The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-02-17
Address 90 the Friend. Of Emaneipation in
the stnss Of Kentucky.

These circumstances impose a new and imPe-
ious obligation upon every citizen. They call
lpon him, as one of the sovereign people, to |
whom all power belongs, and from whom all
proceeds, TO examine the Constitu-
ion with seriousness and great care-to decide
for himself whether the instrument needs
so, in what particulars-and
then to make his wishes known and cause his
voice to be heard.
The Constitution Of Kentucky was formed
by body Of able, wise, and patriotic statesmen
No one can give il an intelligent and impartial
examination without profound admiration for
the work Of their hands. They gave us in it a
form of government which has served to con-
duct the Commonwealth through half a century
Of peace, credit and prosperity. Their names
will be held by pOsterity in grateful remem-
brance through many generations.
But their work was not absolutely perfect,
and no matter how wisely adapted to their cir
cumstancs. experience-that stern and faithful
instructOr-has taught us that it may be i'm
proved-nay, that il requires revision and
amendment The immense msjorities Of the
people, that have now twice called for Con-
vention, prove that this is the conviction Of the
public mind.
There are certainly many points in which the
Constitution might be altered with advantage
to the people who live under it. 1t is not our
present purpose, however, to refer to all Of
these. They will, beyond doubt, receive the
attention Of the people in due time, according
to their respective importance. Our aim in
addressing you, is not to enlist you in the work
Of Constitutional reform in general-hOw-
your hearty cooperation in achieving one par
ticular object, the establishment and perpetuity
Of universal freedom in this Commonwealth.
We address you as the friends Of Emancpa-
ton. We assume that you agree with us in
holding slavery to be a great evil-in believing
that the true glory and highest prosperity Of
the State depend upon its total ultimate extinc-
ton and the substantial removal OF the colored
populaiion--in regarding that change Of the
Constitution which would gradually work out
these great results, as more important and de-
sirable than all other changes--and in consider
ing it unwise and inexpedient to mix up with
this question Others Of inferior consequence,
upon which there may be various and irrecon-
cilable differences Of opinion. We will not,
therefore, argue any of these points; but, pass
ing them all, as being settled in your minds like
our own, we invite you to unite with us-we
beg you to allow US to unite with you-in
citizens in every part Of the State.
We assure you that in moving in this matter,
we have no desire to take the lead, or to dictate
to others; but we have waited long, the time is
short, and the opponents of emancipation are
already actively engaged, concentrating their
influence and preparing to forestall the public
mind to the prejudice of this glorious cause
1t is high time that a movement were made
somewhere.
1t has seemed to us that the first thing to
be done by the friends Of emancipation in Ken
lucky, Is to ascertain, as far as possible, what
is their actual strsngth-how many of the good
Of altering the Constitution, with view to this
object. In the next place, it Is important for
them to know what favor their views are likely
to find with the balance of their fellow citizens.
For example, there is scarcely man who doe
not admit in general terms the evils of slavery.
We observe that even the paper lately intro
duced into the General Assembly, proposing TO
stop the mouths Of the people by legislative re-
solves, speaks of "the vast and acknowledged
evils of slavery" Again, there are many of
eur fellow citizens who have not avowed them
selves in favor Of altering the Constitution on
this subject at this time, who, nevertheless, have
always and freely said that they do not desire
slavery to be perpetuated. Now, ii Is impor-
tant that the frIends or EMANCIPATION learn, us
clearly as possible, how these classes of their
fellow citizens will probably be affected by their
views, and how many Of them they may hope
to enlist in support Of these views
Thirdly, II is important for them TO agree pre-
cisely and cordially upon the measures which
they will propose to their fellow citizens. Dr.
vision OF sentiment, or want Of agreement
among themselves--the advocacy of one plan
In one place, and others elsewhere, would of
course initiate against their success. One
plan, simple, clear, concise. ought to be agreed
upon and universally urged. We are nearly
all agreed already, 1t may be presumed, in these
principles, to witt the total extinction of slavery
in Kentucky, to be gradually effected, with the
east possible offence and Inconvenience TO the
master, aat the greatest possible advantage to
he slave; both of which imply the removal of
he colored population. But these are very
general principles, and the most minute details
If their application must be submitted to the
people. In these we should be perfectly agreed.
We have not been able 10 think Of any way
Il effecting the important objects, herein above
so judicious, so unobjectionable,
md SO likely to be successful, as Convention
4 the friends of Emancipation from every part
4 the State. This will afford information as
o public opinion from all quarters-an oppor-
unity for the open and friendly interchange of
iews--ani the best means of determining the
measures which 1t will be proper and wise for
9 to adopt. To such Convention, we think,
ught to be referred, in the spirit Of mutual |
Dnfidence and Cancellation, all questions rela- |
ng to this subject, SO that the friends Of Eman-
patton may enter upon their work before the |