Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-03-13
Substance Of Mr.. GALL.4HER'S Re-
marks upon the subject of the abolition


Of Slavery.
MIR. SrEAKER:-I beg the House to be composed
by the assurance, that do not mean to inict upon
IT. speech on this occasion. Specchmaking, sir
IS somewhat "out of my line:" and notwithstand
ing the exhibitions we have had, by most eloouen,
masters upon this floor, doubt whether shall be
found very apt pupil. My simple object is to ex.
plain the vote which feel myself bound to give
upon this truly momentous question. And I feel
u 'ho more incumbent upon me, to make this eI-
pianatIon, from the fact that / shall differ with
most OF my western brethren-with whom it is ee.
morally my pride and pleasure to act. Those who
arc stdre-hoidcrs, may feel themselves fully at Ii
perry 10 advocate some movement upon this sub
lcct'-As anon-stare- holder, feel bound to hest.
tate' and to oppose any legislative action at this
time.
1t is natural, Mr.. Speaker, that identity of in
terest should make men think alike, and act in
concert 1t is natural, sir, that men, however de-
sirous they may be, to diysst themselves of eyery
undue bias, should be somewhat sectional in their
views. But, sir, this is subject upon viii CHI the
nina should be permitted possible, 10 soar above
such influences. 1t is one, which, if not iudicl-
ousiy managed, may produce Of evil than
good. IL 10 n topic well calculated to wake into
action the most powerful feelings of the human
heart-the passions, the preudices, and tire int.
rests which are interviewer with our nature.
know, Mr.. Speaker, it is fashionable to brand
the man VINO separates from his companions with
eplthcts OF reproach. He is apt to be viewed as a
deserfer--as one whose weakness has been opera
ted upon-as ono who has been seduced by some
mahgn iniluonce"-aDd the term rccreant is like
~ to be applied to him. Sir, fin this instance, in
inc pursuit OF what esteem the dictates of pru
uancecnay' duty shall earn this rcproach from
any OF my western brethren, be it So feel that
can bear 1T patiently, when | reflect that I am
doing what honestly feel bound to do, as the
agent OF those who delegated me.
MY constituents, Mr.. Speaker, scarcely expect.
cd this great question to be tested at the present
session. They were well aware Of the existence
OF alarm and discomfort in certain portions of the
state; and they might have doomed it probable,
that the Eastern section would be awakened TO
'he necessity and proPrcty of some action at no
very remote perod-but they certainly did not an
thorizc me to goad our Eastern brethren into what
might be deemed premature movement upon the
SUBJECT The people Of the East feel the acknow.
lodged evil more sensbly than we debut will
not urge them 10 action, when they tell me empho
ucalIy they are not ready for it.
or believe it is the policy of wise physicians
IN diseases OF stubborn character, not to increase
irritation, but to apply cmolli5nts and scdatives-
not TO apply caustics, when cooling applications
would much better suit the temper and condition
o' the patient. So with political diseases. pre-
ona 10 but little science in managing the body po
huc-bul this much have learnt in my short 10
g'siatIve career, that "soft words turneth aside
anger and that those whose judgments you would
convince, must first have their feelings and their
passions subdued-not iufamed.
MT Speaker, as an individual, reared with feel
"gS OF abhorTcncc for slavery in all its forms and
.n !, it depended upon my word, $50
cIG'y beng prepared Tor it, the shackcs should
iai' rom every slave in the Universe. And if sus
talhcd by my constituents and entrusted with
pace IN THIS House, TO express their will, | should
glory IN the privilege OF being allowed 90 vote for
its total extinction
But, SIR, ! Do not stand here to advance ndi...