Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-03-13
Remarks Of Mr.. BALL, of Fairtar,
ainnll AhnILion

>>N"'"'S' " s'A'' D'AI<i<3 W fur/uI,
apon abolition.
| Mr.. BALL said, 1t is with unfegned diffidcnce
| and extreme embarrassment, rise on this occa-
| sion. Sir, said he, the range which this debate
has taker, and the time already consumed, ad-
monsh me to be brief. The development of ta.
lent, aud the evidence of deep rrsearch; the
! corruscations of wit, and the flash of genius with
which we have been charmed; and the melting
thrilling strains of eloqucnce which have been
poured upon us, for two successive weeks, are
well calculated to shake the nerves and pa ralyze
the tongue OF one more practiced i'm debate than
myself. Nothing but an imperious sense of
duty-a duty which l owe my constituents, nv
country, and myself-could induce me, at this
late period, to obtrude myself, for a single mo-
ment, upon the already wearied patience of the
House. Nor do l now arise to enter into
| lengthy argument, to prove the Justice and eX-
pedency OF the cause which | advocate, but
SIMPLY as the Representative of portion of the
Commonwealth deeply interested in the decision
| or this question, to declare my decided dsappro-
patton to the amendment now under considera-
ton. If l were to ask the indulgence of this
house with, hope that any argument might
urge could produce conviction in the mind of any
individual, might be deseryedly charged with
arrogance, and of assuming an importance to
which am not entitled. Mr.. Speaker. the de-
ciaratlon has been repeatedly made, (and am
perfectly aware of the fact,) that q subject of
greater Importance, one in which the dearest
commonwealth are deeply and seriously inyolv
ed, mas never been presented to the consideration
OF Legislature of Virginia 1t is also, sir, fruit
ful theme for defamation, upon which the most
hordsaale ambition might be fully eraifed; one
possessing charms and attractions for an indvi-
dual solcitous of declamatory distinction-when
ne might, shaping his course by some who have
participated in this debate, revel in all the wild
uxuriance OF fancy, and range untrammelled in
the wild field of fiction. But sir if l possessed
talents and elocution equal to any who have pre-
ceded me, would not avail myself of the oppor.
tnnity thus offered Although we have had Sc
veral instances with what avdity gentlemen
have seized it, my only object is to offer few
oesuitory remarks, IN justification of the vote
winch am about to give, and willis, | am I'D,
must revert to remark made few days since
by the gentleman from Norfolk. That gentle
maj. man, sir' with prophetic eye' looking through
the vista OF an hundred years, presented to your
IMAGINATION scene truly appalling. He asked
| you, with the evidence Of the sincerity of his
convictions beamiDg in his countenance, when
| the bonds which bind this vast contederacy to-
gether shall be severed and the Northern and
Eastern States march their armies into VIRGINIA
the frontier border of the South, where will be
your resources, with this dangerous population
IN yonr bosom? The same argument was made
by the gentleman from Rockbridge, end ably
answered by the gentleman from New Kent
snail, therefore, only say in aadition-your re-
OF the sons of the heroes who fought the battles
or The ReVoiution-unlcss by hard and grind
ing oppression, you drive them from the land of
thcir fathers. L pray God, sir this prediction
may never be verified; and that this Union,
which stands proud monument of the wisdom
tnat formed 1T, having thus far successfully re-
sisteo intestine cCmmoliop, and foreign invasion
may remain firm as our native hills until time
snail be merged in eternity. And | sincerely
nope the prophecy may not have been the effect
OF direct inspiration from Heaven. But, sir
II we are doomed to fall, and this fair fabric up-
on Wnich ndmlrlng nations look with wonder
should crumble, and become the prev Of the as,
plrng demagogues of this or any future aoe-
dwlndle, and be divided into petty sovereionties
the horrors of such state would not be greater
than those which | awfully fear will follow the
adoption OF that amendment | do not precisely
understand what is contemplated by again re-
ferriDe this subject to the Committee. But sup
pose we shal have presented to us some such
SERENE as the one under discussion i'm the COM
meDccmcnt OF this debate. | am warranted I'm
thus conclusion, from the great parliality evinccd
by gentlemen for that plan; and hope, sir, it
will not be deemed irrelevant here to remark
that, In my opinion, there are Insupcrabie oh
I"ctlons to such scheme as that. Adopt i, and
the funeral kneIl Of the Constitution will be
rung-you will see The now independent and
happy citizens of this Commonwealth, { f f. ST.
Elm Virginia at least,l mourning over their VIC
ialed rights anu murdered charter, till, aroused
by spirit OF desperation, they rise in bold d, -
farce to the arbitrary act of Government to
which they have in VAIN looked for the protection
OF their properly, and the confirmation of those
rights bcquenthcd to them by their fathers, and,
as they had supposed, secured by the CCps,Itr
lion Mr.. Speaker it has been truly said, tins
subject is ftaught with tremendous nscquences.
| feel lis importance, and do confess Tie bare
contemplation is to Inc matter of painful and
melancholy reflection, | shall not nttcmut tc
argue the abstract question Of slavery. AbunG-
ant evidence has been exhibited TO this House
20 prove the horrors Of slavery as it exists in VII.
gina arc all IDEAL Notwithstanding this, i.
would support any practicable scheme Of manu-
mission, provided you obtain The consent Of those
who alone have right to dispose e their pro-
Perty as they may think fit. Il is in vain Fo,
gentlemen TO deny the right which VIC have in
our slaves under the Constitution; and nnt,virh.
standing the Ingenious arguments to tic contra
~, do contend that the right of property " hch
Tue master Is now acknowledged by ! believe