The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-01-19

tablished is, that the price OF landS IN the
free States of equal, nay OF interior quality
to those Of Delaware and Maryland. will
command not only higher prices, but read
ier sale.
1t has been supposed by some that the
number of slaves in Delaware is gradually
decreasing, and that under existing laws,
Slavery will in course Of years cease TO
exst.-By reference however to the CEN
sus of 1910, it will appear that the number OF
slaves was 4l77, and that by the census OF
1920 the number was 45Oe.
Another important fact is that the ex-
tincton of slavery is followed by rapid dim-
mutton of the number of colored persons
aud their places arc supplied by more en-
lightened and industrious population.
proof of the difference between the
effects of the labor of slaves and of free
population. we reter to the former and pres
ent condition of the counties III pennsylvania
bordering on Delaware and Maryland The
county of Chester, forty years since, greatly
inferior in soil. natural advantages and I'M
provements to the county of Kent, is now
far it's superior in wealth and the product
of the soil.
The number of slaves now held by any
one person being small, a law providing that
theiI issue born after the Fourth day OF lu-
ly next. shall be free at distant periods of
eighteen twenty-five or thirty years VIII
not be productive of any individual loss or
suffering. A law to this effect, It VIII NOT ne
doubted bv any intelligent person, may be
passed without any violation of the national
compact or of our own constitution, or IN
fringement Of the rights OF individuals. ana
without any danger to our interest, peace
and harmony. What excuse then can pe
found for DELAYING to place Delaware in the
list of free States Neither the climate nor
the nature Of our agricnturll pursuits re-
uuire the labor of colored perSons,-with All
our advantages of a central situation, near
ness to markets, of water communication, OF
soil and climate, we are in the march OF I'M
provement, far excelled by our sister States
in which slavery has been abolished Del
aware is capable of supporting FIVE times
the number of Inhabitants it at present con-
tains, vet no STATE north of the Potomac has
increased SO slowly in population, notwith-
standing the fact that from 10 State have
there been so few emigratons.
These arc some of the reasons Of policy
and expcdiencv-but there are higher ant
better considerations that ought to influence
our conduct in regard to this important sub
ject A wrong has been inflicted upon Afr
ca, for which it is our duty as Christians ant
Patriots to make every reparation in ou
power. We have declared that liberty i
one of the inalienable rights of man. ant
have secured fo" ourselves in every possible
form-whilst cur laws ha6, impose,l restric
tions upon the ~ numis.ion o. uuhapp'
slave, without aforiing him Sinri. ncal
or hope Of obtaining freedom for himself 0
his progenv. 1t has been reserved for thi
General Assembly to immortalize its Session
BY the removal OF this reproac and thes
restrictions, anil BY enacting law declarip!
that the issue of all slaves born in this Stat
after the Fourth day of July, 1926, shall b
free on attaining the age of twenty-one years
or such other period as shall be deeme
more cxpedient and proper; measures, tn
adoption of which, i'll the opinion Of you
: meuoralists, will ever afford Won a subjcc
of pleasing and consoling reflections, an
give Joy and glalness to the hearts Of thou
sands All Of which is respectfully submit
? ted.