Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-01-13
Ifnn TIE WMiG.
On the RemoraL II our Free People Of Color.

No l.
The evidences many and plain, that the con-
dition of Virginia in relation To its colorcd popu.
lation, is become a subject OF strong interest not
10 say of intense X:cty; and the people look
ing with expectation 20 the Legislature for some
TO be devised, which shall give them if not
assurance, at least hope, that relief, if not
speedy. may he had
In such crisis, it may be worth while TO exam
inc with some care, tiie ground OF which we stand,
and investigate the difficulties, we'll as the fac-
tiles which invest the subject. l must premise
however, th,t my enquiries and remarks will be
confined entirely to our free people of color.
Whatever policy shall be pursued in regard to
tho Slave population, il is certain that It cannot
begin to opcra,c radical change in their condition
for at least twenty years; and although it may he
necessary thereto speedily 10 resort to preparatory
measures if any thing Important is to he effected
l shall leave to others subject which l apprc-
bend public sentiment is not matured for immediate
action.
l shall assume, true, what believe will not
hc questioned, trt IL Is tho general sl, that the
free people OF color should oc removed without tho
limits the State. need not oypatiatc their
condition, character, influence, &c. That which
is and felt by all, needs not to be described.
The mode and times Of their removal ought to be
compatible with their welfare. Only dire and alb
soluto necessity could excuse resort TO measures
which must render "'icct and degraded cast yet
more wrctchcd; and Virginia will never sullv her
far name, by manitcs,ly diarcGarding the rights CT
The weak, even for her own security. Tic first
dictates of humanity compel to enquire, if the
go out from us, where shall they FIND ali asylum,
Those States which have not already denied all ac-
cess, are preparing to themselves against in
iruson oi prescribed people. III banishcd from the
States, where shall they d resting place aifOrdir
ordinary security occivii rights 81 ofsupp"rt!
Will these be found in :lay,i, or South America,
or Mexico or even on It's borders! Their iuagun-
gcs and the very frame work Of this society forbid
the hope. With confidence then, assert, that the
only region in our hemisphere that remains for the
hack TO enjoy freedom is far west keyond orr ter
ri'ori' iiiiitspcrhaps the western slope of the
Rocky Mountains tho banks .f the Columbia
itiver. There is Il land of promise indeed, one
that may he unc xccptonuble in tsClf-hut there is
barrier opposed which only time surnonnt.
IL is public opinion. Every one the lras: inform
ed must know. tina; at present the aversion to a
Hack colony within reach of oar border is general
aud decided, ana if this feeling lie entirely
erroneous, 1t can be oradica;cd only hr the slow
process OF discussion, which mouLa the public mind
Let us suppose, however, (w!'at is yet doubtfuD
That fair region is opened to the negro the an
t'podc OF his pa;crnal land. Do we not perceive
our intervening sister of Kentucky mere prompt
than ourselves and anxious to rid hcrsctcu rely OF
this unhappy racer Is it not more than probable
that shc and her ncighbor States following her
example, will occupy and fill up for some len 9Th
OF time at least field SO much more convenient
to her than to us?
| Were Western America our only resource how.
ever, 1t would be ineXcusabc to renqu:Sh it while
hope of success remained. But before rest
our hopes doubtful experiment and de-
iSi iIuItion 10 Il distant rcrion, let us turn
to the eastern world and enquire if there be not a
refuge and resting place for the black there.
In Enrope we find it not, though exempt from the
prejudice of cast that pervadcs country-Ye
convused, distressed & disGorgimg her supcrab un.
dant opulation-thrre is room for the stranger
Look we then to the shores of Airca-Wc sec
them indeed ravaged and depopulated by those
cursed iiends nhurnanity &. avarice which covered
our fair fields with the sable racc-but 10! a beacon
light throws its mild beams across the occan-thc
bow of mercy is street ched the fair iclds-thc
negro is invited to his father land.
I 9th Jan. 1892. CALDWELL