Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-04-13
From the Morning Star
Y-SENTIMENTS OF yIR-
GINIA,S DEAD.

Ii is often asserted that the people of the
North should keep silent upon the subject of
slavery, because they know little or nothing
about 1t. Well, then, hear those who have
known something about it, who have left
their testimonies behind, and gone the way of
all the earth. The following persons, whose
testimonies are given, were all, | believe, ma
tves of the State of Virginia. Consequent
ly they had ample opportunity to behold the
good or bad effects of slavery. But as to its
benefits they have said nothing, and as to its
evils they have spoken out freely as follows
George Washineton ssThere is only one
proper and effectual mode by which it aboli-
toni can be accomplished, and that is, by the
Legislative authority, and this. as far as my
suffrage will GO, shall not be wanting
IHomas jefferson. Il tremble for my coun-
try, when | reflect that God is just, and that
his justice cannot sleep forever. The Al
mighty has no attribute which can take sides
with US in such a contest
Patrick Henry. at is debt we owe to
the purity Of cur religion, to show that it is
at variance with that law which warrants sla-
very. As for me, give me liberty, or give me
DEATH"
+ GoScrnor Tyler. 'My earnest desire is,
that it shall be handed down to posterity that
oppose this wicked clause
Governor Randolph. THAT the abolition
of slavery will result from the Constitution
hope no one will be so dishonorbe to Vir-
ginia, to make this an objection
James Madison. Il conceive the Constitu-.
ton was formed, in order that the government
might save ourselves from reproaches, and our
posterity from the imbecility ever attendant
on country filled with slaves.'
James Monroe. This evil has preyed up
on the very yitals of the Union, and has been
preiudicial to all the States in which it has
existed"
John Randolph .'Sir, neither envy the
head nor the heart of that man from the North,
who rises here to defend slavery from princi-
ple.''
Gen. Henry Lee "The Constitution of the
United States having done so much, it l. to
be lamented, that a provision had not been
made for the gradual abolition of slavery"
Judge Tucker. ''Should we not, at the
time of the revolution, have broken their fet-
tiers 20
UiLlianr Uirt. "Last and worse, fecu-
hns of beings, called worcestershire most alb
ject, degraded, unprincipled race"
Richard Henry Lee. ''Slaves must be nat
ura enemies
George Mason "'The augmentation ofslaves.
weakens States, and such a trade is diabolical
in itself, and disgraceful to mankind"
Gorernor Page. He placed himself in the
condition Of a slave, and if anything could
induce MIN 10 IeDel. IL IlluSl DC d SuOhe III
pressing upon his mind the horrors of despair.
Mr.. Parker. He hoped Congress would
do all that lay in their power, to restore TO hui
man nature its inherent privileges.
George rTythe. To the day of his death,
he was for simple abolition, considering the
objection to color, as founded in prejudice.
The reader will readily perceive that the
| above persons are included among the most
distinguished of our country. Some of them
were Presidents, Governors, Members of Con-
| press, &C., &c, They are everywhere held
| in high estimation for their talents, the sound
ness of their iud gments, and the conspicuous
offices of trust which they have occupied
| They are looked up to with veneratlon and
respect. How often their names referred
to in the discussion of different subjects
And their testimonies are considered as en-
anating from minds of the highest order, and
worthy the attention of all. Upon the sub
iect Of slavery they have expressed their ooin-
ions without reserve. They desired TO have
their sentiments distinctly understood by the
generation to come. They have shown in the
plainest language that they were utterly OPP
posed to the existence and continuation OF an
evil fraught with so much misery, wretched-
ness, and wo. to the human race as that OF
slavery who would not hearken to the aP-
peals of the dead Who would not endeav-
or to be profited by the advice they have CIV
en- to the world Who would not strive to
carry into execution the measures which they
had in viewl Who would not cherish the
sentiments which they cherished, while ia
king view of this crying SIM
Let pro-slavery men OF the North, as well
as the SHAREHOLDERS of the South, take this
matter into serious consideration. Let them
adopt the language Of their predecessors, and
as far as practicable exert an influence which
will be felt throughout the wide domain of
Slavery. Yes, let every heart feel' every
tongue speak, and every pen describe the sad
evils existing among US, till they are relnoy-
ed and forever banished from this boosted
land of pretended freedom, civliization, and
religion. SELAH 1t. BARRETT.
Rutland, Ohio.