Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-12-19

Showing increase 2S3 Z4o decrease 1oz
Being al the rate OF ! per cent on whites, per
cent on free negroes and decrease OF 10 per cent
on slaves; and according 10 This ratio, we should
now have in Mecklenburg, al The end OF the year
ls49, whites, S069; free colored, l344, and slave
IL 735, and though il may be the work OF years
vel The conclusion is inevitable, that unless IN
ejniNu siSror Iorced from Necessity 10 ieduce Inc
number OF free negroes be subjected TO the great
rsl inconvenience and annoyance arising from
living in the midst OF a large pauper and unprin
cipled population.
The question, then, is, shall We adopt mea-
sures 10 remove Them, or permit a growing evil,
which future generations must contend against
under great difficulties.
But hardly presume there is bnt one opinion
on this point, and the only question is, how shall
we eel rid OF them and, in answer, respectfully
submit plan, in my humble opinion, most like
Iy 10 effect The object in the shortest space oil
lime, with the least expense and with fewer dis
advantages 10 the free negro, in social view,
than any other | have ever seen suggested. lam
aware il is imperectly drawn and trau2ht with
some objections, but if il awakens The public
mind 10 this important subject, or contains sim
gle idea worthy OF reflection, shall have accom-
plished my most sanguine hopes. Whether 1t
Shall be done by Sale or county tax your wis
uoiH Tau Uest ucCiuc ou'I iet W citiie VIC Fe"
pie will cheetully respond and contribute their
means and efforts 10 accomplish The end. But TO
tie plan:
Isl. Let The Legislature aulhorisp the county
courts 10 appoint three or more commissioners in
the bounds Of each captains company, 10 ascer-
tain The number OF free negroes in said bounds
their ages, size, trades and condition, and report
To he same.
81. Lay moderate tax for their gradual iran
portati"n, 10 5e accomplished il years. IL a
Stale tax, 10 be divided amongst the counties in
proportion 10 The number Of Tree negroes; il
county tax, al III. discretion OF he county court
3d. Il shall b. me day oflhcsr commissioners
alter asccTIsinins the number, &C., Of free negroes
in their respective bounds, 10 assemble and deter
mine upon some place OF emigration, and how
many can b. disposed Of from The means ailowe'';
then take them 10 the most convenient point f.r
shipment.
An |. snail be their duty 10 select as nearly as
practicable, between the ages OF rs and IS; nus
reducing The most increasing portion, and thert>
By reiardtng The increase of the remainder. Thr
old ones would die amongst us, and by The tint
we should gel rid Of those between the ages Of %
and as, the Younger ones would reach that age,
and come up Tor transportation.
OF course those too young to be separated
from parents must 20 with them, and would form
but very small portion of the expense. ALI
sufficiently old to support themselves by labor,
should be left behind, ard bound out till they
become OF age, and The superanHaaled portion
should be supported out Of the fund created tor
transportation, Qheir support in life having been
removed by tho effects of this law unless they
could be provided for from the labor of those
bound out.
Il can be done in The shortest period, because,
il proposes to select them in such manner as 10
reduce the most prolific portion, and with the
least expense, from the TACT OF being effected
gradually, but al The same lime, acting in dou.
Bile ratio-besides, think it very probable, we
nigh, procure the assistance OF U. s. 1hps in their
removal, provided it would not mater billy change
the direction oil such ships in cJnemplated
cruise with no further expense than suppy OF
provision on voyage.
For instance, a ship lying al Norfolk, ordered
onl on cruise in the Mediterranean would be
but little Inconvenience by taking them to some
oil The British Islands or landing them on The
coast of Africa. The same might apply 10 a
merchantman bound for some Northern State,
where they would be received.
Il can be done with lever disadvantages to The
free negroes, in social view, because they can
be chosen as nearly as practicable in families
cond transportation from any particular point
could lake precisely The same direction as The
6rst-lhus re-uniiing al! sindred lies and at
iecions.
They can then form Society within them
selves in their new land, have greater induce
ments rc exert their energies, elevate their moral.
and cultivate their intellects, living in land OF
equality and must become happier as class
and more useful 10 those around Them
II similar or any laws we're enacted for this
Object, every citizen in the old Commonwealth
would join heart and hand and cbeerfully per-
form his part, whether it calls for his purse, his
energies, or both. And il is 10 be h.ped The LIE.
gislalure, in lis wisdom, now assembled together
TO prolect and shield the old Common wealth from
harm, and 10 enact laws compatible with The
wishes and good of her citizens will duly consider
the subject and ADOPT measures 10 accomplish the
end desired, and thus relieve the free negro chat
acler from The lhraldom of disgrace, take away
from The slave one contamination and from the
State a growing nuisance, and then the Legisa.
ture of l849 will receive the grateful acknowledg
menls ofIhe present and future generations. B.