The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-01
Free Persons OF Color.

They now constitute the only source of ex-
citement between the States of the Union
1t is almost the only extraneous substance that
.iIiiaiss the social system Of America, and il
Will be In some way eXtirpated or thrown of,
rather than jeopardize the health Of the whole
system. The extreme cases occurring under the
late Fugitive Slave law have given them tenn
porary association, and have excited for them a
temporary sympathy. But the frequent con-
flicts which have occurred between the free
people of color and the reckless mobs Of the
cities show that there is some rivalry of inter
est, or some indelible prejudice which separates
the two races, and which cannot well be recon-
ciled. The protracted and increasing agita-
lion has produced result which it behooyes
peculiar friends of the free people of color 10
regard. 1t is impossible that the violence of
epithet and of action which is now INDUCED in,
North and South, should not gradually ALLEVIATE
the reciprocal interests which once united us
Denunclatons of the cruelties and immoralitles
of the South must provoke corresponding Bit
terness of expression IN regard to the North.
The encouragement Of ''underground' trans
portation of slaves must occasion the retaliation
of non-intercouse. The open war against the
rights Of property must compel the South to
withhold that trade which has heretofore fur
nished their abolition opponents with means to
achieve their purposes. The frequent appeals
TO the coored population at the South must
compel the passage Of more stringent laws for
their government, and may even compel the
Punishment Of the free colored population from
the South. The question Will, in the latter
case, present itself, Where are the free people
of color to gol And many Of those most active in
their behalf will find it quite difficult to give
reply satisfactory to themselves, or to the I'M
happy people whose guardians and next friends
they aspire to be.
That the contest of elimination and retalia-
ton now going on is to result in the increased
restriction and oppression of the free colored
people, we can have no manner of doubt The
Southern States will resort to harsh measures,
probably with double object; they will remove
the free people of color through considerations
of safety; they will do so for the purpose of
throwing upon the non-slaveholding States a
very Improbable population, perhaps for the
purpose of testing the very philanthropy which
condemns the slaveholding States. We will
give an illustration of the effects Of this bitter
contest going on North and South, upon the peo-
pie who are the subject of this article
Some years since the Governor of Virginia re-
commended the compulsory deportation of her
free people of color. The proposal met with no
10 in he Staso =
particular quarters, where there existed spe-
cial excitement against them. Ii excited good
deal OF discussion, but considerations of hu-
manity prevailed, and no steps were taken.
Convinced, however, of the propriety of making
some provision for the removal of the free peo-
pie Of color, the Legislature subsequently passed
an act appropriating sum of money to be ap-
piled to the removal Of such free persons of
color as should be willing to emigrate to Ii
IBERIA.
At the present session Of the convention Of Viz
gniaa proposition Of the most stringent character
has been introduced by Mr.. WHITE. From
the high characterand known ability Of that gen
tleman-from the fact that he represents one Of
the largest slaveholding districts in the State
from the readiness with which the proposition
was taken up by the convention, the numerous
amendments offered from almost every quarter
Of the State, all harmonizing with the purpose
Of the resolution, and from the influential char
acter of the members who intimate their APP
prevail Of the proposition, we are prepared to
anticipate its adoption. The resolution is as
follows:
''Re,Oiuod, That committee OF - members be
appointed TO inquire into the eKpediency Of insert
ing clause in the constitution, declaring void all
laws now in force, by which slaves who may here
after be emancipated, and their descendants, may
be permitted 10 remain within the limits Of this
Commonwcalth-to restrain the legislative depart.
nent Of the government from passing any law
granting permission 20 any such emancipated
slave or his or her descendants, 10 remain within
the Commonweslth-and TO provide that il shall be
competent TO tho Legislature to pass laws for the
removal Of free negroes and mulattoes beyond
the nuits Of this Commonwealth, either with or
without the consent Of said free negroes or ulat.
toes"
This resolution proposes 70 repeal all laws by
which slaves hereafter emancipated shall be
permitted to remain within the State; to pro
hibit the Legislature from granting such per
mission in future, and TO empower the Legisla-
ture to provide for the compulsory deportation
Of all free persons Of color. This resolution
was referred to the Committee on the Legisla-
tive Department by a vote Of 100 to 20 The
opposition was apparently occasioned by the
preference for a special committee. The fol
lowing resolutions were referred without objec-
ton:
BY Mr. BORIS:
also to inquire into the orpedeney Of providing
that slave hereafter 10 be emancipsted shall be
entitled TO his her freedom uncss the person 10
omancipatng such slave slaves shall first make
provision for his or her their removal beyond
the limits Of the United States for the support Of
such as may be authorized by the Legislature TO
remain within the Commonwealth"
BY Mr.. Lyons:
"Also 70 inquire into the eTpediency Of inserting
in the constitution a clause providing that deed
or will emancipating a slave or slaves shall be
admitted 70 record in any court in this Common
a r. - a ~ II