The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-12-24

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Legislature of South Carolina.
The Committee aa-Celored population
whom was referred so much of the GByer,or
Message as relates to the removal Of the Fr
Negroes from the State ask leave to -
Q. C"2g~+ . - REPORT. M '.,-L'.
That they regard the subject involved
this inquiry, as one ofthe very gravest import
and surrounded by difficulties of great emba
rasmeut. 1t is comparatively Of novel impre
sion in our State, and has never been to al
extent considered by our citizens. To carr
out the Recommendations of the Governo
would involve the existence and recognition
the principles of the Colonization Society, 8
Institution which has never been in any fav'
in South Carolina. About. twenty years ag
there was feeble effort to establis
one of these Societies in the State, it ingers
out sickly existence, and in a short time e
nired aud with it the discussion of the questio
It is fact not to be overlooked that the spil
ofAbolition at the North first commenced
operations under the patronage and authority
Colonization, Societies, and most of the adv
Gates and promoters of those measures are ID
yiolent Abolitionists-so that the publiefds
In this State, so far from being directed Avery
it, may be said since the agitation Of Rrely d.
question at the North to have beelde concIu-
verted from its consideration. Ato be drawn
sion: very legitimately and juso settled poll
from these facts is, that ther>this State.
cy Indicated onythisF suHs4 to admit, that it
Your Committee afed-that there were
would be much to befeholding country-the
but two classes in nd. and the slaves on tue
masters on the oRmediate class possessed'of
other-that arges, besides being anomalous,
some legal Mstant source of discomfort to
presents ae lower down in the scale the
those Wig the privileges and imuunites en-,
slaves the free negroes, long to be elevated
joySr condition, and disc ,ntent and dissatis'
tQon ensue in regard to their more seyie
5ndition. The only plan to be adopted as
remedy Of this condition of the subject, would
be the dismissal Of that entire class ofpopuia-
lion; this would operate with peculiar. hardship
and iujustice on some. Many are the owners
Of land and slave, and are bound to the soil by
all those associations Though 10 less refined
legree) which characterize the feelings Of the
white race-we bave extended to them civil and
egal privileges, which have senltivated and
these feelings, and suddenly,
without fault on their part, they are to suffer
he seyerest of all punishments, namelys exPa-
ration, because we have chosen to change our
policy. ,..... .....
1t cannot be denied that there are in the
State many free negroes, who, from bad char.
.cter, idleness, and dissolute conduct have be.
,oatue nuisances to their neighborhoedsy These
.ases can be met By Judicial penal legislation
sufficient to repress the evil without 'resorting
o'the extreme measure indicated by his Excel
ency. 49,, -, -. II.
! Your Committee, are also impressed with
he great difficulties which would arise, as to
he mode and measure of the removal of these
,eoplel is it proposed to con6scate their pro-
,erty to raise the tneans, or would the Suite in
:ur this expe1ses 1t would require large
mount ofexpenditure to effect it properly, aud
! is very much to be doubted, whether our peo- |
lie are prepared or willing to sustain this ex-
'ense at the present time. il,a- aag u
! In conclusion, your Committee are of opin-
On, that it would lily comport with the true
haracter of South Carolina, whilst she was
truggling for her rights in the property OF the
African race as slaves, that she should be found
initiating the example of selfish and heatless
eople, who, whilst they commit robbery and
lunder of our property, under the pretense of
ympathy and attachment to the African race,
re the perpetrators Of the most cruel and un.
ceiling conduct to those Of the race who have
ne misfortune Of being part of their popnla-
on. !, Let US hold out to the world, whilst we
ssign them subordinate position, both in our
olitical and social arrangements,we regard the
litigation not less binding to extend to them
Il the protection and couutepauce, which their
&n conduct will admit of; and thiswe are con.
dent will not be the less obligatory, because
fits dependence on our own consciences and
9nse of duty. , ,,.,i.-.,.
Your Committee are of opinion, that the re.
of the Governor as to the, taking
census ofthis population, should be adopt.
!, as it would furnish useful and important in.
and may be necessary for future
gislation.
Respectfully submitted, y"
J. HARLESTON READ, Jr.
hartman of Committee OH Colored Population.
THE COMPROMISE IN MISSISSIPPI.
The Hon. John D. Freeman one of the ablest
,pporters of the Compromise i, Mississippi,