Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-01-21

v,
sue, the tragic scenes of Southampton, will be
but common occurrence, and the historic muse
Of Virginia, be htcd to weep, often to weep
over similar catastrophes. Sir, whatever the
results of these convulsive struggles NAV be.
whether they evenluate in the attainment OF
their object, by this i'll fa'ed people, or whether,
"a TO me there seems little doubt, they result in
heir utter exterminahon, at the point of the
bavonet; in either event, their history will be
written in characters of blood. And this Is that
progress OF future events, which we are called
upon TO fold up our arms, and await in submis-
sive silence: without one effort to arrest the
impending danger For one Sir, | cannot do it.
| Will not do It. No Sir, for myself, ms one in
dividra of this community, here before the as,
semblcd representatives Of this Commonwealth,
lay my h md upon the al ar, and pledge myself
TINT the hnmbic faculties with which it ha,
pleased nature, or natures God to cndow me,
shall be devoted, rel, giously devoted to he &c
compllshm"nt of this great object. the abolition
of s'avey in this the land of my nativity.
Mr.. Speaker, there are these in this house.
and out of 1t 100. who hope, that by the adoption
of splendid schemes of Internal Improvement
hey nre about to rcsuScitatc the waning for
tunes OF Virginia; that by connection of the
waters OF the Atant with the OHIO, by a line
of communication running through the heart
OF the State, they will arouse her sleeping
ergies, and again place her in the front of this
C' nfederacy. Sir, in my opinion, they vainlv
hope u; thsy have mistaken the disease under
which Frg!nis is languishing, and until they
direct their application TO that disease. they can
never effect their object. These schemes may
benefit oar Western brethren. and rejoice that
they will. but fear that we in Eastern Virginia
are rot tn be benefit d much by them. Sir, you
may hold out what inducements you will, you
may spread the most inviting feasts, and who will
come and sit at your board, with The sword Of
Damocles suspended over his head by single
ha r! Alas. Sir, if something is not done, if some
hope OF brighter prospect is not held out
those who have heretofore sat at your board
VIII leave II, and soon your banquet hall will be
deserted and solitary. The gentleman from
Brunswick, In n spirit of sarcasm, would no
doubt tell you that all this is but a melancholy
dirge, the effect of an over excited ina gina ion
Sir had the warning voice of Cassandra been
ns;end to. though THAT was but a melancholy
urge, 1t might not have been sung Of
Ir"y-lLIUM ~UIT-TRoY HAS BEEN.
MIR Speaker, after what | have said upon this
SUBJECT. YOU may perhaps be surprised to hear
the declaration that ! am not at this session
prepared To vote for any echemc of general e.
Emancipation. ] caunot DO it consistently with
the trust rcpoJed in me by those whom have
the honour % represent on this floor; they have
100 deep. too vital an interest in this moment.
Gus ques'lpn now, TO be committed by one SO
ignorant OF their wishes as I am. Again Sir :,
upon subject of such magnitude this, our
Ia" glS'ation cannot he too cautious and circum-
spect; we should well weigh every step we take
IN 1t, for one single false step may lead to conse-
quences the most fatal. But while am unw-
ling to lrglsate defniivey upon this suhiect, !
ain willing that the Committee to whom it was
referred shall go on with their Investigations
that they shall make their report to this House,
hat that report may GO before the public, that
the people may be brought to reflect upon it,
and that future Legislature may come h, r.
prepared TO act definitvely. Again Mr.. Speak
er, must most unhffec,ed'y declare to you
Sir, that distrust my own youth and mex
pericnce; distrust that ardour o. ceiling, that
Enthusiasm, natural to this condition Of life.
] see around me many of nv coadjutors in a
similar situation. 1t strikes me that had the
people contemplated any Legislation upon this
deeply important subject, we should have seen,
this hall made venerable by more gray heads
than now appear in it. And vet, notwithstand-
img. have veniured, perhaps in the estma
non Of my audience, rashly ventured, to intrude
upon the House my own crude notions. If so
Sir. | must throw myself upon their indulgence,
and plead that very youth and inexpcrience
as my apology
lDEGATE Continued