Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-05-11
EMANCIPATION IN KENTUCKY

The Kentucky papers inform us that the
late Convention of The Friends Of Emancipa-
ton in that State. which assembled al Frank
fort on the 25lb ultimo. was presided over BY
Col Henry Clay. of Bourbon county. assisted
by Henry Wingaie as Wee President, and
Frank Ballinger as Secretary
The Lexington Observer gives the follow
ing as The plan OF action resolved on by the
Convention
"This Convention, composed of citizens OF
the Commonweal h of Kentucky, and repre-
senting the opinions and wishes of large
number of their fellow citizens throughout the
Common wealth, met in the capito on the 25th
April, 1s49, 10 consider what course it be
comes those who are opposed TO the increase
and TO the perpeiuitY of slavery in this State
! TO pursue, in the approaching canvass for
| members of the Convention called to amend
the constitution, adopts the propositions which
| follow, as expressing its judgment in the pre-
misses:
Il. Believing that involuntary hereditary
| slavery. as II exists by law in this State. is
adverse to the prosperity of the Common ealih,
| inconsistent with the fundamental princip es
of free government. contrary to the natural
rights of mankind, and injurious 10 pure
state of morals, we are of opinion that it ought
not to he increased. and that it ought not TO
be perpetuaied in this Commonwealth
90. That no attemp, ought 10 be made now
or al any time, TO set slaves free bv eompuso.
ry emancipation, without just compensation
after rights of property have been allowed to
vest in them bnt that every scheme for the
compulsory extinction of slavery in Kentucky
ought 10 begin with those born alter the com
mencement of the scheme, and that the reno
| r l. II IL. III
part of every such plan.
SO That we recommend the follow lns
points as those TO he insisted on in the new
constitution, and that cauili !ates be ron il
every county in the State favorable TO thes,
or similar constitui onai provisions: Tn
absolute prohibition of the importation of an,
more saves into Kentucky; ?. The comp'et
power in the people of Kentucky to enforc
!, and perfect. in or IN Ter the new constitution
system of gradual prospective emancipation
ct slaves
a. This Convention confines its recon-
mendotion to the question of negro slavery
and makes no expression of opinion on an
other topic
The Convention (tne Observer remarssl wa
not very numerously attended, hut t1cenr5
three out OF the one huniret and thee cour
Q ties in the State being represented, and b
4 about one hundred and fifty delegates. The'
= was, nevertheless, much respfctabiiity al
q talent in the Convention, and three fouElhs (
the DO y are reported TO have heen slave no
n lers. The principal speakers in the ConveI
h ,ion were Judge Nicholas, Rev. Dr. VIM.
n RreckinriHge. Hon. Vim p Thomasson, Re
y DR.. R j. breckenridge, SamuI Shy, E~q
% kev John C. Young, c. Nj Clay, and Re
n 5 Robinson.
q The Eli1or Of the Observer protests again
;. the platform adopted by the convention as il
= dealing that the emancipation question is
ii be made IA prominent issue in the election
- delegates to the Convention to revise the Co
N stiut;on, and. protesting 10 know somethi
ir of the public feeling on the subject of SLAYER
q asserts that :" no body of men, however LOT
NJ thei, names or dear 10 the hearts of the peol
thew NAV be, will he able to change the s.
tied convictions of the people in regard TO /