Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-08-30
INTERESTING DEBATE IN GLASGOW.
Thompson, the Abolitimist, versus Rer. X. D.
Rrorle,,rilre

Breckenridge.
Extract of letter from gentleman of Baltimore,
published in the Baltimore Gazette.
Manchester, Eng, June q, 1886.
90 *:;** | chanced to bc in Glasgow. Scot.
land, at !, most fortunate time, rs had an
opportunity Of hearing the whole OF very
ablediscusson be:weenthe renowned George
Thompson, Abo!itioni>', and our highly cs-
ieemed fel!ow-ciizcn, the Rcr. -Nr. BrccE.
cnridge, on the subject Of American Sla-
vSrv.' as Mr.. Thompson calls it. Mr..
breckenridge came 10 this country about
two months ago, and soon afer lie arrived,
there appeared in the public papers chal-
lcnge signed by Thompson, announcing that
he would like to meet any American gen.
tlepnan or clergyman 10 discuss the Prlnc!-
pies of Abolition, Colonization, &C.. and
Mr.. B. accepted it. The disputan's met
in DR.. Wardlaw's Church, in Glasgow, on
Monday evening, the 18Th instant, and
continued the discussion for five successive
evenings, three hours each evening. Each
was to OCCUPY the rostrum for halt an hour
at a time. DIR. Warllaw, the Chairman.
first arose and stated the object and rules Of
the meeting, by which there was to be on
the part of the audience, no expression of
feeling, whether by applaud;ng the speak.
ers, or rice rersa. Ater making few re-
marks upon the different positions which
each of the dsputants, held, and distinctly
stating that Mr.. B. was not Shareholder
or advocate of slavery, he resigned the
floor to Mr.. B., who began by saying that
he was aware Of the delicate position in
which he stood before so large aud respec.
table an assembly, upwards ollOoo) whose
opinions were, he was sure, all leaning TO.
wards his opponent; bu: he bcsousht their
patient hearing, for he came not to advc-
cate slavery, or even to dispute the right of
foreigners to interfere in so momen'ons a
question;but he had much fault to find wththe
mode which some foreigners had adopted
TO free our slaves and which, if persisted
in, re hoped to prove, would not only de-
feat their ayowed object but would be fraught
with the most injurious results both to our
nation and the slaves themselves. during
his half hour, he was listened to in silence
and with attention; but it was easy to see,
by the countenances Of the audience, and
even Of the respectable committee Who
occupied the platform, that he was plead
ing against prejudice, and had a difficult
task to pcrform.-Now, Thompson, their
fayoritc, arose; and, the first and each
succeeding burst OF ofeloqucnce for he is a
fuent and handsome speaker,) he elected
APPLAUSE. Cries of' Heari' 'hearr rang
through the house, in despite ofall the wor.
tl,v chairman could do to prevent it: and |
was almost afraid Mr.. B. would be utterly
discouraged; but true Kentucky blood stirred
in his vein and nothing daunted, he again
took his turn, and told the folks some ,tdcts
sley had nerer heard before. Curiosity
and doubt now seemed to reign, till their
champion again rose, and smoo:hed over
things little. The mex. evening Mr.. rs
arguments were pretty much repetition OF
those advanced on the first, and MIR. B. told
him so. Whispers were now runnlngthrousl
the crowd that he (Mr. B. was 'c2erer
chier-dinna yc think, mly mon, that IhomP-
sons caught a tartar &C., &c. On Wed
nesday evening there was less applause
for Thompson and on Thursday, he 'ras
actuaHu hissed, and Mr.. B. marnly anpldU-
ded. You may be sure was delighted al
the success ofmy townsmau, and at the
same time, gave the good people of Glas-
gov edit for such good sense, now that
they knew the whole truth; for ii was not
of downright falsehood that Mr.. I. stood.
accused, but ofnot telling the mhole truth Of
some Of his dreadful tales. The last even-
ipg was not so interesting, but each speak
er, at his parting address, was loudly cheer
ed. Altogether, the discussion was highly
interesting, and have no doubt it viii be
productive ofmuch good; especially as tie
'A.o-; =. .o no r,hliSin1 an rr.rreC"