Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-04-20
ron THE ENQUIRER.

HE DEBAIE-No. Z.
think that those who have gone with me hrouob th;s
review VIII IN general be prepared TO admit that this de-
bate is iraugh with importance much bevond ,ha
mere question oil abolition, and It's immediate consequent
ces To my mind Is clear, that whenever orr slaves
shall be emancipated by law, without making compensa
tion TO their owners, the Government will be virtually
dissolved Property only the strongest but il is tbe
only chain which binds society together DESTROY pro-
pery and force succeeds TO the empire of the laws
even the security OF persons lost in the disorders which
ensue. think cannot be mistaken, in snpposno thu,
such the tendency of the principles asserted in his do
bate. Most of the propositions OF the abolonsts as
understand them, look directly TO this while some of Them
display want OF reelection upon the nature of the
social compact which scarcely be excused in States
men, Scarcely less fatal TO all true liberty is that aeon
mutation OF all the powers OF the State the Legislative
branch oil the Governments which has been strenuous
y contendcd for upon the principles of public necessity
salus pOpuli nuisance sc. They all tend directly and in
evaby TO overthrow that balance which was established
III the Constitution Tor the security of liberty and which
Is found in the separation and independence of the Iep
lative, Executive and Judiciary Departments of the Go
vernmen In this view, therefore, cannot unite in the
encomiums which have been pronounced upon this debate
Its notions OF constitutional law too crude for prac-
sed Statesmen, and lis theories of right can be excused
only in youthful and ardent minds captivated as il mo-,
ured by thought sobered by acquaintance with
practical life. Not unfrequeny indeed sparks Of true
genius but they shine only amid ''meapborical
confusion, and deceive the eve as TO betrav
us aside from the path of truth and safety Such are the
lights oil the age am fearful that this debate cons
deed as an effort oil mind will add but little the intel
ectua character of State. Critics both here and else
where, VIII be apt to discern in it, of the aectaon
OF oraoncd display, than OF profound views vigorous
thought or logical precision That is characterised by
hlgh degree oil indiscreon admits of doubt al ali
Siii however, am not without hope that il NAV re-
dound TO ultimate advantage. The people being
warned OF the principles upon which the aboonss de-
sign TO rest their measures may perceive their tendency
aud put them down forever Even so far MS our domestic
dSclpne concerned, II is not impossible that we NAV
be benefited by that which rarely fails TO correct
the exravagances OF thoughtlcss zeal. The obyous
tendency oil the debate is certainly SUCH as 10 suggest 10
us inc popncty OF such precautionary measures as each
neighbohood may devise for ITSELF calculated to defect
hostile designs and TO ward of attack if any should he
made. But such precautions will possibly NOT bc
long, understand the subject in ar its bearings Thev
may perceive That with every disposition 10 enancipae
em, is impossible 10 do H. upon any terms which hev
themselves would be willing accept They may learn
now little can he effected in their favor by those who
nave been so prOdga of promises and how certainly any
attempts OF INSTRUMENTATION and violence on their own
part would add to the weight OF their chains They may
therefore, yield TO the necessity which retains them in
bondage, and may endeavor to win, by submissive and
ogdery behaviour that respect and kindness which all
masters arc delighted to pay TO the faithful servant
Sudh may be the effect of this debate; and il we should
ever realize il, for one, will gladly withdraw the cen
sufes which have pronounced against il, viewed in
this aspect WV ~
III IT be considered from what have written hat am
on ADVOCATE oil slavery as exists that despair Of
a eHoT through all Time, 10 that evil from Viz
gna, nave been greatly misunderstood I have TO
uouO na inc pictures which have been drawn Of slave
ny ana It's consequences much too hie-wrought and
III great degree Imaginative; and am s more certain
mat tne measures which have been proposed for remov
ITS. mat evil, ~, unconstitutional, unwe, unjust and