The southern press., 1850-09-07

/ the suppression or tho tFaae would neneHt thd
white race, 10 whom ] am mora attached. Hay.
ing commenced the experiment, I would pursue
II until experience has decided upon II. The ex-
pertinent has been commenced il has long en-
listed the efforts of most Of the civilized nations Of
the earth il has been conducted so far at great
expense of human suffering, and great cost of
money, and think that il would now be better to
pursue it until time and experience shall have
thoroughly demonstrated what is the truth II the
case.
But, sir as to entertaining the belief that it will
ever be found to be true that these efforts have
benefited the African race-l mean the negroes IN
Africa-I am far from entertaining any such opin-
ion. think the contrary has already been de-
monstrated. think there are evidences IN the
lives Of some of those philanthropists, who did
more TO put an end to the slave trade than any
others, that they began before their deaths to
doubt themselves the success OF their own expert
ments. | think this is but another instance of the
mischief which has so often been done by what |
call sentimental legislation. | know, sir, that 1t
proceeds from the best of motives. respect the
feeling and the sentiment which prompt every man
especially every legislator, to remove misery and
evil wherever he sees it. Sir, would be glad II
II were in my power to wipe away every human
tear would like to alleviate all human suffering;
but know that il is neither in my power nor IN
that Of the strongest of earthly governments to re-
move all misery from the world. Nor can we
reach the suffering which appeals to US in the
present instance without injuring more than we
serve. Some suffering, sir, belong to our con-
dition it is part Of the lot Of humanity and al
though you may point me to cases which | admit
TO be cases of hardship, cases which shock the
feelings of every humane and benevolent man,
cases which | would gladly relieve if | had the
power, yet if it be shown to me that in relieving
them | shall infict an injury upon larger class
of the community-upon whole CASTE must
refuse to do it.
And such, sir, believe, will be the effect in
lation to this domestic slave trade. BY whatever
name you may choose to call 1t, believe It has
done more to elevate the condition of the African
race in America-that it has done more to ameo-
rate the institution of slavery, and make 1t mild,
moderate and toIerable, than any other practice
which has grown out of it. But, sir, | will 60
further. | will ask, fi were not for this, how is
it that many States that are now free could have
abolishing slavery because they sold them; be-
cause, while the white man staid where his labor
was more profitable, they transferred the negro to
country where his labor was more profitable
They transferred him to better and more congo
nia climate, and more suitable society, where he
would find more Of his around him. But
for this, ! verify believe that at tbs time many Of
the States now free would be slave States; and If
there be any man who hopes ultimately for the
emanci patton OF the black race, how can he en-
pect it to be done unless the two races are separa-
ted, Is there man who believes that it can take
place when the two are dwelling together, and IN
competitor with each other'
know, sir, that some have avowed the wish TO
pen up this race, has been called, and for that
purpose to prohibit the slave trade among the
States, as TO confne each State to the trade
within itself. As population goes on increasing,
if this policy shall be pursued; the negro must
eventually perish under the competition that will
take place between the white and blacks for the
means Of subsistence. But open up the system of
emigratlon--and this slave trade Is almost the
only way in which the black race emigrae
from one portion of the community to another
and you will find him pursuing not only the line
of profit, but also the line Of his own happiness.
Ifthat separation ever takes place which contend
must take place-if there ever shall be general
emancipation-l do not say it will ever be--lf a
separation ever takes place, it can only be done
by system of emigration, for as TO its being
done by voluntary contribution or charity, have
no idea that such will ever be the If slavery
should be put an end to, it must either be by
penning them up, and destroying the black race
by competition, or it must be done by separa-
ton of the races-a separation produced by a emf
grafton which, following the law Of trade, may
finally settle the black race somewhere, perhaps,
It may be congenial to its nature, and where, per-
haps, it may enjoy a separate and independ-
ent home. do no; know that the institution OF
slavery can ever be destroyed; but if it can, see
only these two modes-the one the eXtinguish-
ment Of the black race, and the other such a sep
aration as this of which | have been speaking.
Well, sir, shall give Il vote which may be the
commencement of war against this very trade !?
against this system Of emigration upon which
depends, as believe, not only the hopes OF the
black race, but the welfare, ay, sir, the tolerable
existence Of my own constituents, Of myself, and
my chidren' | cannot do it, sir. ! know that
in the present state of public sentiment there are
many plausible and specious arguments which
can be urged against me. know will be likely
to be denounced as being inhuman, rs not enter
tanning those benevolent and philanthropic senti-
ments which actuate other gentlemen. In relation
to that, must rest upon my own conscience, upon
my own feelings, upon the disposition | know
myself to enertain. | believe that in defending
the right which now maintain am defending
not only the Constitution Of the country, but the
happiness of both the white and black races. !
believe that if ! had time could go further into
this sub ect, and show that this very emigration,
this very change of place which the slave trade has
produced in relation to the African race, has been
one Of the causes of our rapid advancement and
Improvements; that but for that the article of cot
ton, which now ranks so high among the staples
Of the world, would not have occupied higher
rank than when its culture was confined to the
East Indies, and before it was introduced here.
But have no disposition to enter into these
inquiries. merely wish to give now my reasons
for opposition TO this bill. have no idea that
can prevent its passage. There Is a ma jority in
its favor and it will 60 through; hut fear it will
be the commencement Of a warfare against the
slave trade between the States, which trade be-
eve essential to the quiet, the peaceable and the
happy relations which now exist between master
and "lave. AS things have gone on heretofore,
believe both races have made great and unexam
pied progress believe that the slave himself,
not absolutely but relatively, has advanced not
only physically, but morally, almost as fast
as the white race believe that out Of this
practice Of the slave trade the of forced emf
grafton have not been cases Of greater hardship,
if you except the fact Of your movements not be-
ing under your own volition, than can be found
amongst the emigrating whites. believe in the
slave States themselves that the emigration Of the
whites has been fully as great, in proportion to
numbers, among the slaves; and both among
the white and black races you will find Of
suffering, cases Of separation Of the members of
the same family, forced, amongst the whites, not
by the will Of another, it is true, but by crcum
stances Of necessity equally as inexorable in
the other instance,
With these views, Mr.. President, feel bound
IN vote nooinst this hill | know tn what zen sures