The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-03-10
rur. Ui.v,.Le,ssr

iur. Ofay's Letter.
We take great pleasure in presenting to our
readers this interesting and important letter.
The plan Of emancipation which Mr.. Clay
offers raay or may not commend itself generally
to the friends Of tho cause; but whether ms
plan be adopted or not, his letter will have
wide, lasting and beneficial influence. The
letter Is well written, and its spirit is SO con-
eiliaiory, that it will win its way to the MINDS
and hearts of thousands who could not other
wise be brought to reflect upon the subject oil
emancipation. But the great merit OF this
document consists, il seems to US, In It's clear
recognition Of the essential wrong and injustice
of slavery and Of the practibllity of its removal
No veil Of sophistry il thrown over Mr.. Gays
mind to hide from his view the repulsive fea-
lures Of the slave system. He recognises and
admits its character as a system Of oppression
and rejoices that an opportunity Is presented 10
Kentucky to become the pioneer in the great
work of redressing the wrongs Of centuries
and Of proving herself the sincere friend Of
| freedom.
We have read with no little wonder the COM
msnts Of the Louisville Journal upon this let
ter. The editors claim that Mr.. Clay occupies
the same ground with them In regard TO the
impolicy Of agitating the subject Of emancpa-
ZION. We perhaps do not clearly understand
what ground the Journal occupies just at pre-
sent. for though dsprseating discussion and
agitation. IL IL almost daily discussing and agi-
iating the exciting question; but we suppose
II thar the ground which II wJsiaswsssI 60 be aa-
derstOod as occupying Is that o. opposition %
the agitation of the subject at the present time
I On this ground, we presume. IL claims that Mr.
a Clay stands.
III What reason has the Journal for this claim
. IL Mr.. Clay does not think the present suts
BILE time for the discussion of the question o
emancipation, why does he discuss isi II h
A thinks the time inappropriate for agitation
. why does he not keep SILENT He knew yer.
well that his letter would be read with avidit
u IN every part Of Kentucky, and would give ris
+, to general discussion, universal agitation. Tn
;, very fact that he has written at this time 1
favor Of emancipation is proof positive that
, regards this time as the fit time for discussion
But. says the Journal, Mr.. Clay expressl
admits that II it be perfectly certain and evider
!. that majority of the people of Kentucky al
:, opposed to discussion, the subject should
"a dropped, and therefore he virtually admits Il
"a impolicy and improperly Of discussion now.
al We cannot see the force OF this reasoning
IA "lf 1t be perfectly certain and svidsnt" says M
Nd Clay. Well, is it perfectly certain and evident
IA The Journal affirms that 1t Is. On what autho
IA ity7 We should be glad TO learn what pro-
\. the Journal has Of the correctness Of this a
sertion. Will it addues the authority of o,
N legislature Very poor authority, in OF
., humble opinion. Why, is it not notorious tn
y. the action of the Legislature has been bitter
denounced, not in one or another part Of d
r.. State, but in many, We may say almost all Sc
IN tionsf And are not members trying to convin
m their indignant constituents that the action
M, the collected wisdom Of Kentucky has be-
n entirely misunderstood, and that IL really mea
q. nothingl Yes, we are seriously told that,
vs we will carefully examine the most objection
al BILE resolution, we shall find 1t meant nothin
;, And such Is the useful and highly honOrat
=. manner in which the honorable Legislators
=. Kentucky employ themselves at Frankfort, di
NJ eussing subjects with which as legislators tn
nave no rightts NEEDLE, and passing resolution
which mean pe-hng'
Ana shall thesevery rsso,u..o--, .Alsh !.
now pronounced by men who vot led for the,
as meaningless and absurd. be brou,vb, forws
" to prove that the people Of Kentucs v ar. q
posed to the discussion Of the subject Of .m,
!, eipation1
We believe that, 90 far from being op,,o.
TO the discussion Of this great subject, as
majority Of our felIow-citzsns most earnstl,
desire discussion, and desire Il a, this very tine
We believe, moreover, that Mr.. Clay regad
:, the present as the very time for discussion, an
that his letter was written in the hope at ont
Of facilitating discussion and giving it rigl
n direction.
!, The eagsrness with which hisletter Is sougl
;. shows that he was not mistaken. II is halle
throughout the State rs q timely address.
V has given a new impetus to the spirit Of inve'
v tigation. This spirit will not rest until h
q subject Of slavery has been thoroughly d
"a cussed, and of the result Of that discussion "
have no fear.
We would not indulge in premature or III
reasonable erultation. We know the numbs
and magnitude Of the difficulties necessaril
attendant upon great social changes, hut Ou
hearts are cheered, and we cannot repress Ou
= emotions Of hope and JOY. The signs Of til