Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-02-24

the SUBJECT, permitted nlInSclt u DC DctTlyeu INT
a striking nconsistcncy-an inconsistency which
arose from no want of talent, but from the dcspc
ration Of the cause in which he was engaged. lie
vchc,nently assailcd the position that nothing
could be done. In the maintenance OF his view,
he appealed with much apparent confidence, TO the
plan, TIE outlines of which had been presented by
the distinguished gentleman from Dinwiddic (Mr.
Brodnax). That scheme, said the gentleman, had
completely rcfuted every argument which had been
urged TO prove the impructicahiilty OF abolition at
the present time. l was a little surprised at this
declarations; but sir, when in the very next breath.
he informed us, that he objected to the plan ofthc
gentleman from Dinwiddie, because 1t wanted prac-
t'ca@'tty, my surprise grew into astonishiient.
cannot for my life, conceive how 1T rs possible that
a plan which wants prdcticdbiiity can conclusively
prove that something is practicable. Sir, there is
but one conclusion from these facts TO which the
NINA OF an Impartial enquirer can arrive;
IT is that nothing can be done. We are forced to
this conclusion, when the only plan that can stand
tho test OF scrutiny or bear the light OF cxamina-
ton tor an instant, is admitted, distinctly ad-
mItted by those who blazen forth its virtues, TO
want that necessary ingredient -ructicsbiiity. l
admit that the plan presented by the gentleman
from Dinwiddie is founded on principles more "a
tional and is commende by u FEASIBILITY far
greater than any other scheme yet submitted to
this House. Every body will admit this. The
gentleman from Berkeley is right however, when
he says it wants practicability. Yos sir, even that
plan sustained as it was by such distinguishes ia
lent, proves entirely Intellectual. And nothing
surety Gun SNOW more clearly the vanity and nope
lcssness of the most distant success.
The gentleman consents so far rs he is concern
ed, that my constituents may continue to hold
their negroes yet n little longer-twenty years l
think was the time designated by that gentleman.
as the period during which the hinh privilege of
unmolested enjoyment and possession in this pro-
pcrty, would be tolcraLed-thus far will he 90,
but no farther. Sir, amidst tbs difficulties which
surround us, it is consolitarv to know that VIC
have SO large a hold on the liberal and generous
sympathy of upntleupru. RpDrcSentinp a q I
do, a people so deeply alive to every thing con-
nccted with the question, | cannot forbcar the ex-
preston OF my cordial acknowledgements, for a
boon so uncxpected-for kindness so excessive
for liberality SO unbounded. And Sir, it ought
not surely TO be forgotten, in estimating the bless.
ing with which we are graciously promised, that
not one dollar of hire is to be charged for the SER
vices ofthese slavos, during the time we are per-
mitted to retain them; but as if struck with the en-
cess of his own lbcrality the gentleman requires as
Il sort of remuneration for the patriotic sacrifice SO
munihccntly made, that tho loauee shall raise the
future increase until they reach years of maturi-
ty. The gentleman in this act of magnanimity,
reminds me forcibly of certain fathers-in.law
whom 1t has been my good fortune to know. The
spirit which actuates them in the bestowal of ia
vors upon the dear objects oftheir affection, bears
close, If not exuct resemblance to the spirit, which
seems to move and animate the gentleman, on the
present occasion. On the marriage of Il daugh-
ter, negroes are loaned, not given. They are to
be treated well, and above all, to be subject to the
payment OF no ucDl, winch the daughters husband
may imprudcntly contract.-They are to be return
ed on appIication--an application sure to be made
when any cruel creditor begins to press some
claim against the son. in-law. 1t is also a condi-
ton that the increase shall be raised until they are
able to work. Mr.. Speaker, l do not know what
effect such kind favors have wrought on other sec
ions of the country; bat Sr, so far as my obscr-
walton extends in that portion of Virginia
with which | am acquainted, no fortunes
of which L have read OF heard. are so
perfectly destructive and rGinous LII their
unwholsome operations, on the unfortunate
man, whose hard fate it is, to have one kindly i'm
posed upon him. Sir, they reduce him as a neces-
sury consequence, to abjcct bcggary. l will tell
my friend from Berkeley, that whenever a contest
arises in our courts, so far as my experience goes,
between the son-in-law or his creditors, on the one
side, and the fathcr-!n-law or the other, when the
title to these women and children, QoGned) is to be
decided, the jurics upon the slightest excuse, uni
versally send the old gentleman to the wall.
Sir, they will insist upon it that surely it
was intended as Il gift, and not y loan.
Reasoning therefore, from observation, / would
suggest tho possibility, that when the twenty
years have elapsed. my constituents may OBJ
stinately insist that they hold f~ec-simple estate in
the property, and refuse to give it up. Should SO
strange an event actually occur, | would certainly
advise the gentleman not to submit the decision Of
the case to a Brunswick Jury.
(Mr. Shells speech tn be cOncludsd)