Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-10-11

have not been very grossly deceived IN the geher-
al Character of his political opinions, would revolt
AT the excuses to which your society is now pre-
pared to 30. On that occasion he is reported to
nave said among other things, That il had been
properly observed by the chairman, as well as by
the gentleman from this district, (Mr. Caldwell)
hi' there was nothing in the proposition submit
leu TO consideration, which in the smallest degree
touches another very important and delicate ques-
'ion, which ought to be left much out OF view
as possible But Mr.. Randolph said it appeared
20 h'm, that it had not been sufficiently DIV eli on,
WIN view to obtain the cooperation of all the
citizens; not only, that this meeting does not in
any wise affect the question of negro slavery, but
80 lar as II goes, must materially tend to secure
the property of every master in the u. S. into
ana over such slaves 1t appeared to him, this
aspect OF the question had not been sufficiently
presented To the public mind. And after going
On 10 point out the pernicious effect OF the free
negro population on our slaves. he closes by these
iurther REMARKS He would conclude by saying,
uiat he had thought II necessary to make these
marks, being STAKEHOLDER himself; to shew that
so Jar from being connected tcith the qboh ion
~ Sfuoery, the measure proposed would prove
one oil the greatest securities to enable the
to keep in possession his own property But
this is not all.
Mr. Francis Key (of the district and one of the
present managers of the society,) Suggested that
tc'th rteio TO exempt the object of the meet
'ng from the possibility Of misapprehension,
there should be inserted it'the resolres, an er-
press DISSEMINATION Of any intention Of the
proposed association, to touch the question Of
The abolition of siaYery.' The chairman MIR.
Clay { remarked that such clause, would better
: enter into the articles of the association when
iormed.' To which Mr.. Key assented.
Alter such an unequivoca and solemn disclaim
by the founders OF Your institution, ofany intention
90 Interfere with the subject of slavery what must
be the establishment of all rejecting men, when
they perceive your society in its corporate charac-
Ter, and your numerous vota,es in their ide spread
operations through the country, within the short
space OF q lew years, openly avowins and propa-
eating doctrines leading directly TO the general
abolition of slavery? Shall | be again called on
10 furnish the proof that this one of your obects
Already has that most unpleasant duty been per-
formed, IN my last communication to the Auxiliary
Society OF Powha;an. But if further proof is want
ed, let me refer you to whole chapter under the
head OF Appendix O. attached to the ;,rd Annual Re-
port OF your society: gravey penned and made up OF
different extracts, from the speeches and communca
tons oil your members, TO prove that this was one
81 your objects. Let refer you too, to the
coior!ou, and distressing fact, that your subordi-
nate agents at this moment penetrating society
IN al directions, intoxicating these pernicious doc
-riDes, aader the solemn and sacred sanctions oil
religious obligations. 1t is in vain for us 10 be
told, that your society does not seek TO impose any
direct obligation on the slave TO emancipate
hs slaves; but that your aim Is TO effect this object
gradually and by the exerton of great moral prin
cipie TO be created snlong US. This, when we con-
slider the peculiar character and temper of this por
tion OF our population, IS no psation of the mis-
chief Not even !anaticisn itself, would be rash
enough TO attempt By direct means, the general
abolition Of slavery. The peculiar Constitution of
Society in the South, and the Safeguards which the
constitution and laws have thrown around this
portion OF our property, must az least for the pre-
sent render any movement OF this sort, both ply
sically and legally impracticable. 1t would seem,
then, that your society is entitled 10 but little credit
for seeking 10 effect your object in the only mode
which left for your choice. But, sir, ii is
from your Efforts an this sery mode Of operation,
s1 attempting TO create n greet moral principle
in S0ci,tY, Favourable TO emancipation, that all
The horrible consequences which deprecaie,
likely TO result. And, when contemplate its
inevitable consequences upon our slave population,
II Is, II any thing, more objectionable than direct
movement, to your object; for, while the would
lead inevitably to open war, the other leads
certainly TO the most horrible species of assassina-
ton. Your public and private discussions of this
interesting question, however honestly they may
he intended for the moral OBLIGATION and improve
ment OF the whites, will not fail TO engage much
greater degree of attention from the slaves, than
obvious OF all reasons, because TO them il is ques-
ton of liberty or slavery. Goaded up 10 a state of
phrenzy by your fanatcal inspirations, their hopes
and feelings would but lily brook the necessary
delay, for the successful establishment of your
1avorite moral principle on the minds OF their
tiers Degraded and debased from the very know
ledge of their condition slaves, dissolule and
abandoned in their moral character, with passions
and feelings of the most lawless and brutal kind
rendered more than combusible by inflated pictures
OF liberty and the recollecions of past servtude,
single spark would be sufficient TO throw the whole
country in flame, whose ravages would extend
itself into every walk OF society. Our fields, our
kitchens, and even the sacred retreat of cham
bers would contribute the materials 10 feed tins
unholy coHHagration.
Bat let me urn from this app alling scene of
misery, which is destined TO grow out OF your eff
forts TO reyolutionZe public sentiment upon this
subject, and see if il not also true that there is
much to believe, that your society from its
very nature and tendency, Especially since the in
terpoa,iOn OF the abolition principle into It's pro-
Geedings, has already been and is calculated to be-
in future the repository of all the fanatical
spirits in the country upon this subject; and whe
Their the late political movements to which have
had alluson, being subsequent To- The establishment
of your Society, have not close moral, If not real
connection with you. Is cannot be expected that
these propositions should be sustained by the same
definite precise proof that which has been adlu-
ced to shew the rapid encroachments OF your society
since its first organization: Because, from the
very nature of things, they are not susceptible of
it. But, believe, enough has already been de-
veloped in your operations, to produce the most
satisfactory impressions Of their Correctness Fast,
then to IFS tendency become the ralying point
Of all the restless and disaiFected upon the subject
OF slavery No other proof upon this branch of
the enquiry be necessary, but the fact just no.
tced, that when your society was first formed, its
sole object toas said TO be- the Colonization of
the free people Of colour, 10 which believe your
founders N havn Vat IN bo