Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1838-11-19

Emancipation, by which all slaves born at.sr a frea
day, aeere 70 be free at the age of % and, in tbs
mean time, were prepared, by suitable education
for the practical enjoyment OF freedom. This was
totally different thing from modern abolition, accor-
ding to which all slaves. without preparation with.
out capacity, therefore, for the exercise of the rig hts
| of frcemen, and without compensation to theis
owners, are TO be forthwith liberated and thrown up
| on the of the community.
Mr.. Clay, believing that in Kentucky with her
then small proportion OF slaves. gradual emanci-
patton might be safely adopted, and ardent, rs he
ever has been, and still Is. in the cause OF human
liberty. espoused the cause of gradual emanc pation.
But we are not mistaken in our knowledge OF his
character when we assert. that. even AT the day of
youthful ardor, he would have been utterly opposed
TO ebolitlon as insisted upon At this day Slavery
and freedom scarcely more distinct than aboli
tion and gradual emancipation 4 he abolittonists
are seeking disturb the peaceful condition of other
communities than those in which they reside. Their
operation arc directed TO the South and West in
which they do not reside My Clay's opinion in
1898 was confined TO his own Stae.-lle did not
seek 10 agitatc other States or TO obtrude his opin-
ions upon THEM. He was willing that each State in
which slavery existed, should judge and act for IL
self. He sought only TO improve the condition of
his own. Indeed, we believe that 10 gradual
emanc pation, his opinion was subject to modfca-
ton and condition. When the proportion of slaves
was small in any State las in Kentucky that
there was no danger in any event of the African
acquiring the Hcenucncy, ne would probably. u u
citizen ofthat State have been in favor of gradual
emancipation; but If there were any ground 10 ap-
prehend that the blacks, from their number might
any State become uppermost, we have no doubt from
his dec laration in the Senate of the u 5. that he
would in such State, have been opposed alike To
gradual emancipation and 10 abolition.
What then is the offence committed by Nj. Clay
forty years ago which the partisans of Martin Van
Buren, that NJ V. b. who sustained the right of ne
groes TO vote in his own State. and opposed the ad
mission of Missouri into the Union, because of her
slaves,) are now dwelling on with SO much exulta-
tioon Not that he was in favor of abolition That
he never countenanced. But tin his Stntc,
the occasion performing hen constitutions he
in favor OF a slow, cautious and consJerate eman-
cipation OF slaves And has not every State right
10 decide the question for itselfl What State
rights man, other politician, will dare question
this states-right
This charge oflo,ty years standing, is now brought
did he seek to invoke the interference OF Congress
all such interference Did he on the occasion of
sion when he announcedby Col. Benton rs the
pac fcator of ten millions OF peopleshew any want
of resolution in defending the rights of the slave
States Did he at the last session of the Senate,
when he offered resolution (the first time such a
resolution was oifered,) declaring that Congress
has right 10 stop what is called the slave trade be-
tween the States; and another declaring that the
faith of the Union was pledged, by fair implication,
against any interference with slavery IN the District
OF Columbia :!