Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1832-02-02
Speech of Mr. FAULKNER, Of Berkeley.

Speech of Mr. FAULKNER, Of Berkeley.
Mr FAULKNER remarked, that, having sub
miited 60 the consideration Of the Select Com
mittee. The only Resolution before that body,
recommending a scheme for the gradual ex-
,ipel,en of slavery IN the Commonwealth
which Resolution, although not formally be
fore the House, had attracted much unkind,
and he might ado uudeserved, criticism, FROM
some who had preceded him in the debate-&
perceiyina, too, that even the motives IN
which that proposition had been submitted,
had not been understood in their proper spi
r,t. ne felt it due TO himself, ard TO those
with whom he had the honor TO act upon this
occasion, TO make some remarks, explanato
nv of IFS true character and intended opera
ton Sir said Mr. r, beg it TO be under
stood, that, in this caese, l al least, am 40
enthusiastic am no lanatic-i go for no
AeRARIAH aws-no conflseation of property
no wild and chimeIlcal schemes OF abolition.
NV views, such as they Sle, will be found
sanctioned by the wisest heads, and by the
most iilustrious names which aaorn the an
mails Of this Commonwealth, and are not on
ly sustained by their appreciation, but have
been recommended by them, as the only
measures which can rescue this State from
the appalling catastrophe which in time must
0ne vase seiali It,
Sir, efforts have been made by those OPP
nosed to the present enquiry, to prejudce the
public mind against the cause OF en'ancipa,
lion. by statements, harsh, unjustitiable, and
untepable Cur propositions have been de-
nonncea as uonstrous. novel, violent, and ex-
fraord,nary We have been represented as
embark,pg in a crusade against private pro-
perty--as sounding war cry oil lnsurrec-
fipn-as endange ring the tranquility OF this
State, by rash and visionary schemes OF leg
islatiou. These are grave charges, and ought
not TO have been made, unless they can be
satisfactorily sustained. 1t is my business to
snew, that the attempts, so far, to sustain
them. have most slgnally failed.
There is one point in which / most per
Cectly agree with those opposed 10 me in this
debate. that the present Is a most solemn and
important subject of enquiry. will go iur-
ther. and say, II is in my Judgment, the most
momentous subject of public interest, winch
ever has occupied the deliberations OF tbs
body. Indeed, il may be paIdoned the ex'
travagance of the expression, WIZ say II u
the ONLY subject which, at this time, anu un
der the present attitude OF affairs 10 virginia
] is worthy of the sober gravity OF legislation
When, and upon what previous occasion
did question so grand and all pervadlnG II
81 It's consequences duoSab 'hN SSHS'
this House? The Revolution which agitate'
this Commonwealth fifty years ago, grea
\ and Important as ii was, involved IN its re
suits bu, change of our political relation
with the mother country. This measure
should it prove successful, and that it mus
snoner or later, no individual in this Hous
u can new reasonably doubt, must involve i
y its consequence, moral, physical and pol
deal revolution in this State--a revoiutio
II which will be benefcially felt by every gre;
interest in the Commonwealth, and by eve
ID ~ slave helding State upon this Continen
SIR, care net what may be the feelings
other gentlemen, but glory that 1t Is give
to me to participate in this measure sha
ever reckon ii among the proudest inclden
of my life, that have contributed. my lie
bic aid TO forward revolution so grand az
patriotic in its results But sir. at the san
lime that do accord with those gentlcm'
who had preceded me in this debate, on 4
opposite side Of the question, in the mag
5 tude Of this topic, cannot think with the
E that ON that account it is not FIT subject
enquiry. Its very Importance appeals to
aud demands enquiry Let that enquiry
cautieus-let it be deliberate-let it be qua
ed; above all, let it be conducted with