The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1850-03-22

this body, while am member oil 1t, IN winch
has an interest OF her own not
adverse to the general interest OF the country,
I shall pursue her instructions with giadness
of heart. and with all the efficiency which |
can bring here. But if the question be one
which affects her interest, and at the same
time affects the interests Of all other States
l shall no more regard her political wishes OF
instructions than | would regard the wishes
of a man who might appoint me an arbitrator
or referee to decide some question OF lmpor-
tant private right. If ever there was Go
vernment upon earth, it is this Government;
if ever there was body upon earth, it is this
body, which should consider itself as compos-
ed by agreement of all. appointed by some,
but organized by the general consent OF all,
sitting here under the solemn obligations OF
oath and conscience to do that which they
think is best for the good Of the whole.
Then, sir. there are those abolition socfe-
ties, Of which am unwilling to speak, but in
regard to which have very clear notions and
opinions do not think them useful.
think their operations for the last twenty
years have produced nothing good or value
able. At The same time, know thousands of
them are honest and good men; perfectly we'll
meaning men They have excited feelings,
they think they must do something for the
cause of liberty, and in their sphere of action
thew do not see what else they can do, than
to contribute to an abolition society. or to
paw an abolition lecturer. do not mean TO
mpute gross motives even TO the leaders'of
these SOCIETIES, but am not blind to the con-
SEQUENCES. | cannot but see what mischiets
their interference with the South has produt-
ed And is it NOT plain TO every man! Let
any gentleman who doubts of that recur to-
the debates in the Virginia House of Dele
= h., ,,,;t I, ,y,o fraa
dom proposition made by Mr.. Randolph for
the gradual abolition of slavery was discuss
ed IN that body. Every ore spoke of slave
~ as he thought; very icnomnous and dis
paraging name and epithets were applied tor
it. The debates in the House of Delegates
or that occasion believe, were all publish
ed. They were read by every colOred man
who could read and If there were any who
could not read those debates were read to-
them by white men. A that time Virginia
was not unwilling nor afraid to discuss this
question. and 10 let that part Of her popula-
ton know as much OF it as they could leash.
That WAS in 1892 As has been said by the
honorable member from Carolina, these abo
liton societies commenced their course Of ac-
tons in 1888. 1t is sdid-I do not know how
true ii may be-that they sent ineendary
publications into the slave States at any
event they attempted to arouse, and did
arouse. very strong feeling in other words,
they created great agitation in the North
against Southern slavery. Well, what was
the result The bonds Of the slaves were
bound more firmly than before; their rivets
were more strongly fastened. Public opinion,
which in Virginia had begun 10 be exhibited
against slavery. and was opening out Ter the
discussion Of The question, drew back and
shut itself up in its castle, | wish to know
whether any body in Virginia can now talk
as Mr.. Randolph, Gov Mcdowell, and others
there, openly, and sent their remarks to the
press in 1882. We all know the fact. and
we all know the cause. and every thing that
this agitating people have done has been,
not to enlarge but to restrain, not to set free,
but TO bind faster the slave population of the
South. That is my Judgment. Sir, as |
have said know many ofIhem in my own
neighborhod. very honest good people, misled,
as think by strange enthusiasm but they
wish to do something. and they are called on
to contribute, and they do contribute and it
is my firm opinion this day. that within the
last twenty years as much money has been.
collected and paid to the abolition societies..
abolition presses, and abolition lecturers as,
would purchase the freedom OF every slave
man, woman. and child in the State of Mary.
land and send them all to Liberia. have.
no doubt Off. But have yet to learn that
the benevolence OF these abolition societies
has at any time taken that particular turn.
/ Laughter.
ITO be continued.)