Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1819-12-11

the following gentlemen 10 constitute the
Committee, viz: Hon. William Eusiis,
Hon. John Phillips, Hon. Timothy Biye.
low, Hon. William Gray, Hon. Henry
Dearborn, Hon. Josiah Quincy, Hon.
Daniel Webster, William Ward, Esq. OF.
Medford, Hon. William Prescott, Hon.
Thomas Ii. Perkins, Stephen White, Jun.
OF Salem, Hon. Benjamin Hickman, fion.
William Sullivan, George Blake, David
Cummings, Of Salem, James Savage, Jol,u
Gallison. James L. Austin, aud Henry
Orne, Esq'rs.
The Committee having retired, on re.
entering, their Chairman, DIR. Eusiis,
made The following Report, which was
read from the Chair.
REPORT.
The exiirpatiOn of Slavery has never
ceased 10 he regarded asa measure deep
~ concerning the honour and safety Of
the United States. The existence of this
practice is 10 be ascribed to the policy of
the government TO which their ancestors
were subject, and not TO their own choice.
Bot TO omit any precauiion that might
afford reasonable hope of relieving
them, however gradually, both from the
burtien and the reproach, would have
justly exposed them TO the charge of nou-
rishIng The evil, which they did not ere.
ate. The constitution, therefore, con
tanned provision shelving evidently the
design, that at future period the increase
ct Slaves by importation should be pro-
Hibi'ed. Subsequent laws have CARR, d
this provision into effect. In whatever
tends 10 diminish the evil of Slavery, or
to check IFS growth, all parts of the con-
fcheracy are alike Interested. In the States.
where II chiefly exists, to devise some Sc
cure aud certain plan Of deliyerance from
lis effects has been the earnest wish of
enlightened and rejecting men. The
same feelings and views induced Con-
gress, when territories were received as
part OF our empire, to impose on them
restriction intended 10 preserve them from
that calamity, which afflicted the older
States. OF this restriction they have ell
Joyed the benefit, and they now exult in
the moral and political advantages de
rived from free population. And when
we consider the unauimity, with which
Congress adopted the ordinance of 1857.
HAT first constitutional prohibition of
slavery III modern times, every State
south OF the Potomac being present and
voting unanimously in lis favour, we are
encouraged TO believe, that policy so
wise and humane will not now be depart
ed from. But II seems TO us, that nothing
could be more opposite to this policy.
Than the opening of AN almost boundless
country 10 the unlimited importation of
slaves from other States. The newly ac-
CURED territory would thus b. bur,bened
with all the mischiefs, which are TOO we'll
known TO be the sure results of slavery
an evil, which has long BEEN deplored
would be intellectually augmented: the
whole cOnlederacy would be weakened
AMI our free institutions dlsgraced nv the
voluntary extension of practice repug.
nant 10 all the principles of free govern
meiii, and the continuance of Which in
any part OF our country necessity alone
has justified.
10 those, who are making efforts 10
prevent The extension Of slavery. il is q
source OF equal pride and pleasure to
KNOW, thal they are countenanced and
supported by characters most venerable
IN those States, IN which il il moi vet
abolished; and 1t to these are added the
ierVehl wishes OF their fellow citizens in
oiher States, the appeal, we trust. will
not be disrega.ded. Ii is therefore
Re'otred, AS the opinion of tins meet.
ing, that the Congress of the United
States possesses The Constitutional power
upon the admission of any new STATE ere.
aied beyond the Limits of the oripinal
territory OF the United States, TO make
The prohibition of The further extension
of Slavery, or involuntary servitude. in
such new State, d condition OF its admis-
sion.
Resolred, That in The opinion of this
meeting, 1t is just and expedient, thai
this power should be exercised by Con.
gress upon the admission of all new States
created beyond The original limits of the
United States.
Mr.. Secretary BRADFORD then rose.
anu remarked, that though he detes,ed
Slavery as much as any man could. he
had his doubts whether Congress pos
sessed the constitutional right to legislate
on the subject under consideration; and
expressed wish that the report might
be so modified, that il might not in future
be used as precedent for the assump-
non and exercise OF powers not expressly |
delegated by the Constitution.
GEORGE BLAKE, Esq. replied, and de- |
monstraied by provisions Of the Consti- |
luton, and several analogous cases, that |
Congress had the power, when admitting
new States into the Union, which did not |
form any part of the territory Of the origi- |
nal States, 10 prescribe The terms on |
which they shall be admitted.
He was followed by The Hon. Mr.. Web |
ster, WHO gave historical sketch of the |
whole subject, pointed out The COnstitu- |
fIonaiiiy OF the measure, and in a brief |
perorailon advocated its expedency with |
his usual force and precision.
motion TO adjourn the discussion
having been negatived, The question was
taken on the report, which was unani-
mously accepted.
Mr. BLAKE then moved, that a com
mItiee be appointed 10 transmit the reso-
u'lons adopted, 10 the Senators and Re.
representatives. of This State in Congress,
and 10 draft memorial TO that Honoura.
Die Body Tor The signature of the citizens.