Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-11-14


vernmenH Neither Louisiana whose climate and pro-
duciious approach 50 the tropical SUM- which has
stained the complexion Of Africa, Missouri. who
formed her Constitution, amidst moral and polite al ex
ciement which might have excused such alarm, have
.ol its influence.
And IL there is any truth in the origin of it, on the
present OCCASION why let, me ask, did not tho Hartford
Convention, when sought to exact surrender Of this
rswer from our fear of disunion appeal the example
every slave-hodns state, except Georgia. to enforce
their pretcnsons!
We have, MIR. Chairman in truth, a substantial and
trusting as do to the obligation Of solemn compacts
though recorded paper, permanent jacquard, for
this portion of our political weight, which, though do.
pore its ORIGIN neither deprecae, nor am prepared to
yield to any claims, whatever This safe. guard is
found in that provision of the Constitution which, with
ont naming expressly concrs this power and in another
clause OF the instrument, which provides that
alteration or amendment Of it, shall take effect, unles,
with the sanction Of three fourths of the states.
To propose amendment, which shall deprive us Of
this power, through the Nstiona, Legislature, will re-
qure by this clause, the concurrence OF two-thrs of
both branches OF that body: and i'm of them the
c-holins States have, now, inclusive of Delaware,
"a out of fS members.
But is to the sanction, required of the States them
selves, to any change of the Constitution, that look
with absolute confidence for the preservation Of this
power.
AT present, any seven Of the twelve slave boiling
states could defeat any amendment which threatened
its existence.
Looking forward TO the admission OF the territories of
Florida, Arkansas ami Michigan iu,o the Union, see
this security confirmed by the Ii,ion Of slave.
holding States making the total number fourteen ex
elusive OF Delaware, which do count, because she
IL not LIKELY long 10 continue of that number Gianc
lag INTO uturity much more remote, and allowing for
two additional States to the North of Illinoi. an Mis-
SOURI, still the ratio between tie number of the slave
holding and non slave-holiing States will be as II To
10 H. In the maine@s of future conquest. o~
desired the annexation of C,nada to thi. Union the
whole North American provinces OF he British Empire
sha aii TO our lot ana Upper an! Lower Canada sip-
ply two States. i'll addition 10 Nova Scotia anil N w
BRUNSWICK, the proportion will be not less than IL TO
~ and nine States OF the H. may prevent change
lcia
oil The holders OF this property Let the Union there
tore, be extended from Florida to the ti"rmost
limits OF our continent. Let the States who compose
it, be animated by wha, roicy they ay, combniion
among them to the prejudice OF the political power Of
the South, so far as il rests the principles of the
present Constitution, never DO avans while that
Constitution remains invoiate. The enlargement OF
the resources OF the common government nav be sp-
Piled to mitigate the evils of slavery by the aid of colo.
hZa'on bu' Its power can never be applied cnian.
ger the peace OF those who suiTr from its existence
While their number forbds without their
consequent removal from the Commonwealth. no w'e
man eau desire its augmentation Whether il can be
duced IN mole 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 attain.
ment Of just ends by expedient means. These am
ready to discuss any suitable OCCASION in temper
10 mako every allowance for the right, OF private ug-
ment IN Others and with deep ,ocituje, which no con-
| Commonwealth.
The eloquent member from Hanover, (Mr Morris)
IN ms iervd address to the committee, acknowledge ed
mat he entertained apprehension OF sudden enamel
patton from any change OF the present constitution l. 1t
y % M nien t.sn aud apply this language to
eh', return to it, scabbarI the bloody sword which his
i.ncy drew in the close OF his animated ami able
Having no terrOrs for him, il has none for ms The
property Of the master will be secured by the
ty from which IL derives its existence. No g,utem,n
has proposed that slaves shall be
en- AS property Is IL better en- tiled to representation
IMAM any other estate in the Commonwc ih. IL So OIL
what Is that title founded! Their value! Why no, on
lands or horses' This argument have already cons-
| In md, k ....l.
proposed to combine taxation with population az ba
Sis OF representation Were values to be regarded as
mineral treasures Of the Mountains Of Virginia which
though latent, await hut the hand Of enterprise, T.,
deveiope their extent, and to tit them for human
As well NIGH British Statesman pro,o.e 10 augment
III the Parliament of that country, the
OF South Wales, whose naked mountains barren in
surface az the Highlands Of Scotland, have begun
since the commencement Of the present century To con.
tribute TO the wealth Of Grea. Britain as ample stores
| as the richest counties OF Ensand
Before leave the inquiry, whether slaves should
os ainic to representation, regarded either az per-
sons or properly, authority cont eniiy urged by the
gentleman from Ches,erfi: remains To be consJer-
ea0'he oih number OF the Federalist, the letters
OF Pdbliu', addressed 10 the siercan people after the
,ern'u'n and prior TO, the adoption OF the Cons,itu-
while he should ever entertain not only tho mos,
PROFOUND, nut the most grateful respect for the very
eminent authors OF that work, and regard the work it,
se as rich depository of political science and an ho-
nor 70 American literature is proper to remark, that
/
lie who studies IL with attention, will perceive that
Is not only argunsnAtive. but that it addresses diff
erent arguments to different classes of the American
P"oc IN the spirit OF an able and .ku Jipusnt adj.
ares"ng mixed assembly. Thus from dill rent mum
orrs oil THIS work, and shines from the sans num-
per- may be derived authorities for opposite principles
and opinions For example, nothing /. easier than TO
de'sonstrae by the numbers of Pubus, that the NO.
.ernmcn', which II was written not TO expound merely
put 10 recommend 10 the people, is il not aops
government; that the several State Legislature, may
arraIgn at their respective bars the conduct of the Fee
ueTh government, or that State has any such pow
err. have IN debate used this work for some one of
'ese ana other purposes while my adversary has met
me with passages from it alike genuine which over
turned my positions.
Inc authors undertook 10 defend every part of con.
suui1n TO which NO OF them at least had in the Con-
veniOn of;rej amendments which were rejected and
me whole oil the numerous articles, Of which, no man
~ America, OF independent Judgment, then approved
~ was The oiprng Of mutual ssions Of compro.
mise. r
With these preliminary reflections on this very aba
work. which trust will be regarded compatible viii,
The venerdiion aud gratitude cherish for its authors
Dfg 'eaVe 10 turn the attention Of the Committee TO
me PARTICULAR NUMBER quoted az authority by the mem.
Dff IRON Chesterfield, to not that three-ith, OF
'nc slaves oil the several States computed az part
OF Tie basis OF representation in the House 81 Repre-
pTted.
g The next view" says the author of this number
wbo appears IN the volume have, to hive been Mr.
Hdmllion (Which shall take OF the Iou.e Of Repre-.
sohaVes, relates TO tie apportionneut Of its members
among Se several States, which 10 be determined by
the same rule with that OF direct taxes" In the sue
cseung clause, the author, who hi both in the Old
congress voted against this rule and in the Convention
submitted diH'rent one, qualities the APPRECIATION of