Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-03-13

oil the gentlemen on the opposite side, TO possess
In the slaves now in being, gives him clear and
incontrovcrtiblo title to their future increase.-
AN opposite opinion would apply. not only to
slaves, but to every other species of propcrty
whatsoever. Mr.. Speaker, | do not profess to
understand the tcchnicalities of the law; nor
will place myself in competition with some who
have figured IN this debate, at special plend,no.
but the truth of this position must be acknow-
lodged by every prcjudiced mind; and call
on gentlemen, By every principle of Justice ex-
pe'i'ency, and of policy, and pray them to pause
aud solemnly reflect, before they adopt propo-
sition so novel and SO unjust The unconstitu.
,ionality of any Legislative action upus this sub
Ject has been clearly demonstrated by those
gentlemen who have preceded me. that any at.
tempt on my part would be entirely superfluons
And, indeed. if conviction has not been riveted
upon the minds of all; If the wavering have not
been confirmed by the facts set forth in the argu-
mehts of those gentlemen, it would be the most
arrogant presumption in me, to suppose any eff.
fort of NINE could convince them. Mr.. Speaker,
IT has been conclusively proved, in the course Of
this debate, that you have not the rip!.t to abol
1871 slavery by Legislative enac,ments, unless you
provide compensation, ample and full. The zeal
OF gentlemen must, then, be attributed to pure
phianthropy. But, sir, | must be permit
ted to say, it is mistaken philan hrory-
suppose you adopt a proposition provid-
ing Tor the abolition of all slaves horn after
rated! No, sir, the first effort of the master,
ABOUT thus to be deprived of perhaps his only
means "f support for a large and helpless family J
VIII he to procure market for his sla ves-and
II ne should not succeed in this, as is-more than
prof. able he will not, for by this very act YOU
close every outlet, he will flee from land where
MS r'ghts are no longer sacred, attached as he
Is to 1t by all the pleasing recollections Of his
childhood, and the chivalric deeds of his apces-
'ors, and carry with him this property, to some
pace wherc he can ENJOY it without molcsta-
ton. And thus the condition of the slaves will
remain the same, and Virginia will be deprived
OF many OF her most valued citizens; fiction will,
then indeed become fact, and the GLOWING de-
scrlptions we have had of ruin and desolalion,
sorrow, want, and q barren epopulated country,
VIII be completely realized, and true to the life
1t needs but the passage of this act to make the
picture which has been admirably drawn,
| complete. Mr.. Speaker, 1 did in the commence
| ment deprecate the agitation of this question:
Thought perceived in it the seeds of discord re-
crlmination, and bitterness of feeling, which I
conceived it to be the duty of every patriot of all
who valued the peace and tranquility of society.
to endeavour by every possible means TO avert
! SIR, was not mistaken-what has passed within
these walls will be carried on the wings of the
wina TO every corner Of the country, and tits not
| In the power of mortal man to tell what NAV he
the issue. The gentleman from Kanawha spoke
Few days since of a flame poured not only from
inc worth and South, but every where. Sir, this
hali is the grand receptacle-hsre the materials
nave oeen collected piled, and the match applied
and the combustion which has taken place here.
has emitted flame which may scath the fairest
portion OF this Commonwealth, and perhaps bring
| ruin on us all. We have heard much of the ire
mendous popular voice which says something must
| be done. do confess, sir, it has not reached nv
ear. have heard it. loud and deep in relation to
a particular class of our coloured population. as
| The numerous petitions before your Committee can
testify. But sir, until the commencement of this
debate two solitary memorials were upon your ia
ole In relation to this subject 1t is the absence of
'h's expression OF public sentiment, which indu-
ces me IN part to believe this is not n proper time
to act. We have received no instructions from our
constituents; q can speak for myself and many
gentlemen with whom have conversely and do
thlnk we are transcending the powers delegated to
US, even to discuss it. We were not elected for
TINS OBJECT. The circumstances out of which this
debate has occurred, had not transpired when VIC
received our warrants from the people; and i'm n
matter of such vital importance, should we not at
least wal: until there is full expression of the
VIII oil those from whom derive our authority
the people. When this is obtained, l for one
am ready to make sacrifices as great in proportion
TO the interest which have in thin properir MS
any man.. But cannot-I will not consent by
any act of mino, in the absence of any delegated
authority, and in violation Of vested rights, 10 le-
gisiatc away the property of my constituents.
should do injustice to my feelings, sir, if were to
close without rendering to the gentleman from Ka
nawha, my thanks, for the sublime and glowing
description with =" hich he charmed this House a
few days since, when i'll imagination, he beheld
the genius of universal emancipation smiling over
the work which he believed already ACCOMPLISHED;
and must say to him in return, when it shall be ac
complished, by a violation of the sacred right of
property sacrifice of justice and the consttu
tion-thc Genius of Columbia will hang her head
in sorrow; and drop tear over the frailt,es and
| follIes Of her children.