Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-12-13

from The ease with which they can obtain in I'll
free negro convenient tool In this way, and i
many others which it would not be proper, pei
haps. to enumerate, the beauty and purity of on
social state is seriously demOralized.
Although the fifty thousand free negroes in ou
State, with fow exceptions, known to DO thrift
less and unproductive, and live mainly by depre
dation upon the labor Of others, yet they cOngre-
gate in our villages, and do the little jobs that u
rise in the progress of ordinary labor, wholly su-
perseding, by the smalness of their compensation,
and the character of its payment, the employment
Of white men thus creating moral necessity for
the emigration of no inconsiderable portion of our
laboring white population. i can appeal with con-
fidence to the experience of every member Of the
General Assembly, in support OF the truth of the
above view and ask if this Of itself does give
this subject claim to your favorable considerations
The legislation i'm relation to the free negro, to
which have heretofore adverted, is the result of
long experience and intimate knowledge of the free
negro race, and cannot be relaxed. And we must
deliberately and calmly ask ourselves, whether we
will not at once, in bold and comprehensive spi-
rit, adopt the policy have recommended, which is
plainly requisite fer his happiness, and the true in
eress and prosperity Of the State. 1t is difficult
to Imagine policy more interesting to the country
or more fraught with good TO all concerned. To
us, the good will be broad, deep, and all pervading.
Not an element In our character, not interest Of
our people, but will feel its refreshing nfuence--
this important measure, for the third time, upon
your attention, shall not have done So in vain.
OF the right 10 consummate this measure, ] en-
terrain no doubt ! attempted to make shat plain
in my last message. The details Of the plan
few and simple. and can be easily executed. Nor
is there any difficulty in finding places to which to
send them. Liberia, the French and English is
lands, and some Of the free States, especially New
York and Massachusetts,, all eager, if am TO
believe the evidences before mo, TO receive them.
The British islands, have no doubt from infor-
nation IN my possession, would pay the expenses
Of all those sent to them. And Massachusetts, a
few years ago, in elaborate exposition TO tho A
merican people, admitted, and undertook to CON
vince others, that the free negro is American
citizen, and entitled TO gro and come at will. With
this acknowledged right, he could there find a
home, and not vessel would sail from our shores
Tor that ancient and prosperous commonwealth. but
would be happy TO take at cheap rate. from fifty
to one hundred passengers. Then where is the
difficulty! In ten years, at expense of $40 900
year, our State may be freed from the curse
ofour free negro population. Profoundly convinc
ed of the wisdom and humanity of this measure.
and its all-prevadng Importance TO beloved
commonwealth. earnestly recommend it 10 tho
General Assembly.
herewith communicate the report TO the Re-
gister of the Land Office.
communicate also the report Of the Superin-
tendent of Weights and Measures. Nothing has
and counties of State with this important stand
ard; and am satisfied nothing be efficiently
done under our present laws. The room in the
basement Of the Ca| itol will not for this SER
vice on account of its dampness, thorough dryness
being Indispensable The weights and measures
are OF the incest and most delicate mechanism, and
should be placed in charge Of man with some
knowledged of mechanism would, therefore, re-
commend that this duty be conlided TO the Captain
of the Public Guard, who could, with a small adj
ditional expense, have them made in his own work
shops and under his eye and superintendence-a
duty which he would cheertully undertake, with
out charge. if relieved of the duties of superntend-
ent of public edifces, which might very advanla-
geously be assigned to the present Superintendent
Of Weights and Measures, al the salary now re
ceived by him. CT course, the Legislature will
require these weights and measures to be made
within State.
| herewith communicate the report of our worthy
Vaccine Agent His operations during the last
year have been quite important TO the State.
also herewith communicate the report of the
Weighmaster of Live Stock.
The reports of the Register Of the land office
Of the Superintendent of Weights and Measures
of the Weighmaster of Live Stock and of the Vac
cine Agent, are not required by law, but Were call
ed for by me- that might present complete view
Of the condition Of the commonwealth. l recon-
mend that law be passed, requiring in future, an
nual reports from those officers.
the payment of slaves condemned to death or trans
portation,' ii is enacted, that "the Justices who
shall condemn such slave, shall vaue him or her at
the cash price for which he or she weuld, in their
opinion, selat public SALE undera knowledge Of hid
or her guilt" This law regards the slave con-
demned to death, diminished in value by his SEN
tence, and designs to pay his owner only such
value. Practically, however this intention is dis
regarded, and price is generally fixed upon CON
demued slaves, that they would not command id
our best market, if free from all exception. Tbs
slaves who were condemned TO death. and repriev-
ed foI transportation during the last five years weta
priced by the courts ut the aggregate sum OF 800
los "a. besides the cost of transporting them TO th8
! Penentlary on the sale of WHOM. only S20,715
| 90 have been Obtained. Vsrious Intellectual efforts
have been made TO fix the prices Of slaves accord
ing TO the intention Of the act above reciied and
further legislation is clearly necessary. ] cannot
see the propriety Of the State taking possession of
a slave reprieved for transportation, removing him
| at heavy expense to the Penien;iary, and Their
submitting TO loss upon his sale and therefofs
recommend, that upon the reprive Of slave fol
transportation, such slave be still regarded as the
property OF his master, 10 whom he shall be dee
cred upon bs giving bond and security for his re
moval from the Commonwealth the slave 70 bs
retained in jail, az the cost of his master. until he
is ready to remove him. The owner would then
certainly receive the sum (OI which he would sell
at public sale, under knowledge Of his or her
guilt; and the intention of the Legislature would
be fully executed.
J again respectfully ask your attention to our
sury laws. From much experience in the business
affairs of men, am satisfied they ought to be RS
pealed; for, undoubtedly, they increase the price
OF money by increasing the hazard OF losing it and
frequently cripple business by preventing consciet
tious men from lending al current rates. who. soon
er than violate the law, will keep their money b,
them idle and unproductive.