Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-04-03

surely The State would have the hbcraly the
means OF removal, the very small pancc that
sary Tor that purpose, which MIR. ID. understood be
something Ike $s5 SO far said Mr.. d. in view Of the
memorial which he Was about 10 present, he might be
willing go at present in legsaiing the subject He
wished be understood far regarded the furnishing
oil means by the State 10. removing such slaves might
be voluntarily far the pro-
hSi;on by law OF the emancipation OF slaves, except
condition oiim0eGiatc removal. He hoped, he believed
this time 10 SO farther God grant said Mr.. D. that they
may not have repent that they desired any cgs-
!auon on tho subject whatever at this time and BY this
legislature. He respectfully asked that the memorial
might be referred to the appropriate committee.
Monday, January l6, 1882.
Mr.. Broanax, from the committee on the coored popu-
aiion, presented the following report:
The Select Committee to whom referred certain
memorials praying the passage OF some law providing for
the gradual abolition of slavery in the commonwealth,
have according order had the under
a;h have come 10 the following resolution thcfeupon
ies0red the opinion of this Committee That ia
nexpcdicnt for the present Legislature make any egs
aiiye enactment for the abolition of slavery.
Mr. Preston moved that the resolution reported from the
committee be amended by striking the word sine
dient, and inserting the word "expedient."
Mr., Boiling having concluded his second address in ia
Mr. PArrEsoN Of Buckingham rose and said-In
rising to address the House very briefly as he in
tended, no had no other apology to offer than the
universally acknowledged importance of the sub
Ject now under consideration and the deep interest
which every portion of the Commonwealth must
feel IN Its decision. After discussion so proract-
ed and tedious as the one to which we have listened
upon this subject, he believed he should be doing in
justice TO the House, indeed to any portion of its
Members to suppose that they desired its prolonga-
ton-he for one (at least) did not, nor should he
add but little to it. Another consideration might
deter him also at this stage of the discussion from
pursuing the subject in all its bearipgs-t was the
fact that those who had preceded him, had occu-
pied the whole ground. Yes, sir they have pre-
scented every idea which genius could supaest or
eioquence enforce. They have roamed (he might
{empha,ically saw over every norton of the wide
field OF human legislation, and by their flowers of
eloquence and fruits of genius have shown Won that
he who follows them will have n barren and unpro
ductlvc soil to cultivate But with all these disad-
vantages, sense of duty which he owed To himself
as well TO those who had honored him win ,I,c
confluence and support, called upon him for an ex-
PfeSSon OF his views upon this subIec-a call which
ne could not disregard. lie considered that course
the more necessary when he reflected TINT unon This
subject he differed with many Members of,be Uouso
ana among those was to be found his friend and col
league. At an early stage of this discussion which
was already beginning to infiame and agate the
public mind, he had concluded TO take no nor in tho
uepate, because hc believed then as he did now
That lis discussion could have no good effect bu
iiiSht he productive Of great and lasting evils 10
me commonwealth. He believed that no ar
Stlnent which could be offered would cb,nge
me mind OF single Member of this House in
relation to the delicate and important question
which we are about TO decide He said that he
saw no pan--that he heard of none which he
co'a approve, having for its object, either gradual
Oh speedy abolition OF slavery. He was prepared to
act according to his best judgment on any question
winch mas Tor It's object the security of the liberty
or property of the ctizen but he could not consider
1iS proposition as coming within the range of pow
ers ueieSated to INN. In this state ofthnys no plan
could be presented to him, however plausible how
ever certain OF its efficiency, which he could lend
the slightest support. 1t is subject upon which the
great body OF the people have seriously reflect
IL N thrnt.i 81,
their peculiar, their moral their vested and cons,u
tonai right to control this subject? Will any denv
that 1t was from circumstances which have transmit
cd SINCE we We're clothed with authority to convene
III inns hal that tins famous doctrine of speedy nbo-
litIon has been called into existence? II is vain 60,
gentlemen to declare that the people of Virginia ex
poet or desire AN act at the hands of this Iepislo
lure, aboiisang slavery. The idea, Mr. Speaker. is
remote from the people: it exists no where i'm the
connry-it is the premature and deforned olfsprina
| OF the fears OF gentlemen in this hail. When mny
ask you, was this important era discovered i'm the
annals OF Virginia legislation? Is il not now for te
hrst time attempted TO place the freaks and whims
OF legislative folly the ioW and wisdom of the
people! VIII you try cause of such vital iinpor-
lance 10 the people i'll the absence of all testimony?
gentlemen are often camorous about obeyng the
WISHES Oh me people. Where is the evidence that
the people desire this of gratuitous legislation?
DO YOU find your table loaded with petitions? Has
me tremendous voice" of the people reached this
haii' lie mad seen comparatively no petitions. He
hcetu Ho voice, save what he had heard in
Tins hail. which seemed to be the result of dire alarm
There was, indeed petition presented to this House
which from its character deserved some notice.
lie alluded TO the one signed by some 20 or 30 in
dividuals calling themselves ga Society of Friends ),
whose friends they were upon this occasion he
should not undertake TO decide. 1t was enough for
him TO believe that they could not be the "Friends,
oil the people whom he had the honor to represent
lie could not orbcar with the most perfect defer
ence TO the worthy member who presented that pc
uon, as well also with due Difference to the peo
PIE as body from whom it comes) TO say that il was
subject IN which the "Friends" have no sort of in
terest No, sir, they have no community either of
ieeiing or interest with the owners of slaves He
regretted, then, TO see that people Interfering with
INC property OF others. But when they went so far
beyond the limits of propriety of reason or Justice
nc heid 1t to be the duty of every faithful sentinel TO
watch well his post lie came here as the servant
the agent ofthc people-he had wished to give TO
their complaints or suggestions the most respectful
consideration and profound investigations lie was
proud TO see, hear, and obey their sentiments But
was he to permit those who have 10 common inter-
est whit great body of the people, to control The
VauD-nay, the very existence of their property? If
was iortllese reasons that he had voted i'm minority
OF ~ against the reference of a document which
was so well calculated TO arouse the indignation of an
intelligent and independent community His best
Judgment, them dictated that course since which lac
had seen no cause 10 regret itbut abundant reason
to confirm IT. lie claimed not the spirit of prophecv
pretended to no extraordinary penetration or insight
into the events which time had not developed: but nj
the presentation Of the petition TO which he had
alluded, Inc thought lac beheld signs in the West