Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-01-19
DEBATE ON ABOLITION.

We yesterday commenced this DEBATE and shall
continue it with as much rapidity as possible. We
shall make no excuse to tho reader, for curtailing
the usual proportion of light matter, or for filing
our columns with this Debate. Having the means
of publishing it, should hold it unpardo nable to
Withhold from the people of Virginia, for ono mi
mute, discussion so able, SO vitality affecting their
interests, SO ovcntfu to their children, SO deeply
concerning the destinics of the human race, in the
Western Hemisphere. What is tho question of
who shall DO President-of Banks, of Roads and
Canals, of Tariffs-to this? In estimation all
other questions of Peace War, of measures or
men, which now engage, or have engaged, tho
consideration Of tho people of Virginia since tho
Revolution, are by tho side of this, comparatively
Insignificant War, in its desolation, embraces in
ats ruin, few only of those who are parties to it;
slavery in its moral consequences. extends its curse
to every Individual Of the State where it exists
war at the worst, is temporary, and speedily by
The disasters 1t iniiicts, produces a mutual desire
for peace; slavery multplcs it's evils and increases
tho probability of its perpetuaion, at every STEP
and in every instant Of time it is tolerated. No.
There has been no question conaidcrcd since 1776,
so moncntous as the question Of its abolition;
there can be no question embracing such multi.
tudes III ats decision for veal or for VICE. and rea h.
ing in its effects far down tho stream of time
Not Virginia only is nterested-not whether her
shall be relieved of tho reproach, the awful
and ncalculable oppression, and the piece meal pc.
litica death of slavery, and whether the descend
ants of 100000 blacks shall in future ages and in
their native cline, enjoy liberty-not these points
of tremendous magnitude as they are, present the
avhOie question. That in it's wide range, comprc-
hends all the Southern States, and all their nha-
bitans, and not the living only, but all succeed.
ing generations What mind can grasp the mighty
subjecR What intellect appreciate its magni-
tudel What Philanthropy can calculate the bene
fits TO mankind, of Virginias successful execution
of plan of abolition? Unquestionaby overy
Southern State with what expedition it might,
would follow tho Luxurious example The moral
feeling of that example, would impart resistless
impulse.
For our own part, since events have conquered
The liberty of free Discussion, we have considered
the question settled The moment statesmen were
permitted publicly to examine the moral foun
dation, and the pernicous effects Of slavery. and
Inc frcss was unshacEled to proclaim their senti-
'nents, and to combat N the cause of reason JUS
tice ana the common good, that moment the de-
cree OF abolition was registered tho book of fate
1t must be so, aud ennnot be otherwise This
year may not SEQ tho vast work commenced nor
the next, nor tho next A half century NAV not
see it completed But, commenced il ,piH be-
COMPLETED IT WILL BE. Intelligence mpst
ied that it is so, eandor must acknowledge that it
VII be so, and truth will confess that it ouoht to
DC So Posterity will reap the fruits, but this age
Productive of so mann great events has already
Ton tic victory.