The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1842-11-10


" hich exists IN this country! | say con-
tinuaIly improving; for if this gratifying
in the ameloration Of the condl-
ton OF the Slaves has been checked 10 SOME
Of the States, he responsibility must attach
to the unfortunate agitation OF the subject OF
abolition. In Consequence oil II, Increased
rigor in the police and further restraints
have been imposed; ard do believe that
gradual emancipation (the only method Of
liberation that has ever been thought sale
or wise by any body IN any OF The slave !
S,a,esl has been postponed half a century.
Without any knowledge OF the relations
in which stand to my Slaves, or their IN
dlvidua condition, you, Mr.. Mendenhall, |
and your associates who have been aciive IN
getting up this Petition, call upon me forth
With TO liberate the whole Of then. Now
lie, me tell you that some half dozen OF
them, from age, decrepitude or lntrmty,
are wholly unable TO gain livelihood Tor
themselves, and are heavy charge upon
me. DO you think that should conform
to the dictates of humanity, by RIDING my
self Of that charge, and sending them forth
into the world, with the boon OF liberty, to
end a wrelched existence IN starvation =
Another class is composed Of helpless ln-
fan,s, with or without improvident mothers
! Do YOU believe as q CHRISTIAN, that should
perform my duty towards them, by aban'
doning them to their fate Then, there is
another class who would not accept their
/ freedom if would give ii TO them. have
for many years owned Slave that | wish
ed would leave me, bu, he will not. What
shall do with that class
VIVA. my treatment Of my Slaves IS, you
may learn from Charles, who accompanies
me on this journey, and Who has travelled
with me over the greater part OF The Uni
ted States and in both the Canadas, and
has had thousand opportunities. If ne had
chosen to embrace them, to leave me-
+ Excuse me, Mr.. Mendenhall, for saying
tina, nv Slaves are as well fed and clad
look as sleek and hearty, and are quite as
+ civil and respectful in their demeanor, ant
|, as little disposed TO wound the feelings q
] any one, as you are. Great and continued
D laughter and applause
Y Let me recommend you, SIT, 10 initiate
] the benevolent example Of the society o
S Friends in the midst Of which you reside
S Meek, gentle, imbued with The genuin,
spiri, Of our benign Religion, whilst it
: principle they are firmly opposed TO Slave
rs, they do not seek TO accomplish its ex
tinction by foul epiihets, coarse and sulsa
a abuse and gross cnlumny. Their WAYS Dc
. not lead through blood, revolution and dis
union. Their broad and comprehensive
a philanthropy embraces, as they believe, ,h'
e good and the happiness Of the White a
+ we'll as the black race; giving to the ont
their commseraiion, to the other ihel
r klndesl sympathy, Their instruments ar
o not those Of detraction and OF war, but Q
i. peace, persuation, and earnest appeals 1
II the charities OF the human heart. IMAM
!. bilious, they have no political objects Q
purposes to s99ss! ,yaau ~ and venture
say tina, nothing could have induced thea
e as society, whatever few individual
v might have been tempted 10 do, to seize tn
is occasion of my casual passage through hi
" State, TO offer me personal indisnity.
! This part of Mr.. Clay's speech was Ii,
;e tened 10 si'h deep and absorbing attention
y and was followed by loud bursts of applause
ot | respect the motives of rational abo
ID tionists, who are actuaicd by seniimer
n OF devotion TO human liberty, although
J. deplore and deprecaie the consequences
d the agitation Of the question. have eve
r. many friends among them. But they ar
" not mono mauiacs who, surrendcrinp them
,f selves to single idea, look altogether I
y the black side OF human life. They do nc
d believe that the sum total Of all our effort
'e and all our soliciiude should be abolition
Y They believe tina, there are duties 10 PEI
! iorm TO the white man as well as the black
81 They want good government, good adam
g isIrailon and the general prosperity of ,hei
8, country.
z, | shall, Mr.. MendenhaII, take your Pei
c ton into respectful and deliberate conside
, ration; but before come TO final decision
r | should like TO know what you and you
$ associates arc willing to do for the slaves il
e my possession, if should think proper (.
e liberale item. | own about CITY, VII,
n are probably worth fifteen thousand dollars
9 TO turn them loose upon society, wilhou
d any means Of subsistence or support, wou
e be an act Of cruelty. Are you willing t.
g raise ond secure the payment Of ffiee
g thousand dollars, for their benefit, lf shoul
c be induced to free them! The security G
J the payment OF that sum would materiall
g lessen the obstacles IN the way Of ,hei
: emancipation.
}, Aud now, Mr.. Meudcuhall, I must TAX
:, respectful leave Of you. We separate o
e we have met, with 20 unkiud feelings, n
Il excitement or dissatisfaction on thy part
e whatever may have been your motives, an
I, these refer 10 our common Judge above
if to whom we are both responsible. G.
Ne home and mind your own business, an
|, leave other people TO take care Of theirs
/. Limit your benevolent exertions 10 you
a otun naio hbn,bood tI,,h,, ,i,o, o;xoi