Virginia free press & farmers' repository. [volume] (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1827-1832, 1832-02-02
THE LEGISLATURE.
FRo.,r our coRREsponDEr.T.
RICIIMOND IAN OK ,s,o

RICHMOND, JAN. IS, 1854
The debate upon the sgita ting ques-
ton Of Slavery, was brought to q close
IN the House Of Delegates to-day. No
regular speeches were made-but the
attention Of the house was principally
occupied in explanatory remarks, by
Messrs. Rutherford. Boiling, Brod-
max. Jones, Ball, Booker, Moore,
Gholson. Gallaher, and Wilson, upon
the main question aud BY half do
Zen other gentlemen upon incidental
questions.
MIR. Witcher, Of Pittsylvania, NOV
ed the indefinite postponemcnt Of the
whole subject-which motion was Lost
ayes 60. noes n.
The question then required upon
Mr.. Preston's amendment to the re.
port OF the committee, declaring 81 that
II Is sIpedienf. at the present session,
to make some legislative enactments
Tor the abolition Of slavery" The vote
stood-syes So, noes IS. So Mr.. Pres
tons amendment was lost.
The preamble Of Mr.. Bryce, Of
Goochiand, to be affixed to the resolu
ton OF the committee, then became the
topic Of discussion. II was earnestly
opposed by many Of those who were
opposed to amy legislation but was a.
dopted, ayes 81, noes GO.
The question then arose upon the
adoption Of the report, as amended, in
the following terms:
Profoundly sensible Of the great
evils arising from the condition or the
coiourcd population of this common
wealth-induced by humanity rs well
IS policy to an immediate effort for the
removal, in the 6rst place, Is well Of
those who are now free, as Of such as
may hereafter become free-belieyine
that this effort, while it 10 in lust &C.
cordance with the sentiment Of the
community on the subject, will absorb
all our present means, and that a fur.
Their action for the removal Of the slaves
should await more definite develop
ment Of public opinion
ResoiUed, as the opinion Of this
committee, that il is iae1pedieaf, for
the present, to make any legislative
enactments for the abolition Of slave.
ry."
This singular state Of things then
arose--that many Of those who were
opposed to aefion, and i'm favor Of the
report Of the committee. we're, in con
sequence Of the adoption Of Dir. Brycs's
preamble, thrown in opposition to the
resolution while most Of tho.e who
were in favor Of action, being defeat.
ed In their smendment,l were record
ed as supporters Of the resolution for
no action. The vote, on the adoption
OF the amended report, stood--ayes e.,
noes 50.
80 the question is at rest in the lie.
gislative hall, for this session.
We may now expect a COED deal OF
discussion upon the subject Of remov-
ing the free negroes--and upon the
tcdys and means necessary 20 accom-.
piish that object. I think il very pro.
bable an appropriation, to remove this
class OF our population, will be made
and that some encouragement will be
held out to further emancipation. by
providing funds TO remove such slaves
as may be voluntarily given up.
The internal improvement question
10, ! tear, stIfed for the present. So
much sectional jealousy has been arous
ed, that there is very little hope Of II,
getting patient hearing. However,
| will not despair too soon.
The intense interest felt in the de.
bates which have just closed, NAV b.
estimated from the fact tina, for mir.
teen days the galleries and Hobbies have
been erOwded--and that, notwithstsnd
ing rain and snow on the two last DAYS,
many ladies were still in attendance.
The fair part Of our auditory nav b,
considered as the sunshine upon ths
murky face Of eTeation--their presence
! doubt not, tended much TO restrait
the asperities Of debate, snt 10 sei
each knighs upon his ehivalry and HI,
hohour. May they always be At hand,
when the Vugge6ness Of mans natur,
needs Christening aud a subduing 10
huence!
RICHMOND. JAN. q.