Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-01-27
SPECTATOR.
Observation-Disclosures. 81.
We have had returned TO US few CO.


besides a petition signed exclusively by
Ladies, with more than one hundred names
1t will be observed, in our Legislative
summary, that Mr.. M'Cue has already pre-
scented petition of cIe kind last mention
ed, signed by two hundred and fifteen La
dies of Augusta
Those who may yet have memorials in
their possession, are requested TO return
them with as little delay as possible, or for
ward them TO our Delegates at Richmond.
A meeting OF the citizens of Rocking
ham was called in the Register, 10 take
place On Monday last, at the Court house,
on the subject of the removal of free per-
sons of color.-Seventy-iOur names were
appended TO the call
The interesting debate still continues in
the House Of Delegates. We are pleased 10
find that the editors of the Wing intend to
furnish it in pamphlet form, at so cheap
rate as TO enable every individual in the
commonwealth to buy a copy. The de
bate has been distinguished throughout by
great ability and as our limits, much to
our sorrow, are insufficient TO embrace the
whole OF it, we feel particular qualification
and relief, in the generous and patriotic
intention Of the editors of the Wing.
On the issue and effects of this debate
the Wing thus remarks:
ct is worse than useless to speculate
upon the decision of the question now
pending, which is upon the adoption Of
Mr.. Preston's amendment, declaring it
eXpedient nOI0 to legislate upon abolition
Ill opposition to the Report of the Com
nittee, that it is inerpcdient now TO le-
8isate. Possibly that amendment may
be carried by a few votes perhaps it may
be rejected by several. " e consider it
of infinitely more moment, that the
friends OF gradual abolition should remain
united among themselves, than that Mr.
PrestOn's amendment should be adopted
than that the Legislature should nor act,
or than that any, the most perfect scheme
should be nO,c adopted. OF all possible
occasions. this IS that on which precipi-
tation is TO be most avoided when the
delay which is necessary to the most ad-
vised and deliberate action is most indis-
pensabe.
Such question ought to receive the
mature consideration of the public mind
Il ought FIRST TO decide if there Shall be
action Or no, as wei as the time, and the
manner. The deliberations Of the Cen
eral Assembly have furnished itwith the
materials of thought, and have excited it
10 think, seriously, and profoundly.
What the ultimate conclusion Oithe pub
lie judgment viii be, we anticipate with
the most unhesitating condolences That
judgment may and Will be deferred for
years the interests of the large slave
holder, the habits Of community formed
upon the existence ofslavery, tie preiu-
dices Of human nature which upon the
suggestion of change, are ever found to
cling with fond tenacity TO what is. viii
struggle long and fercely. But, marl
The prediclion-the large STAKEHOLDER
will at last be left alone 10 fight the bat
tie, in which he only is Interested enough
to make him prefer self and self-interest.
W VIC tOoN VI HI' IOuitl j. ne VIII, IN
the progress Of the controversy, be the
only person not convinced, that slavery
is curse-that no community can -four
ISL under its crushing and annihilaling
weight--that to tolerate il. is TO shear
Virginia lher strength, and in those
mighty conflicts which at no distant day
will convulse the States of this Union,
and when, the obligations of law and
constitution forgotten, the strong hand
will govern all, make Virginia the hew-
er OF wood and the drawer of water to
the more powerful States which APP
preach our northern border. What man
IS so stepped in ignorance and iniatua-
ton as not TO know that these conflicts
'ciU come or that having come, we can
not with one hand repel the northern in
vader, and with the other curb the more
dreaded foe in OR own bosom Can a.
ny thing but seiC-intcfeSt, or the blind BIZ
gotry which WEEDS some to the Imam
ners Of our ancestors" let those man
ners have been what they may, make
men overlook this prospect, this black,
and frightful, and inevitable prospect
which awaits this State ahead f?
Ycs-mark The prediction--the people
Of Virginia wiH see this prospect--wili
provide for twill guard against It's IA
tai menaces-will clear her soil Of hGt.
which suffered TO remain, will palsy her
arm in The hour Of trial, aud lay her an
easy conquest at The feet of the North
All will seg "A buf the LARGE sla,.sIcflore