Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-07-06
mo ,,,,, FOR THE ENQUIRER

TO THE PEOPLE OF vIRGINIA~No 3.
IN my former numbers have considered slavery as
AFFECTS us individually and nationally; will now consi
der the means by which its evils may be aevaed or re
moved Here let me observe for ALL that whereye
speak oil emancipation in any form, invariably connec
" WIN removal would throw open the door wide 4
mahumssion consider every black face removed from
he commonwealth, an advantage gained; every slav,
transported with the consent OF his master an enemy re-
moved; evil well gotten rid Of without leaving an,
aisconent behind-havng this further advantage that
ongs present relief As it is presumed the Legislature
WIZ take some ehicient steps in this matter, il is un
necessary to enlarge present I would next pre.
ven. slaves from working in any mechanical pursuit
In me Immediate service Of their masters; prohibit
'e employment in any manufacture hereafter to be es
'ao'sied, or III which they now engaged This
shouu deem oil great importance; the very nature
cH pursuits IN manufactures, gives them more inte-
Gehce whist heir large masses affords
'heh more opportunities OF combination and renders il
more dangerous would forbid their being instructed
uhuer any circumstances, in trades ected with the
lure OF arms, and prohibit their employment as
sois, especially IN vessels going beyond the limits OF
Virginia, where they may be brought within the influ-
liz, VI 'e ee negroes OF the North and give great a-
cy Tor inc Introduction Of their ctionary notions
anu principles amongst Weight might be given to
cse ehacunehts, by making the freedom the slave the
s"hc"oh oi te law by these means, by any of them
some branches OF industry would be preserved 10 the la
oog caSs OF whites, and portion of that Invaluable po-
pulation retained among US.
These evils may be further alleviated by so amend
ing our own State Constitution that Virginia may be
divided into districts, not co-ermnous with but similar ~
those now established for throwing for in
stance the great planting interests one and the re-
OF the State into three
unS emancipation TO take place in either, the most matt
principle, but only with the concurrence of of
inc representatives from such district two
legislatures, and securing the districts still retaining this
property from burihensome taxation by declaring that any
future alteration in the taxes should operate equally on
lands and slaves. To this plan know objections may he
raised and difficulties started, but can see none TO NV
mind insuperabe Upon great and extensive subject
no plan can be suggested not liable objections; other
wise the subject itself would be Invested of its character
lie my mind no diuy greater than continuing as we
arc me proper questions then with regard this PLAN
are is II practicabc' would il be eIicen9
1t would enable such portions of the State as are pre-
Peu ior emancipation, TO eGoctuate their wishes but
oy WIN lhe concurrence OF large majority of the peo
pie; II would give 10 those who think it their interests 10
retain this property, the opportunity of doing so: with
greater assurance OF homogeneous interest it's sect-
rity than they can now have The West ought 10 he CON
tented with getting rid of the evil without attempting TO
iorce the oeneh Oh others the East should be satisfied
WIN retaining Their property, without compelling others
10 submit 10 what they convinced great individual
as wei as national evil 1t might in time effect the en-
IRE aoohtlon oil slavery in the but so ra
uuay as not to be feared Or felt and only after ex-
ample and experience of others had proved its benefits
IL would preserve TO the State portion of her territory
ee rom me dangers and alarms OF this population whose
power she might at any time WELD against foregn invo
son. or domestic Instruction. Ii would preserve the in
tegrty OF her territory increase her domestic strength
aI poiuca power and in fine secure think, elfectuay
all her great political interests The constitutional obec
ton to the post natl principle although do not attach
conclusive force 10 it, would be overcome by the amend
ment itself ~
But it will be objected and with great force ba, in tho
same community il is desirable that all laws should one
rate uniformly However desirable this may be i'm the
general, 1t can only be when there is perfect SINH
lay oil interests and circumstances but there never has
been great nation in which some occasions il has not
peen found wise TO vary the legislation, according the
wants ana interests OF particular sections. Such has fire.
queny been the in Virginia. The idea of dividing
the State is abhorrent my feelings That slave holders
and holders may live peaceabIy and happily un
DER the same government, where their mutual interests
are properly secured is evinced by the government of this
Union, in which certainly cannot complain of any at
TACK upon this property by those who do possess it
Tut what further security for slaves would Won de-
rive from division of the State than would be obtained
by the proposed amendment of constitution? If Won
are 10 have co-ternnous with you, territory in which
slavery does not exist not better 10 have under the
contioul OF your own laws when you make what re-
gulaons you please for the recovery of fnpives and
against haborng slaves, than that il should be under
distinct government whose legislation you can have
but an indirect influence through the Congress Of the
United States The difficulty of recovering fugiuves
from New York, Pennsy lvana and Ohio which were IL
not tor the Union would now be impossible should warn
you of this. How much could VIC Improve the f,cil, C
sucn recoyeries and still perfectly guard them from abuse
couu we leglslate IN this particular for those States
Besides, were the State divided by the Blue RIDGE
THINK you not that other interests would arise which
would again produce the necessity of division or crea
new uneasiness on this perple xing subject
have thrown out these ideas for relection-my limits
VIII not permit me to pursue them beseech gentlemen
who have thought of securing the enjoyment of this pro-
perry by division OF the State, pause reflect deeply
upon this subject IT will be objected however, TIA,
emancipation in one of these districts would produce
great disconens in others where did moi prevail n
might he so; but would that discomfort be essened b
giving TO that emancipation much nooriev as even IN
divide the State The only effect emancipation in Penn
syvaa has had in Maryland has been induce some of
her slaves to abscond, from the difficulty of recovering
them in free State, and division of the State would s
penduce this difficulty here But the danger of discon
tent cannot certainly be essened bv Welding nm more
than half the force by which may be subdued Unou
the whole then, cannot but think, when il is calmly
thought Of division will find bat few advocates
shall next consider the means of eradcaine slavery
moval. 'CIVIS