Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-11-10

amidst moral and political excitemou, which NIGH
nave excused such alurm have felt it's influence.
And 1t there IS any truth in the origin of it, on the
present occasion, why let me ask, did the Hart
iorc Convention when it sough to eXtort q surren-
der OF this power. from fear Of disunion appeal
70 tue example of every slave holding state except
Georgia, to enforce their pretensionss
we have Dir. Chairman, III truth, substantial and
trusting as do to the obligation of solemn compacts
tnough recorded on paper, permanent safeguard for
this portion of our political weight. which thoupb
deplorc its origin, neither deprecate nor nm pre-
pared to yield, TO any Claims, whatever This safe
guard is to be olind IN that provision of tho Con-
ssltution'whch without naming expressly, coners this
power and in another clause of the same instrument
which provides that M alteration amendment of it,
shall take effect, unless with the sanction of three
tourtls of the states.
10 propose amendment, which shall deprive us
of this power, through the National Legislature
will require, by this clause the of two
thirds of both branches of that body: and in one of
them the slave-holdng States have, now, inclusive
OF Delaware, "a out of d8 members.
But it s, to the sanction, required of he States
themselves, to any change of the Constt ution tina,
look with absolute confidence for the preservation
At present, any seven OF the twelve slave-boldin
States could defeat any amendment which threatened
its existence.
Looking forward to the admission of the territories
OF Florida, Arkansas and Michigan into the Union,
see this security confirmed by the addition Of two
slave holding States making the total number four
een' exclusive OF Delaware, which do not count,
her. CHANGING into tutuiy much more remote
nd allowing for two additional States TO tl.e North of
Illinois and Missouri, till the ratio between the num-
Der OF The slave holding and nonslav- holding States
will be IA to Is. If, in the madness or future
conquest, for never desired the 9nncxation of Can
ada tn this Union, the whole North American
provinces of the British Empire shall fall to our lot
and Upper and Lower Canada supply two States
in addition to Nova Scotia and New brunswick, the
proportion will be not less than Ii 49, and nine
sNntes OF tho II. may prevent any chunge of the
iftttn ,r.o1
the holders of this property. Let tic Union, there
iaro, be extended from Florida TO the northernrnost
Mnits of continent. Let the States who compose
it, be animated by what policy they may. coubina-
ton amsng them TO the prejudice Of the political
power of the South, far it the princi-
Ptes of the present Constitution, never be
availing while that Constitution remains inviolale
H-he enlargement of the resources OF the common
government r'uy be applied tn mitigate the evils of
slavery by the aid of oonization but its power can
never be applied to endanger the peace of those who
suffer from its existence. While their number for
bids emancipation. without their consequent reinovat
from the Commonwealth, no wise man desire its
augmentation Whether it can be reduced in mode
consistent with the claims of Justice and humanity
or not we are not called upon to decide. | am on
this subject enthusiast, look to the attainment of
Just ends by eXpedient means. These am ready
70 discuss on any suitable occasion, in temper to
60 make every allowance for the lights of private
Judgment in others, and with deep solictude which
no consideration can sway, for the pence and happ
IFJSs OF the Commonwealth.
IN his fenid address to the committee acknowledged
that he entertained apprehension of sudden enan
Gpaton from amy change of the present constitution
Let my hon rabe friend then, and apply this lam
guase TO him, the sincerity of heart that never for
got benefit RETURN to it's scabbard the bloody sword
winch hts fancy drew in the close of his animated
d able speech Having terrors for him. it has none
for me--Tne property of the master III be secured
ny the necessity from which it derives its existence.
No gentleman has proposed that slaves shall ba nu-
merfealiy represented. AS property, is it better en-
Titled to representation than any other estate in the
Commonwealth Ifso, on what is that title founded,
Their value? Why not on lands or horses? This
argument have already considered in relation to the
amendment, by which it proposed to combine
taxation with population basis of representation
We're values TIC be regaided q basis of represent
fation shonld we not compute the mineral
OF the Mountains Of Virginia, which though latent
await but the hand of enterprise, to develope
their extent, end to fit them for human use?
As wellmight British Statesman propose to aug
nent in the Parliament Of that country the repre-
sentation of South Wales, whose naked mountains,
barren in surface, rs the Highlands of Scotland have
begun since the commencement of the present CEN
tuTy to contribute to the wealth of Great Britain as
ample stores as the richest counties of England.
ITO BE CONCLUDED.
nd o,,rca L,lo l.