Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-12

and under pretext OF governing II, has aienated
its whole soil to creditors who could lend mo-
ney 10 be lavished on priests, pensions, plumber
and perpetual war. This would not have been
so, had the people retained organized means OF
acting on their agents. In this example then
let US read lesson for ourselves, and not go
and do so likewise
Since writing my letter Of July IL, have
been told that on the question of equal repre-
senta,ion, our fellow-ci,izens, in some sections
Of the state claim peremptorily right OF rep
resentation for their slaves. Principle VIII, IN
this, as in most other cases, open the way Tor
us TO correct conclusions Were our state
pure democracy. in which all its inhabitants
sholld meet together TO transact all their bust
ness. there would yet be excluded from their
deliberations-l. infants, until arrived al years
Of discretion-2 Women, who, to prevent dep
raya.ion Of morals and ambiguity ofissue, could
not mix promiscuously in the public meetings
of men-3 Slaves, from whom the unfortunate
state Of things with US takes away the rights OF
will and Of property. Those then who have no
will could be permitted 10 exercise none IN the
popular assembly; and OF course could delegate
none to an agent in representative assembly
The business in the first case, would be done by
qualified citizens only; and In the second, by
the representatives of qualified citizens only
State is allowed large representation on &C
count of its slaves.-But every ore knows that
that Constitution was matter Of compromise,
a capitulation between conflicting interests and
opinions. In truth the condition OF different
descriptions ofinhabitants in any country is
matter Of municipal arrangement, OF which no
foreign country has right to take notice. All
its inhabitants are men as TO them. Thus In
the New England States, none have the pow
ers of citizens blu, those whom they call freemen
and none are freenaen until admitted by vote OF
the freemen OF the town: yet in the general gov
ernnent these non-freemen are counted in their
quantum of representation, and Of taxation. So
slaves, with US, have no powers as citizens; yet
in the representation in the general government
they count in proportion of 8 to S, and SO also
in taxation.--Whe this is equal, is not here
the question. 1t is capitulation oil discordant
sentiments and circumstances, and is obligato-
ry on that ground. But this view shews there
is no Inconsistency in claiming representation
for them from other states, and refusing it with
in our own.
Accept the renewal Of assurances of my re-
spect. Til: JEFFERSON.
Extract of letter from Thomas Jefferson, dated JasuGry
2nd 1911
"You have asked my opinion on the PROPOSE
ton Of Ann Mifflin, TO take measures for pro-
curing, on the coast Of Africa, an establishment
to which the people of color of these States
might, from time to time, be colonized, under
the auspices of different Governments Hay
ing long ago made up my mind on this subject,
have no hesitation in saying, that have ever
thought this the most desirable measure which
could be adopted for gradually drawing Oft this
part Of our population. Most advantageous
for themselves as we'll as for US; going from a
country possessing all the useful arts, they might
be the means of ,ransplanting them among the
inhabitants of Africa; and would thus carry
back to the country of their origin the seeds OF
civilization, which might render their sojourn-
ment here blessing in the end, to that coun-
try
"You inquired further, whether would use
my endeayors to procure such an establishment
security against violence from other Powers,
and particularly the French. Certainly shall
be ,ciing to do any thing can, to give it effect
and safely
''But am but private individual: and could
only use endeavors with individuals. Where
as. the National Government can address them
selves at once to those of Europe to obtain the
desired security, and will unquestionably De
ready TO exer: its influence with those nations,
to effect an object so benevolent IN itself, and
so important 10 great Poftlon Oh us consul
tuen,s Indeed, nothing is more to be acished than
that the United States auouid themselves undertake
TO MAKE SUCH AN ESTABLISHMENT ON THE COAST
OF AFRICA.
Exclusive Of motives Of humanity, the COM
mercial advantages to be derived from II, might
defray all its expenses sc.
In republishing some anecdote OF Washing
ton from Gusts Recolections, the editor of the
Columbian BOSTON, Centinel, adds the follow
ing:
Note We too can give "recollection'' on
this subject. The circumstance occurred In
1880. A command of about 500 men had been
detached from the main army TO post on the
bank Of the Hudson, above Fort Lee, at what
is now called, we believe, "Ihe Palisades. -
Soon after Gen. Washington, accompanied by
his staff, visited the command. After the usu-
al parade and salute, the troops stacked arms;
and several Of the officers and men amused
themselves with efforts to cast stones from the
high bluff which 10 the eye appsdrd almost
Perpendicular into the river, but no one was
able to effect it. Washington, sitting on his
= baroer and WITNESSING The SNORT smiled at the |