Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1849-03-22
Important Letter from Mr., Clay.
HIS VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT OF SLAVERY
AND
PLAN OF EMANCIPATION.
from Tie Lexington Reporter and Observer.

From the Lexington Reporter and Observer.
New ORLEANS, Feb. II, 1849.
DEAR STR;-Prior to my departure from home
in December last, in behalfof yourself and other
friends, yon obtained from me promise to make
public exposition Of my views and opinions
upon grave and important question, which it
was then Anticipated. would be much debated
and considered BY the people OF Kentucky du-
ring this year, in consequence of the approach
ing Convention summoned to amend the present
Constitution. was not even truly well when
left home, and owing to that cause, and my
confinement several weeks during my sojoum in
this city, from the effects Of an accident which
befel me, | have delayed the fulflment of my
promise, which now propose to execute.
l. The question to which allude is, whether
African slavery, as it now exists in Kentucky,
shall be left to perpetual or indefinite contnu-
ance, or some provision shall be made in the
new constitution for its gradual and ultimate ex-
tnction?
2. A few general observations will suffice my
present purpose, without entering on the whole
subject of slavery, under all Its bearings, and in
every aspect of it. | am aware that there arc
respectable persons who believe that slavery is
a blessing, that the institution ought to exist in
every well organized society, and that it is even
favorable to the preservation Of liberty. Happi-
ly, the number who entertain these extravaganza
opinions Is not very great, and The time would
be uselessly occupied in an elaborate refutation
Of them. | would, however, remark, that, if sla-
very be fraught with these alleged benefits, the
principle on which it is maintained would require
that one portion of the white race should be re-
duced to bondage, to serve another portion of
the same race, when black sub ects of slavery
could not be obtained and that in Africa, where
they may entertain as great preference for
their color as we do for ours, they would be JUS
tilted in reducing the whites to slavery, in order
to secure the blessings which that state is said
tofdiffuse.
3. An argument in favor of reducing the At
rican race TO slavery, is sometimes derived from
the alleged intellectual inferiority to the white
races; but, If this argument be founded in fact,
las it may be, but which shall not now exam
ine,) 1t would prove entirely too much 1t would
prove that every white nation which had made
greater advances in civilization, knowledge and
wisdom than another white nation, would have a
right to reduce the latter to state of bondage
Nay, further, if the principle Of subjugation
founded upon intellectual superiority be true,
and be applicable to races and to nations, what
IS to prevent its being applied to individuals
And then the wisest man in the world would
have right to make slaves of all the rest of
mankind.
4. IT, indeed, we possess this intellectual su-
periority, profoundly grateful and thankful to
Him who has bestowed it, we ought to fulfil all
the duties and obligations which it imposes, and
these would require US not 10 subjugate or deal
uniustly by our fellow men who are less blessed
than we are, but to instruct, to improve and 10
,enllghten them.
5. A vast majority of the people of the U. s.,
/ believe, regret the Introduction of slavery into
the colonies, lament that single slave treads
our soil, deplore the necessity of the continuance
of slavery in any of the States, regard the in
stitutlon as great evil to both races, and would
rejoice in the adoption of any safe, Just and
practicable plan for the removal of all slaves a.
'mong us. Hitherto no such satisfactory plan
has been presented. When on the occasion of
the formation of our present constitution of Ky e.,
in 1893, the question Of the gradual emancipa-
ton of slavery in the State was agtated, its
friends had to encounter great obstacle, in the
fact that there then existed no established colo
ny to which they could be transported
Now, by the successful establishment of flour
ishing colonies on the Western coast of Africa,
that difficulty has been obviated. And confess
en- that, without induging in any undue feelings of
superstition, it does seem to me that it may have
been among the dispensations of Providence to
permit the wrongs under which Africa has suf.
fered, to be inflicted, that her children might be
returned to their original home, civilized, and
imbued with the benign spirit of christianity,
and prepared ultimately to redeem that great
continent from barbarism and idolatry
6. Without undertaking to Judge for any other
State, it was my opinion in 1899, that Kentucky
was in a state to admit of the gradual emancipa-
ton of her slaves; and how deeply do lament
that system, with that object, had not been
then established If it had been, the State
would now be rid of all slaves. Ny opinion has
never changed, and have frequently publicly
expressed it. i should be most happy if what
was lupracticable at that epoch could now be
accomplished.
z. After full and deliberate consideration Of
tie subject, it appears to me three principles
should regulate the establishment of system
of emancipation. The first IS, that it should be
slow in its operation, cautious and gradual, so as
to occasion no convulsion, nor any rash or sud
den'disturbance in the existing habits of society.
Second, that, as all indispensable condition, the
emancipated slaves should be removed from the
state to some colony. And, thirdly, that the ex-
including al outfit for six months after their ar.
rival, should be betrayed by fund to be raised
from each freed slave.
8. Nothing could be more unwise than the
immediate liberation of all the slaves in the
State, compromising both sexes and all ages,
from that of tender infancy to extreme old ace.
1t would lead to the most frightful and fatal con-
sequences. Any great change in the condition
Of society should be marked by extreme care
and circumspection. The introduction of ala .
very into the colonies was an operation of MANY
years duration and the work of their removal
from the United States can onlybe effected after
the lapse of great length of time
9. think that period should be fixed, when
ell born after it should be free at specified age,
all born before it remaining slaves for life That
period, would suggest should be 1855 or even
1860; for on this and. other arrangements of the
system, if adopted, incline to liberal margin,
20 as to obvate as may objections, and 10 unite
rs many opinions as possible. Whether the
commencement Of the operation of the system
be little earlier or later, is not 30 important
as that day should be permanently fired, from
which we could look forward, with confidence.
TO the final termination OF slavery within the
limits of the commonwealth.
10. Whatever may be the day fixed, whether
1855 or 1860, or any other day, all born after it,
! suggest should be free at the age of twenty
five, but be liable afterwards 10 be hired out under
the authority of the State, for term not exceed
ing three years, in order to raise a sum sufficient
70 pay the expenses Of their transportation to the
colony, and to provide them an outfit for six
months after their arrival there.
ii. If descendants Of those who are to be free
at the age of twenty-five, were also to he con-
Gdered as slaves until they attained the same
age, and this rule were continued indefinitely as