Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-02-02
cite Constitutional egabtg.
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COLONIZATION OF TIE FREE BLACKS.

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COLONIZATION OF TIE FREE BLACKS.
We presented day or two ago, Mr.. Jcnilcr's
resolution on this subject, and the remarks which
ii drew from Mr.. Coke of Virginia. On Friday
last, Mr.. Us resolution again up, when,
Mr.. Thompson, of Ohio moved to amend the
resolution by striking out all after The word
"Kosolyed," and inserting the following in lieu
thereof
Resolved, That a commttec,E,o consist Of one
member from each State,l be appointed, to
take INTO consideration the constitutIonality and
expectancy of procuring, by purchase ces-
SION, suitable quantity of land this CONT
nent, or some other, to be appropriated as
colony and an asylum for all, or such of the free
people of color in these States, as may choose
10 go, to which they may immediately, or era
dualy, be removed, necessity may require,
or circumstances will permit; and to inquire in
to the expediency of continuing the present, or
some ether reasonable rate of duties OH imports,
Tor definite term of years after the existing
national debt shall have been cxtngushed, to
constitute fund for the payment of the land
aforementioned, should it be purchased, and to
deray the expense Of the removal TO, and the
support and protection of that unfortunate race
OF beings IN, said colony, for reasonable length
OF time; and that said committee have leave to
report by bill otherwise.
MIR. Jenifer said that the subject was of great
Importance, whether the discussion of it were to
take place upon the original resolution, or upon
me substitute proposed by the gentleman from
Ohio, (Mr Thompson.) With view, therefore,
of giving time for further reflection upon both
he should move to postpone the further consider
alton of this subject, till Monday next, and to
print the resolution and amendment. E.
MIR. w. b. Sheppard observed, that the pro
positions were adverse, and came into collision
with each other. The House had perhaps,
better express its sentiment on the amendment
in the frst instance
MIR. Jenlfer, sid, that he was aware the pro-
positions were at variance with each other. He
was opposed to the latter one, but no inconve.
nIence could result from printing both.
MIR. Archer submitted the following further
amendment, in order that it might be laid upon
the table, and printed with the other:
Resolved, That Select Committee be in
structed to inquire into the expediency of re-
commencing, for adoption, an amendment to
the Constitution of the United States, by which
Congress shall have power to appropriate the
revenue accrung or derivable from the pro-
ceeds ofthe sales Of the public lands, in aid of
the construction of such works of internal i'm
provement, as may be authorized, commenced,
or patronized by the States, respectively, with
In which the same are to be eXacted; and shall,
In like manner, have power to appropriate the
same fund of revenue in aid of the removal of
such portions of the free Celored population of
the States, as they may respectively ask aid in
removing, on such conditions, and to such place,
as ma2 be mutually agreed on; for which pur
pose Congress shall be authorized to acquire the
territory 1T may consider the best adapted to
the OBJECT, and to govern such territory IN the
manner IN which the territories of the u.
.. are now governed, for such time as the occa-
sion Tor winch it shall have been obtained may
require after which, the said territory shall be
EStThished INTO State. which shall be declar-
ed, or into several States, which shall be sue
Cessivey declared, independent of the United
States: neither of which States shall, in any
event, or at any time, be admitted into the Union
of the United States.
Mr.. Thompson, of Georgia, offered an amend
ment. changing the reference of the subject
from Select Committee to the Committee of
Ways and Means.
Mr.. Boone moved to postpone the further
consideration of the resolution and amendments
until the second Monday in December next.
Mr.. Browns IN otion gave rise to some discus
sion, which principally turned upon the point whe-
Their the American people were prepared TO act on
the subject, in which Mcssrs Jcnifer, Coke, Mer-
GER, Clay, Boon, Carson and Thompson of Geor-
ga took part, when the debate was cut short by the
\ expiration of the hour, before any question was
taken.
Mr. Archcrs plan we hope will receive the most
attentive consideration. Ii appears to our minds
the offspring Of deep and accurate thought and of
enlarged, liberal, and noble views. We only won
der at the supposed necessity for amendment Of
the Constitution to enable Congress rightfuIly to
appropriate the proceeds of the Public Lands Ohe
public debt paid) to these objects We consider it
misfortune to the of strict Interpretation
OF constitutional power, that the Constitution
should be imagined SO often in the way. Howe.
tSyer, our object was not TO find fault with Mr.. Ar
Nehor for his constitutional fastidousness, but to
express our respect for the independence which he
fhas manifested on this subject, and the candour
N8ith which he has avowed his change of views