Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-05-30

indians, OF is separately settled by the
subjects OF Spain, where slavery is al
ready established; and mucb Of this ter
riiory will doubtless be annexed to our
nation by amicable arrangements, and the
natural progress of civilization.
1t has been urged as compensation
Tor the admitted evils Of slavery, that the
spirit 0! liberty is more elevated and per-
lsevering among the masters of slaves, than
10 states where liberty is common bless.
ing. We may admit that our southern
brethren are as firmly attached 10 liberty
as ourselves. but we cannot concede that
they are 10 any respect our superiors,
without submitting TO humiliation and re-
preach. Probably the claim has no other
just foundation, than 10 the we'll known
ardor, tenacity Of opinion, and strict con
cert OF action, with which the members of
a privileged order invariably pursue a
separate and exclusive interest. Even a
tacit admission of inferiority, from habit
uai concessions, would imply on our part,
a secrect preference of aristocraticaI iusti-
tntions since the experience of every
age has evinced, that when the privileges
OF ruling order are founded on the tran
STORY possession of wealth, however ac-
quired, they are never exercised with
more moderation or justice, than when
they depend on hereditary distinctions Of
rank.
/" We are clearly bound by our federal
engagements, not 10 attempt to effect any
change in the adjusted relations of society,
in the states where slavery has been al
ready established. But as the bare per-
mission of slavery in new state, would
be concession tending to disturb the
natural equality which would otherwise
exist between the states, and also between
all free citizens, it would seem TO be far |
more reasonable, even on the principle Of
that strict aud literal construction of the
delegated powers of congress, for which
Virginia contends, to require 10 the Coz
stitution an express authority to tolerate
the extension of slavery rather than IRON
the mere absence of any express direc-
ion to that effect, TO infer The want Of
power to prohibit such extension, in dero-
cation of the the fundamental rights and |
principles, which il was clearly the great |
object of the constitution to secure aud /
perpetuate.
:" regret that the discussion of this
subject by the states, has become neces-
sary. 10 my judgment it would have
been more prudent TO have left question
of such delicacy and importance to the
decision OF congress. But
as il has been proposed by the general
assembly Of Virginia, prompt and frank
declaration Of our sentiments, is required
no less by decorum than by just regard
TO the rights of our constituents. On the
grounds which have been briefly stated, |
am compelled by sense of duty, TO de.
clare il as my opinion that congress is
fully authorised to inhibit the further diff
fusion of slavery and that to permit it to
be established in the territories or districts
which have been, or may hereafter be
acquired, would 10 effect operate as an
indefinite suspension, if not a perpetual
exclusion of the rights which appertain
to the free agricuIturalists of the United
States, and tending also to create an influ-
ence injurious 10 the states where slavery
is interdicted."