Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-01-30

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refinement, ady be introduced int Africa by
the descendants of those who were so inhumanly
torn from all that was dear to them, and that we
may thereby De cnsbled to make some compeu-
sation for ,le crimes of those who introduced
slavery into ;ar land, and for the sins which we
as slaYc-io'iar people, may, through the in
trinity oil hi'IEui ,iatarc, have committed in the
exercise oil our dominion over them.
am told, sir, that fears are entertained by
some, that the proceedings of The Colonization
Society may have tendency to excite among
our slavesa spirit of INSTRUMENTATION, which may
Jeopardzc the peace and tranquility of this
country. L consider these apprehcnsions to be
grOundless. Ii the desire of freedom is not at
all times sufficient to keep alive spirit of ins,ir-
rection among slaves, | cannot conceive that
the existence of this Society, or the establish
ment of this Colony, will impart any additional
impulse to their hopes and anxietics upon SO in
teresting a subject. Slavery, disguise it as
you will, is better draught." Slaves who pos
sess the feelings of men, are naturally restive.-
Give them the medns-and they will never want
the ,oH to break their letters. Inducements to
instruction are to them at all times sufficiently
strong. Should they perceive any probability
of success, experience has Taught us dat they
will hazard The experiment; but while they con
slider their cause hopeless, they will make a vr-
tue of necessity, and rcman quict.--F an, dis
appointment Inns occasionally been manifested
among our slaves, through a misconception on
their part oftle views and tentions of the Co
ionization Society, it is only necessary, con-
ceive, to let its objects be d nctly understood.
TO calm any excitement II g from erroneous
impressions upon the subie.,' ct it he known
that we dsclaim any idea of interfering with the
rights Of propcrty-that our object is solely to
coonizc such free people Of colour as may uoi,r-
.as.ity avail themselves of our assistance--that
we offer an ASYLUM to those who may be eman-
cipatcd, and must. thereupon, III obedience to
our laws be banshcd from the commonwealth
and that attempting to do that which
Considerations Of policy. justice. and humanity
require vi the Legislatures of the sl;ve-liolding
states.
Let It not be said, sir, that the free people of
colour will he unwilling TO abandon their com
forts in America for the privai;ons which they
must necessarily encounter BY migrating to Az
RIGA. Many who may he anxious to go, will be
deferred at first by doubts au, apprchensions
but bold and adventurous spirits enough will
be found to establish and maintain the Colony.
Pioneers have already explored the way--und
surnouatcd numerous obstacles. The timid
will gradually acquire confidence, and nothing
will be wanting to ensure success, bnt pccunia-
ry assistauce nor ought it to be believed that
slaves would rather continue in slavery, than
members OF this Color =, Ifthev who are alrea-
dy free will SET the example, it is idle to contend
that slaves will reject the coon, because coupled
with the condition. Establish the Colony, and
there will be every inducemcnt for emigration
Give these people Il cou,itfy-let that country
be the land Of their ancesturs--anl they Will be
proud to claim and defend it. Nor can that
man be said to have country, who'is not enti-
tied to free and full participation in all the
rights and privileges OF its citizens. Men thu.
situated viii ever be found ready to initiate the
xanple OF the bold Adventures who abandon
ed the civilized shores of Europe for the bless
ings of liberty III the wiids of America-and TO
exclaiu, g where liberty dwclls, there is INV
countrv.n
Bat, sir, Il is contended by some, that the free
people of colour are not the proper materials for
colony-that they are an ignorant, degraded
racc--incapahle of self government. WHY are
they thus degraded 1t is the result of that ne
cessary policy of our country, by which they are
deprived of those rights, without the exercise of
which, the human mind can never be expected
TO attain to distinction. 1t is, think fair to in
fer, that they who will voluntarily abandon all
that endcar them to this country, and en-
bark in an enterprise like this, for liberty and
equal rights, tho destitute of education arc men
of liberal and expanded views-who prove by
their conduct, that they possess those principles
and feelings, which peculiarly qualify them for
success Where men are degraded either by
slayery-orby despotism-thcir minds are natu-
rally depressed and incapable of effort. The
expansion Of the mind will naturally keep pace
with the progress ofliberty. Human nature is
every where the same. Similar causes produce
similar effects. With the advantages of equal
rights, knowledge of laws and government,
civilization and refinement, will flourish as well
under tropical climate in this, and man.
whatever may be his colour, will be found equal
ly worthy the great author of his existence-A
knowledge Of his dignity and importance, will
generate noble principles, and a love of virtue.
Let US not be discouraged then, by the cold in
difference of those who may charge us with en-
thusiasm. lift he enthusiasln-it is the same
feeling which pcrvadcd the American Congress,
when Ito the honour ofour country be it sadly by
All almost unanimous vote, they denounced the
Slave Trale as piracy. It is the same spirit
which animated the committee Of the House of
Representatives Of the u. Statcs.-the Legisla-
lures of Georgia, Tennessee, MARYLAND and the
q neral Assembly ofour own state, when they
passed resolutions all similar i'll substance en-
bracing the sentiments and ideas which gave
origin TO this society. il is kindred feeling
with that which dictated the sentiments contain
ed i'll the interesting letter, written by Mr.. JEFF
ferson upon this subject thirteen years ago. It'll
is the same enthusiasm which in the North and
the Soutil--n the East and the West, anirnates
the best--tlic wiscst--thc most distinguished
citizens of this CouHtry--and may add, the
most enlightened friends of freedom and human
ity OH both sides OF the Atlantic. Is it indeed
true, Sir, that appre'cDsions arc to- be allayed-
pre,udices removed, and difficulties surmounted
in the prosecution of this scheme? But allow