Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-01-12


took place between Messrs Norris Drodnox and Faux
ner, when Mr. Morris withdrew his resolution.
ADoLrrfcN or SLAVERY.
Mr. Goode submitted according 10 notice given yester-
day, The following resolution:
Resolved Tina, te Select Committee raised the sub
Jeet slaves free negroes and the melancholy
rcnces growing out Of the tragca massacre Souhainp-
ton be discharged from tic consideration OF all petitions,
memorials and resolutions which have for their object
nanunisscn OF persons held ia scrvtudc under the cx-
isting laws oil this Commonwealth and that il il not ex
pcdient 10 legiSlate on the subject
Mr. Raadoph moved TO amend the resolution ly strk
ing out all after the word Southampton and inserting in
lieu thereof, the following:
BE Instructed TO enquire into The expcdenov of
submitting to the vote of the qualified voters the s:ve
raj towns cities boroghs and counties of this Common
wealth, The propety OF providing by law, that the chill
dren oil all female slaves who may be born in this State
on or alter the fth day Of JULY $780, shall become the
property Of the Commonwealth, the males at the age Of
twenty onc years. and females at the age eighteen if
detained by their owners within the limits Virginia I'M
til they shall respectively arrive the age, aiorc TO
be hired out until the nett arising therefron, shall be
sucient to defray the OF their removal beyond
the limits of the United State and that said Committee
have leave TO reportby bill or otherwise"
Mr. Goodc supported at considerable length the immc
diatc decision OF the question embraced in this resolution
1t was subject of great anxiety large portion of the
people OF the State. He considered il his nperious duty
to move that the committee he discharged from the con
sderation of the abolition of slavery in order aloy the
doubts and excitement existing and prevent the
property OF our citizens from being impaired by the
agitation oil question which threatened the coniisca-
lion OF that property. He believed the committee
would come TO the conclusion aimed at by
this resolutonthat nothing should be done: which he ar
gued must be admcd Oh all hands from the facts that
the Legislature had not the power efficiently on
the subject the funds required great an under
taking by continuing TO entertain this subject hopes
would DC cherished in the colored population which must
be disappointed and the present anxiety of the citizens be
uselessly prolonged.
Mr. Bryce of Frederick opposed both the resolution and
the proposed amendment. He argued that the committee
having gone into the consideration petitions on this sub
ect report ought be had them to be sent out to
the people, that they might decide the question
Mr.. Moore, in speech of great length, opposed the
resolution and offered various arguments in favor of
ing energecaly and at upon the subject of the
on of slavery which he looked upon curse
that could be inflicted people and which he abut
ed the depressed condition Of many parts the State He
combaed OF the opinions expressed by Mr. Goodc
and went into discussion of the disastrous effects to be
anticipated from ncglcctng to the slave popua-
hoh-cung detailed estimates OF the relative increase
of white and black population. He contended that the
military force required TO keep the coorcd people in sub
lection; the effects of slavery upon the morals of the
whites, the prosperity Of the State the security of the
lives and property of the citizens with various other con-
sdera,ions, presented powerful for urging the e
gislaure TO act promptly and boldly the subject.
Mr. Boiling expressed himself opposed the resolution
Committee had the whole subject before them and he
hoped report would be had from them. He stated with
much clearncss and force the evils slavery and urged
variety of reasons for legiSating with view of franz
ing for its gradual removal. In reply TO the
argument that the rights opropery must not be
he argued that the civil rights of the people, the pub
lie safety required, whenever any description Of pro-
pery became nuisance that its attachments should be con-
sidered fair object OF legislation.
Mr. Randolph regretted that the main subject of the de-
hberations of the committee had been presented TO the
House at this time, and hoped il would not be consider
ed hastily. He had not submitted his amendment as
re-brand TO stir up discussion; but afford some tan
gble question TO the House, and propose submission
OF the question to the people He expressed different
opinion from that of Mr. Goodc in relation the cause OF
the excitement among the people, which he thought did
arise from the consideration ohis subject bv the House
but from the transactions in the county of Southampton
Something, he argued must be done in relation to this
question: as it would be folly to remain with folded
and close eyes to the future with the sagacity of the
Ostrich which believes itself safe when head is hid
dem was impossible to check the progress of public
opinion this subec-and was better to meet il ener-
gecaiy than wait until they forced by re-
petition OF the massacre Of Southampton.
Mr.. Gholson said that il was not anticipated that
vote would be taken the resolution this day-and as
the usual hour OF adjournment had would move
today the resolution and amendment on the tabIe-and
that when the Heuse adjourn il adjourn till to morrow al
IL o'clock. Both motions having been agreed to-
On mninn of LIZ tl,n IIn,s,