The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-02-17
SLAVERY in the IeaisInture.

Last week we commented on the passage OF
Mr.. DOhoney's resolution by a unanimous vote
| Of the Legislature. That resolution, our rea-
ders will remember, declared that the represen-
tatiUes o(ths people Of Kentucky were opposed to
"the abolition or emancipation of slavery in
any form or shape whatever, except as pro-
vided for at present by the Constitution and
laws Of the State" This resolution, as we
have said, was adopted by unanimous vote of
SO to 0. Well, the members were not satisfied
with that vote, and some of them, fearing that
they had gone too far, felt extremely uneasy.
Dohoney's resolution was passed on Saturday
the Sd inst, and on the succeeding Monday,
there were several resolutions in relation to
slavery offered, all showing that the members
were in something of panic and did not know
what to do. "Oh, what tangled web we
weave, when first we're tempted 10 deceive.
Well, on Monday, Judge Robertson, late
Chief Justice of the State, offered resolution
for them TO explain the position of the mem.
bers in relation to this most perplexing subject.
We subjoin his resolution and the remarks with
which he preceded it. We invite attention to
them.
Mr.. ROBERTSON had sndeavored, In every
prudent mode, TO avoid the agitation of the
question of slavery; but there seemed to be
determination to force an expression of opinion
direct upon the abstract question of slayery.-
He thought this Legislature was going beyond
its sphere, and instructing the people; be would
let the people alone and they would speak out
their own OPissiV4ls "a a.O P,vpoE ufne III,
had been called an abolitio aist, and also an
emaneipationist, but he was not intimidated by
such epithets from pursuinga course he deemed
best for the honor and prosperity of the State
He had been misrepresented since he had ad-
dressed the committee OF the whole on the sub
ject of the law of '33, for what reason he did
not know. The gentleman who offered this
resolution said he did not wish to sgitate the
question of slavery; but if so, why Introduce
this resolution Since the House had gone so
far, he would let the people know the opinions
in full of the representatives here. He was not
an emancpationist, nor was he, he thanked
God, apro-slavery man; for he thought there
was neither religion, political economy, or JUS
tice in slavery. He deemed it impracticabIe,
unphilanthroPic and unwise TO enter into any
system of emancipation at this time; but he
would let the thing work out its own salvation
in its own way. II Kentucky in her climate,
&C., was adapted to slavery, LEI 1t exist and sus-
tain itself, but il it is not so adapted, and had
Indictments Of universal liberty, the Legislature
should not retard events. He believed a large
portion of the State was with him In sentiment,
and he was DESTROYS that the people should
know the opinions Of the House. He wanted
the people TO know that while all were not
emancipationists, that but few were pro-sla-
very men. He had said, that II the House pass
the bill TO repeal the Law of '33, 1t would indi-
cate policy that would awake those who were
not pro-slavery men nor abolitionists, TO make |
an effort for emancipation, because they would |
see that now was the only time toiever consum- |
mate their final objects. IL was in view of this |
that he had said he did not know what his |
course would be if the policy Of '33 was now
and he was sorry to hear the Speak
err say that he had so expressed himself, to be /
held an fsrr0rem over the advocates of the re-
peal: He did not think his humble name
would have any influence in tho discrimination
Of that question. He offered the f,lowing as
, substitute for the resolution and amendment
pow pending.
Resolved, First, That the memtsn Of this
House do not consider domestic slavery bles-
ing. Second, That they do not desire the per.