Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-04-30
Communicated.
VIEWS

r,el;ora!iag .ssd improving the condif'o" 81 me
PeQpis Of COior :,
When societies are formed for purposes al;
fscting. in auy degree, the general welfare, II
nav be naturally expected that the puoilc VIII
enouire. what are the specific objects they have
in view. aud the means by which they expect 10
promote them?
In order 10 satisfy enquiries OF this nature,
and at the same time TO promote one oil the %
iec,s Of the institution, we purpose TO lay Before
the public candid and temperate exposition oi
our sentiments and designs; and while we soil
cit the patient attention oil the general reader,
we would earnestly crave the aid and co-opera-
ton Of the patriotic and benevolent. Although
most persons will admit, that the system OF sla-
very and domestic slave trade, now existing IN
this District and the surrounding country, Is
neyil Of serious magnitude,-yet we think the
public mind is no, sufficiently awakened TO It's
pernicious effects, both upon the slaves them
selves, and he white population, OF every class,
where they are held.
II frequently happens, that they whose hearts
are glowing with benevolence and charity have
their attention so much directed TO distant
scenes Of splendid enterprise, that they overlook
objects of distress, equally worthy, and more
within the reach, Of their philanthropy No
. age nor country has been more distinguished
than our own for pubic charities and religious
pierimaapsyey We deemit highly neces AIRY ire
ourn,lv and earnestly TO all the public attention
to an evil that exists in the bosom of our own
community, and even al our own doors-an evil
thai not only causes It's poor victims To groan
with anguish inexpressib!e, but threatens at no
dis,an, day 10 saplhe foundation OF our free ~
sti,utions. and to involve US, or our posterity,
in o,erwh elming calamity.
Although our legislative halls have often re
sounded with the eloquence of those who have
denounced the horrors Of the slave trade, and
the statute book Of our contry bears honorable
record of the national feeling on this subject,
vet even now does the slave trade exist 10 an
extent scarcely paralleled in any former age
nor are its ravagss S2p6aed- sss.i''s:sS-A M our
Osptyoastu fand OF liberty, and in this Districl,
the seat OF the national government, is 1t car
ried on with circumstances OF the most atflcl-
ing and hear,-rending cruelty,-separaing hus-
band and wife, parents and children, and rend-
ing asunder all the dearest connexions OF life
Shall we then fold our arms and look on with
indifference, while it is undermining the four
dation Of government, by corrupting the
hearts Of the people? Shall we wear countc-
nance Of serenity and composure, while ii is
praying upon our vitals? Or shall we not ra-
Their, by an undisgnised and candid exposition
Of It's character and influence, urge upon the
people The necessity Of speedily taking mea-
sures to eradicate the evil, and wipe away the
disgrace?
We have no intention Of interfering with the
constitutional rights of slave holders; but We
thing it may be proven, that, not only the pros
perity Of their descendants and OF the commu.
nity at large, but their present interests may
be advanced by a judcious course OF gradual.
manumission and colonization. II would, how
ever. he premature, in this stage of the investi-
CATION. to propose remedy for the cvii-Oar
object is FIRST To enquire into and lay before the
public, the extent Of It's existence and the effects
ii produces, and then TO consider what may he
the " 5, means in our power of promoting its
fnal extinction. .,..
We know that the discussion Of this subject
frequently engenders unpleasant feelings IN the
minds Of those who are concerned in slavery,
many Of whom we respec, TOO highly willingly
TO offrnd But if the subject be not discussed,
the evil must be SUITE red to grow: it has aflct-
ed a wound upon the body -poltic tina, must be
probed before it can be healed; and this duty.
however unpleasan, and unwelcome it may be
now. will. If properly conducted, ultimately
tend to the gene raj welfare We are sensible
of the difficulty of,the task We have undertaken,
and know that it is almost impossible TO speak
on this subject so mildly as never to offend, vet
so plainly as always to be felt-And although
we would place hu, little reliance upon our own
upassisted efforts, yet our Society being one Of
the many that are engaged in this great work,
we trust that our feeble efforts will not be alto
ee,her lost, and we confidently look forul,mate
success to Him who commands his people To
loose the bonds Of wickedness, to undo the
heavy Burdens, and 20 let the oppressed go Tres,
and that ye break every yoke" When We look
abroad through the world, and behold the ef-
forts that have lately been made other coun-
tries for 'ameliora,ing the condition OF the peo-
ple of color, we think there is much to cheer
the heart of the philar,hropist, and 10 stimulate
the patriot to exerlion. In Great Britain the
people have, with astonishing ananimity, call
ed upon their rulers to enact laws Tor the pre-
sent protection and future manumission OF the
slaves in their West India possessions; and
measures have seen taken TO carry their wishes
4, into effect. ~,
Our sister republes-of South America have
-. :. ,.,r.;S,,s az annie of constituency. by de-