Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-03-15
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
THE DEBATE-No. l.

The late debate in the III. OF Delegates the subject
oil the abolition OF slavery in Virginia. has excited strong
sensation throughout the Commonwealth. 1t affords mat
ter for much serious reflection the whole naon-but
us who own the slaves, tits subject of vital
most painful concern. My own feelings suggest to me-
that Such debate should not have been permitted with
open DOORS still less should it have been circulated
Pepetuated through the agency of the public press The
mischief however, is done. The poson-for as poi
son regard t-has been lavishly scattered abroad and
although 1t has probably ragged too long i'm the political
SYSTEM to be neualized by antidoe does
come us to despair of all remedy The remedy may not
and probably will not be found in any thing that can
say Unfortunately for those who think do, the effort
this subject has not been alto
geher without success The public press against ushat
engine all power that greatest obessngs worst
as may happen to be employed rusthowever, that
not late for those speak, who have the stake
IN this question, and who have nsputable title to be
heard in defence OF their constitutional rights their hap
pness and their safety The subject cannot be permitted
forest IN Its present position The publicity which has
Already received, creates positive necessity still
ther examination and discussion In order that the
In question might not fail of any OF its legitimate effects
has been ushered before the public under
euoges from the public press Even this has not sats-
It's admirers and it is now promised to us, under the
sun more imposing ormality OF pamphlet There are
some among us who rely much the Judgment and
critical acumen of our Editors TO receive their opinions
upon all subjects of this Sort with condng faith; and who
therefore, rarely unter the labor minute exam-
nation into the character and tendencies of public
sures This confidence is in general very well bestow-
eo BUT lnthe present instance it could fail be
10 the rights OF the Shareholder He not
exact too much of the courtesy Of the public press when
ne asks permission TO resist through its columns the
influence which II has eXerted against him. This is not
the only why of the East should feel an
est in keeping this subject still longer before the public
long and abored speech i'm the Legislature is quite too
formidable thing for mass of readers and
70 all such an analysis ofhe principles OF this
deoae may not be an unacceptable Offering. is desi-
raoe that every man in Virginia should know what his
resenatves have done proposed on this most
tan subject There is too much to believe that
the aboihonsts, far from desparng have derived en-
enlargement from the OF their first attemnt n
they really serious in the opinion they
ed OF the importance and necessity of their measures
they will not fail to renew their efforts the session
OF the Legislature In the time it is highly proper
that the people should be fully possessed of their nen-
tons and be able to form fair estimate of the wisdom of
their plans To such may choose read these ESSAYS
will endeavor to much of the labor of
by presenting such analysis of the debate as will ena-
BILE them to understand it, with very little trouble NV
task is undertaken without pretenson and will be per-
formed in plain and simple manner.
1t is not at all surprising that those who have with 50
much more holiness than discretion entered upon this
SADIE, in favor of African liberty should have encountered
difficulties which they did not oresee. 1t the ma
tural effect OF their unadved haste that thew should
barrass their movements and occasionally iose one
another shall have OCCASION in the course of these es
says, to point of the conflicts between their
cipes, and alaces in their reasoning Atpresent Shall
content myself with laying before the reader plain view
OF the principal propositions advancedby them as deduced
reduced to the following three:
LIST. That the slave has perfect nacnabe right TO his
reedon-a right which he would be justified in asserting
at any time; and finally, right which is withheld from
him under sounder plea than force and gross in.
Justice
3D. That the Legislature has the constitutional power r.
emancipate the slaves at any tme without making any
compensation whatever, TO their owners
3D. That it is both wise and necessary do this within
short period of time
Each oil these propositions is supported by variety
subordinate propositions urged arguments. They shall
an pass under review in due order Let endeavor IL
the time, far suppress astonishment as tc
realize the fact that such doctrines have been openly pro
muigated in the Legislature Of Virginia, and circulated
with great industry and high panegyric by the
per press. March 2, 1882 LOCKE