Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-09-15
DONu BlSEgg.
From the Albany August
PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITIZENS OF


we annex full report of the remarks of several
gentlemen who addressed the antaboliton meeting of
tne citizens OF Albany, held at the Capitol on Friday
afternoon The remarks of Mcssrs Dix and Van Renss
seiaer have been written by those gentlemen: and
nose OF Judge Spencer are from report of Eve
sournai which although Condensed accurate as far s
il goes ~ "'
Gen Dr. in presenting the rssolhons addressed the
Fellow .Citzens--Before the question ie taken ON tho
resolutions which have just read / beg leave to saw
few words in favor of their adoption alp wen y,re
that the subject is of great Importance: mid hoy.
no intention of entering into farther than 10 illustrate
some nriei remarks few of the positions assumed
When the Constitution Of the United States was firm
&C. slavery existed in nearly every State in tho confsde
ration IL was so incorporated with the social orgahiza
ton of the people, for whose government that ins,r,
ment was Designed, that it deemed impossible what
ever views may have been entertained by individual
oil the convention to discover the from the
other Besides, 1t regarded as n.tttcr sirictv
pertaining 10 the domestic relations of the peple the
several States, which could safely be subiitedt 10 he
regulation OF the general government; and as we All
KNOW IS now, and has been one of the basis of
representation in Congress under the Constitution of Tho
" y Oi the moral purity public virtue of the mon
who participated in the formation o. that in s;rment il ia
needless TO speak, but they were mer of practic y;s
oo Also and they had the sagacy that in the or
ganzatton of political systems founded upon consent
regard must necessarily be had only to the opinions
and wishes, but to the condition also of those who
are to eater into the general and that s5cs dis
eases OF long standings having necessary connection
WIN she action ct government LEFT to the Gre, L
hent OF lhose whom they aiic the NEST capable
applying at the proper Time the appropriate remedy
o elicata
questions involved in the formation of the CONSTITUTION
Lake every other OF the difficult character il was
disposed OF in the general compromise of interests
which we're the subject of dcliberation and adjustment
aud 10 mol too much to say, that the Union cosid ne yer
have been formed if the right of interference viii, ,
been insisted on W
regard it, therefore, as Fundamental condition Of
our social existence, that the question of slavery i'm
save-hoding State, shall be disturbed by the Co
vernment people Of any other State; ard it h
that the General Government has control over IT, il
Is part OF the same great collection of political rights
an the walton OF which all are alike interested aud
cannot be touched. without nnpairing the tenure by
which every other is held.
But go farther; hold that there is political obj;,
ton arising out OF the compromise of interests in which
the foundations of the Union laid to abstain rom
every species OF interference which may 10 dlsprb
the domestic qsietude, put in eopordy the sbts Of
property, which the Constitution was designed to
Indeed, think il would not be Difficult, 10 sou, ~, 80
obligation is OF higher origin. On this point desire 10
DC distinctly understood do intend 10 tahe nnSi
ton, which, if maintained wond abrifoe liz, rs
discussion restrain the liberty the press Bu do
contend that every principle Of political Justice nay every
principle of humanity, demands that discussions shall
not be persisted IN when it is manifest that their ipevj
.aoe consequence is TO render insecure the lives and
property OF those who by themselves or their prede
eessOrs, were parties to the federal compact 81 has In,
eea oecn sau that nothing IS TO be feared from discus
sion, when is left free to combat error But , =
TO you TO say, elowcitizens whether this prop,rsen
Ike every other OF similar character not be subiect
70 excePonsS Is it not under the peculiar crtuinsio
ces OF this case unsafe in practices far Us it is carried
on by the circulation Of abolition nuil;cations ~ -
South If il could be coined 70 a re utenta sIresd
10 the MASTER 20 convince him of the. ropretv If Ia
rating his slaves it would be harmless and might he
~sefu But from the necessity Of the case cannot he
so restricted The arguments and the represctatious
with which they accompanied fnd their ,yav lo b,
slave. lie becomes disconented with his coadtiop t.
sometimes stimulated to Of violence aad ~ lie d.e
not succeed IN Comprising the destruction Of others
Calls himself victim the msdrectcd effort mt crL
an iis behalf In communities Of ireemcn, unTcsrained
discussion is Indispensable safeguard against error
and abuse Bot who does not See that in dealing with
an unenhghtcHed population placid by the force Of cir
cumstances ~ peculiar relation to Others the effect of
discussion may he 10 awaken them knowledge of
their condition, Without enliQhtenpO then, az Ia M 40
cessity which has produced it nd which has f,,.
out OF their control the ability Of providing for their %
relief consistently with the soety OF The general c
OF which they may Constitute but siderable ,
am not ccuiending against the abstract ripht Of ds
son, nor 90 eoncede that any restraint be- imposed
on II, so long as IT is guided by moderation and rnb
excepting that which cut Of the aenao Of o-o
obligation and duty
But independently Of the mischievoas effects Of tb;a
interference with the question 81 slavery ia the e,th
eisouSsien has not been conducted BY the ubotoniss
in spirit Of moderation and fairness Mocb Of tlo s,
yer continued ~ heir publications. il OF Che most milan,
maofy character. Addressed 90 the master Al L. no ~
Rument--it - abuse and insnlt Addressed a. ,ho
slave, it is incentive 20, and in some cees d,s6t
iess ostincaon, IN his own sight Of nsurrcction and
Disodshed 10 can readily be conceived how fhose
crimes may hardly wear the aspect Of guit 10 Kim when
they are committed i'm retaliation Of the ot,nyess,,
n'a tyranny imputed TO The master BY some Of lie
publications referred TO- The aufbors ~ ,l..o -
hcations, and all who shall hereafter cofFibe h. 49,,
OF services 20 give them currency onsi he rScoa,d.J
nov that The consequences are seen 81 aeees..,,e
she o,i le9S ~ moral point Of view * leest 10
1le eyhs aud crimes which may grow out of f3eir
circulation But The mailer contained in The ,b.r
ZION puolcauonsi often false 10 point Of faet,f ,o;o
esen.s le conglugn OF ue slave, and The character Of
-ne master ~ seieeng as general illustrations Isolated
cases OF hardship cruelty The prevailing tone H.
representations contained IN them with r-specf a. 49,
- ~ he slave population 80 far rs they have fall
- ""'e' my observation, s deeply irsbocd With error