Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1820-02-01
THOMAS NJ. RANDOLPH.
THE MISSOURI QUESTION


There has bceu no subiect which has
excIted more feeling anil collision of sen
liment than that OF restricting slavery IN
new states. The idea of slavery is always
revolving policy, prudence, humanity
ana religion, have united 10 create a
strong opposition 10 the admission of any
ne" stale IN The Union, in which slaves
are TO be held. But while some of orr
pesi anu most patriotic citizens have al
ousiy opposed slavery, the question has
operated as an apology for ningIing with
u political considerations, and The shield
oil humanity has covered The most enven-
nmeh and long peni.up political hostility.
ms cannot be doubted by those who
read the Daily Advertiser, edited by Mr..
Dwight, The Secretary of The Hartford
convention. We have observed his can
iious steps on this subject, until the veil
OF humanity was loo thin 10 cover the
biiier political views and anricipalions
concealed under imposing CARDS. I'm a
late paper he has thought proper 10 com
menf on some resolutions of tie Virginia
Legislature, which expressed opinions
hostile TO any attempt Which NAV be
made by Congress TO restrict the people
ct Missouri from holding slaves. These
resolutions, emanatiug, as MIR. Dwight
says, from Virginia, the hauphiy dicia..
ink OF pnblic opinion" are construed by
lim not as mere expressions of legisla-
I'VE opinion, but as over, acts of treason
-" We take the liberty 10 endure" saws
HE honorable Secretary, what is the
import OF the resolution ercept a direct
encouragement 10 the territory of Missouri
To IaiSeth Stamdard Of rebellion and throw
of the forms of submission to tie national
dHthOrity, and under the guarantee and
protection OF Virginia, TO declare herself
sovereign and independent" And is il
virginia who is thus charged with attempts
10 excite rebellion against the national
government Virginia which has pro-
duced Washington, a Jefferson, Mad
lSon, Monroe, and other worthless.
virginia, who has always been foremost
IN the march of principle, always the
steady friend and patron of Americas Ii.
perry ana ndepeDdeDce-Virgi raise
Inc standard OF rebellion? Who says This Z?
theodore Dwight, Secretary otthe Hart.
lot" Coiiveniion-most excellent and un-
disputed authority. Really, with no little
charity towards Mr.. Dwight, do we think
mat charging Virginia with treason and
rebellion comes with poor grace from
him the real friends of restricting slave
on The subject, as his support is of seri.
Gus injury: aud MIR. Dwight, himself
before he attempts 10 excite ieaIousies
and distraction, aud array one state
against another, should reflect ON his no
lliIcal career-slIOuld imireat Oblivion for
tic pasl-sl,ould pass his hand over his
brow, and exclaim, with the poet
!" o, for long sleep. aud so forget il all"
me excitement, with this question has
produced, is 10 be lampmied. because il
mas afforded an opportunity for design
my persons To lnitane the public mind.
Opposed, as we have ever boon, 10 ihe
encouragement of slavery, we think that
lie question will receive fair discussion.
ana Tie decision must settle fhe point.
we have believed that Congress had y
constitutional right To- restrict slavery i'm
new stales hut we have been somewhat
shaken IN this opinion by more close
attention 10 the subject, and no evil
should be restricted il il can ONLY he
done by violation Of the constitution.
he poHls which Claim attention are few
bui important. Taking into consideration
what Is meant by the sOvereiputy and
independence OF state, The question will
arise, whether Congress can exercise
authority over The municipal concerns
ola slate Tie reply will be no; but We
will not consent thai Missouri shall become
state unless she prohibits slavery. Then.
II WI be asked, are sou uoI bound, hy the
original treaty Of cessIOn of that coustr,
10 admit territories as states, and on the
same conditions as other STATES? Has NOT
he constitution recognized slaves by civ.
ing lhcir Owpers a share ~ lhe represent
atioh : These, aud other questions of con.
'sH'uienalliy, OF -eSpcdiency, OF justice