The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-02-14
r REPoRT
MINORITY OF THE SELECT coMMrTTEE
Upon Lss subject Of the laps relative
70 People Of Color.
In Housk-Jan. 10, 1s45.
OF THE


subject had been referred, made the
following Report: wr
The select committee towhom were
referred divers petitions and memorials
asking for radical change in the long
standing policy Of this State with re-
gard to its colored population, having
had the same under consideration, and,
after an interchange and comparison
ofsentiments, finding it impossible to
harmonize their opinions, the minority
think It due to the occasion, and to
themselves, to render their reasons for
opposing change Of that policy, which
commenced with the early infancy of
our State, and has continued to this day.
The committee will indulge in but
one preliminary observation, and that
is, that, as great majority of the peti-
TONERS appear TO be animated by feel
ings OF bcnevolence, qualify always
respectable TO generous opponents, we
intend TO treat them and their argu-
ments with all possible respect; but, as
to the fierce bigots who have endeav-
ored to enkindle the flames ofcivil war,
by employing the arm of this govern
mentto punish men for boeying the ma
tional government, not feeling any SEN
timents Of respect, it is not likely we
shall express any.
The majority Of the committee have
laid down some abstract principles, 10
which, as mere distractions, we can
have no possible objection. But they
considerably undenate the sagacity of
the minority. if they suppose that we
are going to advance into the arena TO
do battle with them concerning these
propositions. On the contrary, did
stern realities permit, we should be de-
lighted to accompany the majority in
their reveries-we are perfectly capa-
bic of tasting the deliciousness of n day
dream. And not unfrequently, when
scorched by the heat, annoyed by the
dust, and fatigued by the tolls of life's
long work-day, we cast wistful glance
towards the shades OF philosophy, and
the groves of the academy;and we free.
ly admit that, if we could meet the ma
jori,y there, We should anticipate no
thing but unmixed pleasure from their
social qualities. But such is not our
destiny-labor, labor is our lot; and we
are not called to indulge in the pleasing
speculations OF philosophers, but to
perform the active duties of statesmen.
We must, therefore, turn our reluctant
gaze from the beautiful, green fields of
imagination, to the diversified landscape
of real lite. 1t is worthy of remark,
that human polity and institutions may
be contemplated with reference to very
different standards. The one we shall
call the standard of absolute theoretical
perfection, the chief good, the ''beau
ideal' in human conduct; the other, the
standard of that which is practicable
and attainable. The difference is in
degree, not in kind. But it behooves
US to use, ,circumspection as 10 which
standard we aim to direct the energies
OF society; for, it is unfortunately true
that, by indiscreetly aiming at the for
mer. both communities and individuals
have often miserably failed, and fallen
far below the latter. An intelligent
consideration and appreciation of the
circumstances by which we are sur
rounded, are almost indispensable to the
right discharge Of our duties as legisla-
tors. We may be said, almost, without
trope, TO be yet engaged in laying,
broad and deep, the foundations of en-
pire. We live in the midst of new in
stitutions, and witness new forms of So
ciety-in one word, our State is in its
youth, but it is the youth of a Colossus.
1t contains, at present. scarcely less
than two millions Of people. lfpopula-
ted as densely as Britain or Holland, IT
would contain eight or ten millions; but
a more genial climate, and more fer
tile soil, give assurance that its popula-
ton will not stop short Of the ratio Of
those countries. Suppose it PROFOUND
ed to an intelligent and benevolent leg
islator that it lies in his breast to choose
Of what materials this mighty mass Of
population shall be composed-that it
it lies with him to determine whether it
shall consist of one mighty, homogene-
Gus mass. or of two or three diverse
and oppugnant castes. Of unequal rank
and civil condition, and as incapable
of combination as oil and water. Could
materials for commonwealth be tho't
of more discordant than the Saxon and
the son of Ham?-the one restless, tur.
bulent, ambitious, aspiri.g; meditating,
even in his amusements, some high en-
prise, and making his amusemcnts SUBJ
servient to the advancement Of his de-
signs; the other gay, thoughtless, i'm