Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-07-12
plan. that il so nearly comedies with the

D Ian, that IL SO nearly COinClucs Win INC
Mosaic law, in this case provided to
which even suppose it human institu-
ton, great respect is due for its antiqui
| ity, justice and humanity.
Itwould, i think, avoidin agreatmeasure,
all the evils mentioned in the objection.
All that was the masters own, at the
time fixed upon in the act, would still be
his own: All that should descend from
them would be his own until he was paid
| for their education. All he would lose
would be the prospect Of his children's
being enrichened at the expense of those
who are unborn. Would any man muir
mur at having this prospect, which was
given him by an iniquitous law, and can
not be enjoyed without guilt, cut off by
righteous law, that frees from oppres-
sion future generations
Is there such q man to be found Let
US stop moment to near his complaint.
81 have long lived happy by oppression.
| wanted to leave this as an inheritance
to my children. had delightsome
prospect OF their living also in ease and
| splendor at The expense of others this
lniquity was once sacrificed by law, oil
which hoped my chiIdren's children
would have enjoyed the sweets but now
this hard-hearted, this cruel convention
has cut off this pleasing prospect.
"They will not suffer my children to
live in ease and luxury, at the expense
of poor Africans. They have resolved,
and alas the resolution must stand for
ever, that black men in the next gene
ration shall enjoy the fruits of their own
labor, as we'll as white men; and be hap
Ply according to the merit of their own
conduct. If justice is done to the off,
spring ofnegroes, mine are entirely ruin
ed. II my children cannot, as l have
done, live in injustice and cruelty, they
are injured, they are robbed, they are
undone. What, must young master sad
die his own horse? Mus, pretty little
miss sweep the house and wash the dish
es land these black devils be free -
No heart can bear it Such is the dit
ference between us and them, that it is
greater injury to US to be deprived Of their
labor, than i, is to them TO be deprived
W tuClt tlOClty SfoNs
This wicked convention will have to az
swer another day for the great injury,
they have done US, in doing justice 10
them"
Emancipation on some such plan as
above limited, would in many instances,
be real advantage to children in point
of wealth. Parents would educate them
in such manner, and place them in
such circumstances, as would be more
to their interest, than possessing suchun-
productive estates as slaves are found to
be.
The children would imbbe a noble in
dependent spirit, learn a habit of mana
ging business, and helping themselves.
They would learn to scorn the mean and
beggarly way of living, at The expense OF
others, living in splendor on plumber of
the innocent. Where estates were wise
y managed, children would not find their
fortunes diminished. They would not
be Knocked with nominal, but possess
real wealth; wealth that would moi
merely feed their vanity, but fill their
Golfers.
The children Of the slaves, instead Of
being ruined for want of education,
would be so brought up as to become
useful CT !zens. The country would i'm
prove by their industry; manufactures
| would flourish; and, in time of war, they
would not be the terror, but the strength
and defence of the state.
1t may be farther objected, that to al
tempt, even in this gradual way, the an
Inhalation of slavery IN this country,
where so many are deeply interested,
might so sensibly touch the interests OF
some unreasonable men, as proba bly, to
stir up great confusion, and end danger the
tranquility of our infant state.
Though doubt not that some men of
narrow minds, under the influence of
prejudice or covetousness, might be
made uneasy aud disposed to clamor;
yet apprehend little or no danger OF
any i'll effects. The measure would be
so agreeable to the honest dictates of
conscience, the growing sentiments of
the country, and Of many even of the
slave holders themselves, that any oppo-
siIion they might make would not be
supported; and they would be too wise
to hazard the fastening an event they so
much dread.
1.-THE growing opinion Of the unlawful
ness of slavery should continue to grow,
holding men in that state will soon be
impractica there will be no cause