Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-01-07

of the House, in offering my reasons for The vote when
shall give should do it now, if did not feel re,
minded Of my duty, by remark WHICH incidentally zen
from the Hon. gentlemen from Massachusei's 3Nli;
Al this morning that years ago II had deVoifed
upon him TO present q number OF petitions upon Inns
subject from the Society Of Friends IN the State OF
Pennsy lvania, many members OF which Society rave
the ianor Of representing upon TINS hoor; ana may
be permitted 10 take the occasion TO say, although
this is not the time the place 10 pass an euio'
p;um that they are as respectable, as honorable, and as
Intelligent, any other portion OF the community. or,
for the same reasons which understood 10 acluate tEc
hon. gentleman fro:n Massachusetts, and the hon gene
man from Virginia, who sits ncar-athough their views
of the means 10 attain this object are ditcrent-to witt 70
give quiet and rcposc to this agatIng question: snal
vote against The consideration hold 1t 10 be I'M
por,aut that we should meet this question IN all It's
b.arinrs: that reference should I've made Of these
MORALS 10 committee. who would give it i calm, dis
passionate and temperate consideration; present t,e
facts of The case this House and to the country; and let
it be finally acted upon as other petitions are, tnat VIC
and the country may arrive at sale and satisfactory
conclusion upon it. Sir, it IS to apPease and as
suarc tie troubled waters that have been moving
upon this question, that am in favor Ola recurrence,
in order that there may be report upon 1t by the
committee 1t has been stated. that there are matters
of deep aud vital importance involved In the decision
Of this absorbing question matters affecting the Constl-
tuition and Laws Of the land it has been stated, that
there are vested rights of property, which rights are
guaranteed 10 the people Of the District, of which VIC
cuuldnot consutonally deprive them. And upon itls
part of The inquiry, there was an attempt made oy gen.
tenan, two three days ago, to refer 10 and read the
ordinance act Of ccsson Of part of this District;
but in the then pending question, it was pronounced
not 10 be in order, to 60 into tic merits ot The inquiry
hold it to be pertinent and important that the relative
position in which the master and the slave stand towards
each other in this District upon legal and constitu-
tunal principles should be made known 10 the colnmu-
nifty. But sir there is another view Of this interesting
subject which merits the respect Of reference and Tie
attention of committee. The consideration Of the ex-
pcdiency Of agatng the subject at this time; the prope-
y of cangng the laws Of this District, with reference
to the inhabitants and The surrounding States, mat
which presented before us, and the sense ana
Justice Of Congress appealed 10 on that ground
is urged upon us, and yet without the opportunity OF
accompanying the appeal by the alleged reasons mat
Congress should refrain from stirring ths subj"ct-
Is it not Important sir, that the arguments on both
sides, and all sides Of this question should be Sc!
forth, that the people may be informed and that they
may Judge for themselves 1t is, take it, of the high
est importance The people, both of the North aud the
South that this inquiry should be had, freely and dis
passonaely. is with this vew and for these rca'ons
that opposed 10 reconsideration of the subject and
wish the subject to abide the decision already madc-
Sir upon this question: it is not competent for me to en-
ter into dement's of the principles, OF the
abolition of slavery. ! am admonshed by the hour, that
ugt further to prolong this debate but being
placed in the position in which am, and entertaining
The opinions which do could not, in duty to myself or
my constituents, iorbcar to ask the indulgence OF the
House submit these few reflections before record M
vote upon the journals.
MIR. NJ having concluded the House adjourned.
(Debatc to be contnucd.)