The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-10-07
Plan Of Emancipation.

Plan OF Emancipation.
The question Is proposed to us continually,
orally and by letter, what plan Of Emancipation
do you mean 10 advocate m the Examiner?
We rejoice at the frequency and eamestness
with which this inquiry made. Tits an indica-
ton that one great result which we have AIMED
TO produce, is in great degree accomplished.
The public mind is at length aroused; the i'm
portsnce of the subject Of Emancipation is ac-
knONledged, and the determination of discussing
II thoroughly, and with view TO definite action,
Is pnvately and publicly avowed
Whether we have been instumentaliu produ-
cling tins result, We cannot say We hope we
have had some agency, however humble IT may
have been. But whether we have been instru-
mental OF not, the result is reached, and we re-
iOlce, and all fTends Of their country, and Of hui
mainly, have reason TO rejoice win Us. When
once the conviction of the necessity of action on
subject Of vast Importance has become deep
seated and general, the day Of action cannot be
far distant.
We wish now to utter few thoughts to the
fnends, who have proposed the question at the
head Of this article
Wehave pupOSely RETAINED heretofore, from
advocating any particular plan Of Emancipa-
ton in our editonal columns. We have been
firmly Of the opinion, that the first, the all-im-
POrtant thing was to draw attention to the sub
jet Of Emancipation; TO awaken the public
mind to sense of the necessity, the practical
bilIry, and the duty Of action. We have felt, as
strongly a. any Of our readers, the Importance
of having some plan presented, which would
commend itself to the friends of the cause, and
enlist their united and whole-soUled energies in
its behalf We have earnestly desired the arm
val Of the time when such plan could be profit
ably presented. That time, we believe, has,
nearly, if not quite, come. The friends of Emsn-
cipstion, should, without delay, determine on
the course to be pursued in opder to the fulfil
msnt Of their cherished wishes.
To accomplish this end, il is proposed that a
meeting Of fnends Of the cause from all parts OF
the State be held very soon after the Presiden.
tisl election. The place has not been decided
upon That is immsterial. Let II be at Frank
fon, Louisville, Oh at whatever point may be
most generally convenient, and as early in No
vember as practicable. Whatever place and
time may be agreed on, then and there let US
meet Let US have full representation, and
let all come with minds wide awake, and hearts
all alive. Let US meet for full and free inter.
change OF thought Let every one be ready to
present the plan which has occurred TO him as
wisest most humane and best, and let every one
be prepared 10 listen with interest and respect
to the suggestions Of every other mind After a
free interchange OF thought and thorough discus
sion Of the vanous plans proposed, we doubt
not that one viii be agreed upon, which will be
proval Of the fnends, and command the respect,
of the enemies Of Emancipation. .
We do not wish to foresiall action nor 10 pre-
jndice the minds Of our readers. We, therefore,
shall not now propose plan, but viii content
ourselves with pointing out some Of the features
which should chaTscterise any plan which aims
to secure hearty and general adoption.
lst-Such plan must rest forts foundation
upon the conviction that slavery is an evil and a
wrong, an evil to the whites, wrong to the
blacks, and that its removal, therefore, is de
manded alike BY night and expediency, by pnn-
ciple and policy.
A.-Such a plan must consult the welfare
both of the white and black population.
IL you propose a scheme which has reference
only to the interest and convenience of the
whites, and cares not for the welfare Of the
blacks, you ALLEVIATE some Of The trlsst friends
0r Tue slave Tuvrv muse, many we Ucurvr,
among SHAREHOLDERS, who have received slaves
by inheritance, who have grown up with them
from childhood, under the shelter Of the same
roof and in the exercise Of an affection made
tender and strong by early associations and life
long intimacy, who would turn with aversion from
any plan Of emancipation which overlooked the
well-beingo Of the blacks, even though convinced
that such plan would promote their. own con-
venience and increase their own wealth.
On the other hand, If you propose plan
which provides for the welfare of the blacks,
without reference 10 the interest Of the whites,
you not only ALLEVIATE large class. now favora-
bic to emancipation, but you drive that class
into open and bitter enmity. III
The plan, which would meet with general
approval, must provide for the comfort and hap
Piness, not Of the whites alone, nor the blacks
alone, bat Of whites and blacks, of all classes
and ages. Nor should il content itself with pro-
viding for physical and economical interests; it
should aim TO promote, as far as possible, the
moral, intellectual and religious well-being Of
all. In short, Il should be plan which com
msnds itself TO conscience, self-interest and af-
fiction; which enlsts in its favor religion, hu-l
manity and common sense. r
To devise such plan, we are aware, Isl task
of no little difficulty. Itrequires rare union
Of wisdom and kindness, that genuine wisdom,
at once profound and practical, which, while IL
aims 20 make things what they ought 10 be,
never fOrgets what they are; and that Chris-
tisn kindness, which regards the black, not
a. q nuisance to be got rid Of, but as an object
Of friendship and care. yea
That such plan, Notwithstanding all diff
Guilty, may be devised, we confidently believes