Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-08-02

vi '"e vi our oouthern brethren, by the resolution
submitted by Rufus King to tbs Senate of the United
States that, after the payment of our national debt m
fund should be provided from the proceeds of the sales
OF the public lands, which should be exclusiveIr and
livioably applied TO the gradual emancipation slaves
and their removal beyond the territorial limits Of op
country" we intended to remain silent on subject If
such extreme delicacy and magnitude subiec, in
winch the southern interests deeply and intimate
~ involved, TILL 1t was regularly presented TO the con-
sheraton OF the National Legislature Anxious Ver;
tatls however, steps forward in defence of Mr. f<nr
and his i-advsed, visionary aud preposterous project
and we are reluctantly compelledto review the reason
ing which urged against it. Anxious comp,o;ns
that we have not conducted our enquiries in calm and
deliberate manner, and can without Injustice rotor,
the accusation For instead of cool and dispassi.n.
ale examination OF the great question: and the prnci
pies winch are connected with it, he INDUCES his per-
sonal feelings and political prejudces, by an elaborate,
but in our opinion, unmerited euogy on his "enliph
ened, patriotic and high minded statesman and instead
ofargument, he supplies with defamation For tbe
character of Mr. King, frankly acknowledge that
we have never entertained the profoundest yeperaon
His name is closely associated with an eventfl ARA in
our history TO which, many of his warmes and most
enthusiastic friends. would, hulnbly conceive hest
tale TO rccur, for the most convincing and trumnbant
proof of his patriotism At ezra when the rights or
this nation violated and rodden under foot: when
its flag insulted, its character degraded and ifs so
verelgnty outraged when merchants were robbed
other property the high seas when American citi
zens dragged board British ships and compelled
against their will TO fight the battles of foreign power.
TO e;,Ir
political inSignifcance, a tribute was demanded for
PERMISSION to traverse the common highway fnaons;
this selfsame enlghtened. patriotic and hgh-mnded
statesman" employed all the resources of his poyerf
and gigantic intellect to defeat the only measure under
Heaven, which could from IA ona DEGRADATION
AN appeal to OF the consistencyn of Mr. kim
we have heard much,of his moderation we know M
thing, at least nothing that reflects great credit on his
course. When the patriotic members of the Federal
party used every cxerlon TO bring the war TO speedy
and honorable conclusion although they disapproved of
IFS policy, it is believed that, matter what NAV have
been the professions of Mr. King many of his votes
are recorded in support of the appropriations
ry to carry IT on Our obligations then, to Mr.. King
for his revolutionary services we consider nearly if
not entirely cancelled. Mr.. King should not have for
o 49, N~S'''S"
should not have forgotten the storm of arerv feeling
and angry passion which they aroused-he should not
have forgotten the disseEton and dscord which distract
ed the councils of tue nation and that if the efforts of
the non-save holding states on that occasion adbeen
crowned with success, this Union might have been con
yuIsed even its centre. Even the discussion of This
measure is calculated to produce powerful excitement
and agitation in black population, although the
day must sooner later arrive, when the Southern
States, themselves, must adopt decisive measures
on this subject This matter ought to be left to in
dlvIduals who are ignorant chow deeply rooted and init
mateiy bendd slavery is with poIty, our feelings,
habits aud prejudices," lest the remedy which they
might prescribe should endanger safety if not our
existence the delicate and difficult task should be en-
trusted to ourselves whose interests alone are so vitality
concerned. 1t should be recollccted too that the an
swer returned by Mr.. King the application made by
the unfortunate Irishman, who implicated in the
Rebellion, into which his l-ated countrymeu S.goaded
and exasperated by oppression" were driven for per-
mission to seek asylum from tyranny in the bosom
OF our happy country, is stigma upon his character
and that of our nation.
We dsclaim the slightest intention of casting any
reflection on the Federal party, to which Mr. King
protested TO belong In the hour of trial. many of IFS
members have distinguished themselves by their ardent
devotion TO their countrys welfare and happiness-ma-
ny, whose judgment not darkened-yb hose under
standing was not obscured by the phrenzed zeal of par
ty, fought and bIed and cheerfully expended their
treasure support of the honor and glory of the nation
In this party may be found at this day. some of the
Purest and most enlightened of our citizens who still
cling TO the principles which they have always consist
emily maintained although they now have fearful APP
prehensions and rnisgyings, when they witness the
practical illustration" of their doctrines furnished bv
the late administration. We feel convinced that we
not Justly be accused of avortsm or partiality TO
any class any party. Ours is independent press
and censute shall be bestowed, when, in our opinion
censure deserved-and praise, when praise is mer.
tied We consider it solemn duty to express our SEN
tlments, freely and mPartsy; but at the time we
open our columns 10 political dsputans, without dis
tncton OF party, and endeayour to furnish to our
patrons the means of Judging for themselves.
But to return to Anxious Vertatis, who has miscon-
OrTr mo- nFr1cr l.