Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-03-13
TUESDAY, MARCH Is, 1882.
Remarks of Mr.. Ball, of FaiJfar, in the House
Of Delegates upon A6oHtion.

and extreme embarrassment, | rise on this ocCa-
sion. Sir, said he, the range which this debate
has taken, and the time already consumed, adj
monish me to be brief The development of
talent, and the evidence of deep research; the
corruscations of wit, aud the flash OF genius with
which we have been charmed; and the melting,
thrilling strains OF e,oquence which have been
poured upon Us, for two successive weeks. are
well calculated 10 shake the nerves and Paralyze
the tongue nf one more prachced In DEBATE thah
myself Nothing but an impertous sense OF du-
iva duty which | owe my constituents, my
country. and mrsef-cOuld induce me at this
late period, to obtrude myself, Tor single mo-
ment, upon the already wearied patience OF the
House. Nor do | now arise to enter into
lengthy argument, to prove the justice anu eXpe-
diency of the cause which advocate. but sim
Div as the Representative ct portion OF the
Commonwealth deepl, interested 10 the decision
of this question, TO declare my decided dl>ap-
probation 10 the amendment no" under cohsl-
deration. If were To ask the Indulgence OF
this House WITH hope that any argument might
urop could produce conviction IN the mind u ans
individual, l might be deserved, charged with
arrogance, and of assuming an Importance TO
which | am not entitled. Mr.. Speaker, the de.
claration has been repeated made. land | am
perfectly aware OF the fact.) that subject of
greater importance, one in which the dearest ln-
1eres,s of large portion of the citizens ct thus
Common wealth are deeply and seriously insolv-
ed, has never been presented to the considera ION
of Legislature Of Virginia. 1t is also. S,r,
fruitful, theme 70, defamation, upon wh,ch the
most inordinate ambition nigh be- fully Sra,ihed;
one possessing charms and attractions tor an In
diyidual solicitous of deClamatory dIstlncnen-
when he might, shaping his course BY some who
have participated in this debate. revet IN all the
wild luxuriance ct fancy. and range untramine'-
led i'm the wild field Of lotion. Bu;. SD, #
| possessed talents and eocution equal 70 any
who have preceded me, | Nould not avail myself
OF the opportunity thus offered. Although: We
have had several instances with Hhal ayIdlty gen.
tiemen have seized it, my only obj'cJ is To ofr'
a few desultory remarks. in Justification OF the
vote which am about to give, and whilst | am
nm | must revert to remark made few DAYS
since by the gentleman from Norfolk. That GEN.
tIemar, sir. with prophetic eye. looking through
the vista Of an hundred years. present 10 YOUR
imagination scene truly appalling. lie asked
YOU it'll the evidence If the sincerity at his con.
vic,jous beamlng in his countenance, when the
hands which bind this vast coniederacy together
shall be severed, and the Northern and Eastern
$ ates march their armies INTO Virginia, the from
sources. with this dangerous population in your
bosom? The same argument was made by the
gentleman from Rockbr'ige. and ably answered
+, the gentleman from New Kent SHALL there
fore. ONLY say in addition-yOur resources will
be found in the valor and patriotism of the sons
of the heroes who fought the battles Of the Re
yolution-unless by a hard and grinding oppres-
sion yU drive them from the land of their fathers.
I pray God, sir, this prediction may never De We
r;6ed: and that this Union. which stands proud
monnment of the wisdom that formed it, having
thus far successfully resisted intestine commotion,
and foreign invasion may remain firm as our
tive hills, until time shall be merged in eter-
pity. And l sincerely hope the prophecy
NAV not have been the effect OF direct III
spiration from Heaven. But, sir, II we are
doomed to fall and this fair fabric. upon which
admiring nations look with wonder, should crum.
bile. and become the prev of the aspiring dema-
gogues of this any future age-dwmdle, and
be divided into petty sovereisntie>, the horrors OF
suco state would not be greater than those which
lawfully fear will follow the adoption of that
amendment. do not precisely understand what
is contemplated by again referring this subject 10
the Committee. But, suppose we shall have pre-
serted to US some such scheme as the the one I'M
der discussion in the commencement Of this de-
hate. am warranted in this conclusion, from
the great par,iaii,y evinced by gentlemen for that
nlan: and hope, sir. it will not be deemed irreva-
lent here to remark that. in my opinion. there
are i.superable objections to such a scheme as
that. Adopt it. and the funeral knell of the Con-
s,itu,ion will be rung-you will see the now In
dependent and happy citizens OF this common
wealth. (of Eastern Virginia at least mourning
over their violated rights and murdered charter.
till, aroused BY spirit of desperation. they rise
in bold defiance To tie arbitrary act Of Govern
ment to which they have in vain looked for the
protec,i # their property. and the confirmation
Of those rights beouea he'd to them by their fathers.
and. as they had supposed. secured by the Con-
s,tution. Mr.. Speaker. it has been truly said.
this subject is fraught with tremendous conse-
quences.
concentration is to me matter of painful and
melancholy reflection. shall not attempt to ar
QUE the abstract question Of slavery. Abundant
Evidence has been exhibited to this House to
b, m