Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-04-17
Legislative Dcba1c---Comdinucd.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES


- tSEvENTH DAY -TPednesdoy, Jan. lS.
DEBATE on Mr.: GooDE's Resolution, M RANDoLPn's
Substitute, the Report If the Committee on. Slnues
and Mr.. PREsToN's Motion to amend.
MIR. GARLAND rose and said, that this important
subject had already been discussed great length
The debate has been eloquently and ably sustained
and especially by the gentleman from Petersburg
Tho has just taken his 1t has been viewed in
almost every possible aspect and it is difficult now 10
suggest new idea He was very far from beev-
ing that he could impart 10 it any additional inter-
est or throw upon itany farther light, and he should
hot have presumed to have cast himself upon the
courtesy and indulgence of the House, if the pecu-
liarity of his situation did not seem impose il on
him. But, when lie informed the House That he
had the honor to represent on this floor county ~
ing East OF the Blue Ridge, which half of its
population consisted of slaves; and that of conse-
duencc whatever affected that class of our popula-
hon. either remotely or directly was vitality inte-
resting to his constituents it would mt be seen
how delicate and responsible was his sitiIaton-and
that situation is rendered. if possible, more cmbar-
PASSING from the further fact, that he should be com
PEELED from solemn sense of duty to separate from
majority of members who similarly situated.
on the final vote which is to be given on the great
question now before them. This, he trusted would
be satisfactory apology if none other could be
found for obtrudng himself at this time upon the no
tee and kindness of the House. But the gentleman
from Petersburg, has properly remarked, that no
member who rises to discuss this subject need offer
any apology. The subject ITSELF furnishes the best
apology for the most heightened debate; for if such
subject does not authorize the greatest latitude
OF enquiry and examination, there is no subject
when the mind OF man can conceive Of, entitled to
that consideration. 1t is not common subject
lit is not one of ordinary legislation. The most
eareless observer can not fail to see i'm it, a con
sequence which former subject ever possessed
IN this Hall, and which that may be brought in.
TO II in all coming time can possibly exceed All
agree as 70 its importance its magnitude its thrilling
and all-pervadng interest. Vast in its consequences
--momenious to the present. and generations vet I'M
born and intimately connected with the veal or woe
of this Commonwealth, no man can approach il
without feelings of soIcmnity, and a sense of deem
and painful responsibility.
Mr.. Speaker, the gentleman from Mocklenburr
Ind those who think with him, that discussion on
this subject is dangerous to the peace and rcpose
Of the community, must by this time he convinced
how vain would be any effort TO stay the awakened
and still increasing anxiety which is every where
felt to probe il TO the bottom You have been told
that the die is cast-that the Rubicon is crossed
and, Sir, the ball is in motion, which it is not
gwen to the power of man TO arrest Like the GEN.
tleman from kanawha and others who had uttered
the sarn0 sentiment, he rejoced that this discussion
had taken place; he rcioiced That the curtain which
had so long yelled it was torn away, and that ST.
lence was now broken, and broken forever. He
reJoiced, too, in the hope that the discussion would
still go OIL not only here, but at home nnonp orr
constituents until the mind of this Whole commune
" shall he gathered it were to q point and CEN
tered upon this, the most important of all conceive
bic subjects. The time has come when we must
face tive cannot cyadc tiff YOU fly frn.n II. il
viii pursue you and though any decisive action may
be postponed for time, it cannot be deferred long.
An impetus IS given to it, which viii drive with
power and force irresistible aud ovcrpowering on
90 action. lie had not the hardihood to announce
before this Assembly, that tire work before them
was easy of completion aud free from difficulties
Die knew, as all must, tlat is surrounded with DIFF.
hculdes almost lnnumcrlIc; and perhaps no dclibe-
ratlyc body was ever called upon to solve more
embarrassing and a Al.
most ardent philaUihroFist aud enthusiastic votary
III the cause of emancipation, while viewing with
transport the cheering prospect Of seeing slavery one
day wiped from ls country cannot but see how
many difficulties there are in the way and how
SaaDy Obstacles oppose the OOnsuauiaton of hi.