Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-03-13

support any practicable scheme vi mahuuiiss'on,
provided you obtain the consent OF those VINO
alone have a right to dispose OF their property as
they may think fit 1t is in vain for gentlemen
to leny the right which we have IN our slaves
under the Constitution; and. notwithstanding the
Ingenious arguments to the contrary, do contend
that the right of property which the master is now
acknowledged by believe all the gentlemen on
tine opposite side to possess in the slaves now in
being, gives him clear and ncuntreverti
Bile title to their future increase. An opposite
opinion would apply. not only to slaves, bur to
every other species of property whatsoever. MIR.
Speaker, | dc not profess to understand the tech
nicalltes of the law; nor will place myself in
competition with some who have figured in this
debate, at special pleading; but the truth of this
position must be acknowledged by every unpre-
JUDGED mind and call on gentlemen, by every
principle of justice, expediency, and OF policy,
and pray them to pause. and solemnly reflect,oe-
fore they adopt proposition so novel and SO un-
Just. The unconsttutionaity OF any Legislative
action upon this subject has been so clearly de-
monstrated by those gentlemen whv have prece-
ded me-, that any attempt on my part would be
entirely superhuous. And, indeed. 1t conviction
has not been ri.ited upon the minds OF all; II the
wayering have not been confronted by the facts
set forth in the arguments of those gentlemen, 1t
would be the most arrogant presumption IN me-
to suppose any effort of mine could convince them.
Mr. Speaker. it has been conciusively proved, IN
the course of this debate, that you have not the
right to abolish slavery by Legislative enact
ments, unless YOU provide compensation, ample
and full The zeal of gentlemen must. then, be
attributed to pure philanthropy. But, sir,
must be permitted TO say, It is mistaken phlan
thropy. Suppose YOU odopt proposition provi-
ding for the abolition IF all slaves born after
given PERIOD will their condition be moderated?
No. sir, the first effort of the master, tabout thus
to be deprived of perhaps his only means of sup
port for a arge and helpless family,) will be to
procure market for his slaves-and ii he should
not succeed in this, as is more than probable he
will not for by tins very act you close every out
let, he will tee from a land where his rights are
no longer sacred. attached as he is tn 1t by all
the pleasing recuectons of his childhnod, and
the chivaric deeds of his ancestors, and carry
with hun this property, 10 some place where he
can enjoy 1t without muestatiOn. And thus the
condition OF the slaves will remain the same, and
Virginia will be- deprived of many OF her most
valued citizens; fiction will then indeed become
fact, and the glowing descriptions we "ave had Ut
ruin and des0lation. ,UrrOw, want, and barren
dcpupuiatea country. will be completely realized.
and true to the htr. IL needs out the passage
OF this oct [ make the picture which has been 50
admirably drawn, complete. Mr.. Speaker, |
did /, the commencement depre cate the agla
to: at ,h,s que,t,on-l thought perceived IN II
the seeds Of discord. re,r,minatioE. and bitter
ness If feeling. who. noei,ed it tn be the du-
t, If e, cry patriot of all who valued the peace
aud tranquility of society, 20 endeavor b. every
possible meaus to avert. Sir. was not mls,ak.
-Ii-whaI has passed WITHIN these walls wi be
carried on the wings of the wind to every corner
Of the country, aud tits not in the power OF NOR
tai man to tell what may BE- the issue. Inc gen
tleman from kauawha spoke few DAYS since ct
flame poured not only from the North and
South. but every where. Sir. this hail Is the
grand recepiaCle-here the materials have been
collected. piled, and the match applied, and the
combustion which has taken place here, has en-
tied flame which may seattle the fairestportlon
of this Commonwealth. and perhaps bring ruin
on us all. We have heard much OF the tremen-
dous popular voice which saws something must be
done do confess, sir, it has not reached my
ear. nave heard 1t loud and deep in relation to
a particular class OF our colored population, as
the numerous petitions before your COMMITTEE,
can testify. But, sir, until the commencement
OF this debate two solitary memorials were upon
vour table il relation to this subject 1t is the
absence of this expression of pubic sentiment,
which induces me in part to believe this is not
proper time to act. We have received no instruc-
lions from our constituents; Il can speak for my
self. and many gentlemen with whom have con-
versed:) and do think we are transcendng the
powers delegated to US, even to discuss 1t. We
were not elected for this object The crcum-
stances out of which this debate has occurred, had
not transpired when we received our warrants
from the people: aud in matter of such vital
Importance. should we not at least wait until
there is iul expression of the will of those from
whom we derive our authoriy-the people,
When this Is obtained, for one, am ready to
make sacrifices as great, in proportion to the in.
teres' which have IN this property, as any man.
But cannot-I will not consent bv any act of
mine. in the absence of any delegated authority,
and in violation of vested rights to iegsIate away
the property of INV constituents. should do in
justice to my feelings. sir, il | were to close with
out rendering 10 the gentleman from Kanawha,
my thanks, for the sublime ard glowing descrip-
ton with which hr charmed this House a few
,a hall t.a