masters. This nav be
done by competent tribunal. II upon ex-
animation the conduct Of The owner apDear-
ed blamable, the slave ought 20 be hired
ont at public vendue for the owners bcae-
TIT, and so to continue until the owner shall
sell the slave, or until the slave shall vo-
lun5al1ly consent to return 70 his service.
In this event, the hirer would be bound to
observe reasonable and customary course
Of conduct.
Indiscriminate and general emancipation
ought not at this time, t. je countenanCed.
30 tnr IRON It, the privilege ought to be
extended, with care and caution onlv, 10
such as deserve so great boon BY eminent
service, or by general course of mcrito-
riot department
Slaves ought to be employed only in agri-
culture. Even those who now follow, or
may be hereafter employed in other bust
ness ought to be highly taxed.
Free blacks and people of color, ought
to be restricted to particular districts. In
case OF emigrating or going into other dis
tricts, on business, they ought to carry with
them authenticated testimonials Vt their n
tention. If they should acquire a domicil
IN their new residence, the right of resi-.
dence should be thereby forfeited in that
district from which they may have emil
grated.
If any free black man, or man Of color,
should go at large, in any district wherein
he is no. domiCilia;cd, he ought to be treat
ell rs a vagabond, and after making at
'onement, he ought to be conducted TO the
district to which nc belongs, and to be there
imprisoned months unless he shall
give security for his future good behavior
IL is believed by the writer Of this, that
nothing will more elfectually counteract
projects for insurrection than to devote the
labors of slaves and free blacks 70 agricul-
'ure, there might be a few exceptions, but
the circumstances 20 warrant them ought
to be very strong. At the same time, that
thcsf restrictions ought 90 be imposed, the
write of this, would as strongly, recon-
mend, that the treatment Of slaves should
be Just, humane and kind, so that by the
softening hand Of superiority, they may be
made TO taste, rs little as possible, the Bit
terness Of their condition.
PATERNUS.
The Senate Of South Carolina have in