Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-12-16
Tbe Constitutional gythfo,
Tuesday Ecesissg, Dec. rs.
SLAVES, FREE NEGROES &c

C,
we nave on file, numerous communications on
tne SUBJECT OF this class of population; some
Suggesting the means of Kidding the country of
slaves, others pointing out the best mode of sending
ON the free negroes, others again, treating both
questions. With every wish to oblige our corros
pondents, to throw all possible light ON the mas
lions involved, and to render everv facility toward.
successful and fortunate disposition of them, we
have deemed it most prudent to permit this corres
Po9dence to remain for the present, on our files.
The Select Committee of tho Uouse of De,o
gates, have under investigation the whole subject
Rnd the Public will look with the highest interest
10 the result of their labors-tho extent to which
they will propose to go, and the mode of accom-
pushing it-whether they will confine their views
70 free negroes, or whether they will embrace
Some scheme for ginning the gradual abolition
81 slavery itself. From what we hear we believe
shat this last will not enter into the deliberations
Of tho Select Committee.
Some of the petitions invoke the aid of Congress
90 send OFT tho free negroes, amendment of the
constitution giving Congress the power of ap-
ProPriatlng money to that object, being first OBJ
famed! DO those scrupulous people believe that
such an amendment can ever be had7 Do they
expect the majority which has ever claimed and an
sresed the right of appropriation in analogous
cases. 10 acknowledge by consentipg TO such an
amendment, that they have been in the habit of vi
oiatng the Constitution perpetually7 II is the mer
est fantasy, to hope for any such consequence LIE,
them lay aside scruples untimey, if we'll foundad
30 injurious, if honest. Let them boldly appeal to
Congress in language to this purport: 1--WE bestow
ed an empire upon the People of the United States
STIMULATING that it should be pledged to the payment
OF the Public Debt. Year after year, you have as
stunned the privilege of diverting that Domain from
Ms original destination, and have bestowed large
portions upon every asker, We, the People of Vir
gna, believing that from the terms of the COMPACT
you had not this right, have scrupuousy refr aimed
from asking you to do what we believed wrong
We who bestowed all have neither received nor
asked any thing in return. But circunstanc es
have changed. The Public Debt is nearly discharg
cd, and the intont of the donation fulfilled We
are placed in condition, from which to be relieved
demands an extent of means which we cannot
command. We apply to you, not as mendicants
but as those having moral right to what they ask
not in the spirit of favor, but of Justice that part
Of the public domain for which the nation has no
longer any use, shall be appropriated to defray the
great charges imposed upon by the necessities Of
eur situation. You, who have distributed that do
main SO literally to those having no claim upon it.
cannot reject application fortified by justice
gratitude and humanity"
Why should not this language be held to Con-
gress7 Why should Virginia persevere in scrupes
which, instead of procuring for her respect earn
nothing but ridcule? Which, in place Of inducing
others to reverence the Constitution, only enable
them to get larger slices of Congressional bounty
Is it not timo to eschew this Quxotism? To de-
seend from the elevated heights of pursm and self
righteousness, to tho region of common sense and
wordly habitudes7
We wish therefore, that the Petitioners, who
desire amendment of the Constitution before
they will consent to ask for what is their own had
instructed their Delegates in the General Assembly
20 appeal without delay for the aid of the General
Government.