Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-08-02
To Ms Editors Of Me Hhir.

finding no willing support which appea ret
to me so deensble from the many attacks on il
our public papers, have Notwithstanding appropriately
determined TO appear its advocate. The proposition
submitted to the u s. Senate, its last session by Rufus
King, that enlightened, patriotic hghminded
man. relative to the extngushment of slavery land
is that to which have reference aud which has been
unjustly denounced highly mpoltc and dangerou
to the liberties of southern country confess
that both astonsed and mortified the tone of som
of writers this subject. Instead of calm and
passionate investigation the effects likely
they denounce the scheme preposerous, northern
policy deadly inimical to the interest of the south, and its
author factions who leaving councils ''cas
hre-brand into the midst of them. This is the lansuag
OF passion and of sober judgment reflection. Fol
who knows thing of Mr. King will say that he is
one of the last who deserves the character of
tonisc He highly respected during late by
the party in opposition him his moderation. So
and consistent has he been that both parties have
admired him. and awarded him that which he richly
merited, the character of patriot Who MIR. King
advised Mr. Tonpkns that which probably
New-foR VINO was more generous with his private
purse in the hour of need aud trial. Who melted the peo
Pile more to vigorous defence against invasion? What
services during revolutionary contest when
our all was at stake Who assisted in framing
stitution which is the pride and admiration every Anne
rican, and the wonder of the world Who tlso
and honoured with the confidence pa rites that have
existed IN our country Let truly can
ddly these inerrogatories and they abused so
great and so good let them be ashamed, aud deter
mine to do so no more Mr.. King has been feder-
as but the day has when the good sense OF this
community has trumphed preudces-when mere
names or expectations, not actions diSregarded. We
khow mere are genuine republicans both parties and
Know there are anti-repubcans in both. What shall we
think OF those who denouncng Mr.. King merely being
called iederas do themselves deny that majority shall
enjoy the ri gifts OF this government?
But having done this act of Justice 10 MIR kim nc n
honorable and able politician let me examine his pro
sition whidh has excited loud oucry He proposes
that fund shall be created the proceeds ARISING
from the sale of public lands which, fer the paymen
Of our funded debt shall be applied the emancipa
ton and removal of such slaves, and free coloured people
out OF our country the lars of the States may doC
what Is this but giving to opportunity dispospg Of
our slaves, ii we so DESIRE and in the
ing. Is there any thing ike coercion in this propositions?
any thing ike an infringement State rights We are
allowed by our laws emancpate them they cannot
remain III ue state; SO that we introduce, rather aug
ment this kind of population among northern brethren
Row inuch better would 1t be To send them of the
try: But this Gn expensive; and it is to assis, this
humane aud charitable disposition in persons who might
wish to emancpate their slaye this fund is proposed
10 DC created But the Richmond Wing has observed that
slavery Is how intimately blended with polity feelings
haots, ana IL is with preiudccs and
habits, admit; bur with policy as shall make
appear by his own reasoning "Set Free saws
the hg and you immediately rcvoutionise the feelings
preudces and habits of the southern people Ii would no
longer be thought ignominous bring IN their osprpo in
some industrious Calling by which, instead ssng their
lives as IS now too frequently the case idcness and
penufy they would promote their ownnerest and the pub
lac welfare We should cease be tributary 10 the north
o almost every article comfort, convenience and luxury
mich we now enjoy; and by their folly they would
|
and industry OF the southern states, which would cut Of
one OF the greatest sources of their prosperity So much
or the NhIg-and what is the discovery we have made:
w ny, that we might be benefited by northern fov
This is the opinion entertained in that paper: but tnh
comPels me mgenuousy declare, conceive it is
liberal policy; y there certainly be folly adopting
such one They look beyond the present day they think
oil ITS ultimate consequences the Unon in serving
part, you the whoeand we w i'll snare the bene
TIT of their in this business which would not be the
Case unless 1t national object why do we so much OBJ
NOT Oh
our habits at Inevitable rain would probably enste
II TINS scheme embraced such object. But aims only
at gradual emancipation; and in this only is pac
hcaOle. The fund proposed viii be too limited attempt
any thing But it said that this population in
creases III duplicate ratio to the white populations so
that gradual emancipation could attain the object
cannot however be questioned that part we decrease
Che parent stock poportionably diminish prog any,
ana besides the huhe liberated by this fund would be
all that would be freed may naturally calculate on
the cooperation of the wealthy and well disposed part
community But fears expressed as to the issatis
faction hkey to be introduced among cooured popu
la''"n during the time that would eapse from the
menceWent TO the completion OF this object This really
regard as an unnecessary fear; for knowing the good
towards them, and seeing great and good work pro-
crossing would completely satisfy these per-
SONS a great Zeal dI5Sat OCCaSOned by
the African Colonization Society," than would
stoned in my humble opinion, by Nh Kings proposed plan
Look at the neghbouh0od where the Colonization Society
eXerts its greatest nhuencele that convince YOU Ii is
popular scheme at present; but predc, day is
| far distant when it Will become quite the reverse
! Before concluding, will make or two remarks as 10
the conSutionality of the proposition by Mr.
Hing What Can be more clear, than the U. States
government possess the power dispose public funds
TOR the common defence and general weare?" Now al
though know much has been said written against this
sweeping clause of the constitution, yet applied to this
SUBJECT cannot conceive it admits doubt Have not
the wseSt and best among here the spoken
and written also of the danger inexpedency of this
slave population Aud however little occasion we ha We
at present to fear with this very rapid increase Of num-
oers already spoken of, say there will be
any danger; Do you think the constitution meant 10
prchib you from taking time by the forelock" ward
ing Oil the evil; OF rather that you should by
waiting TIL 1t should actually bea you? Persons are apt
TO be nmca to plan that may be tardy i'm opera
ton But let remember that "from small BEGINNINGS
great consequences sometimes follow t1at "tbe cloud
which the prophet early in The morning bigger than
his hand, had before covered all the sky" If we
should not experience the good this proposition
generations yet unborn may and ma whose humanity
St suggested II to liberal and enlightened people will
be gratefully blessed by them.
ANXIOUS VERITATIS.
1t IS said That General La fayee will be entitled un-
der the late French law of indemnity to $4,000, Of
which he was robbed by arbrarr confsca ton dur;po