Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-11-22
what were the plans by which they proposed to get rid

what the plans by which they proposed TO get rid
OF it.
mo one proposes TO remove or alter the clause oil
the constitution which says that private private pro-
perry shalt not be taken for the public use
without Just compensation but ia addition 10 this n
gou desire to insert iL the Stlttlon p0Sltve and
mandatory prohibition upon the Legislature authority TO
enanctpate SdpeS tce make no OBJECTION to ats 6elng
done INDEPENDENT OF sUCHA CLAUSE, MY PRESENT
OPINION Is, THAT THE ORDINARY LEGISLATURE NOT
THE POWER WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OWNERS,
TO EMANClPATE THE SLAVES OF THE COMMONWEALTH
THE OPINIONS WHICH WERE ENTERTAIN
ED AT THAT DAY, ARE NOT ENTERTAIN
ED NOW, AND THAT is KNOWN TO BE THE
FACT. Why then refer to this Why seek to use
past portion of our legislative history as argu-
ment against Western success on the great question
now pending before us F! Why resort to 1t as
ground tor refusing equal distribution OF the egls
latlve power %
Here, every reader will observe, was distinct
declaration by Mr.. Summers, that "the whole
tone of public sentiment throughout every por-
ton of the commonwealth" hal been changed
since 1882; that "the opinions which were en-
tertained at that day were not entertained now;
and that the West was prepared "to insert
in the constitution positive and mandatory pro.
hibition upon the legislative authority to eman-
cpate slaves" although independent of such
clause" his opinion was shat the ordinary Legis-
lature had not the power without the consent of
the owners, to emancipate the slaves of the Com
monwealth" Mr.. Summers was himself actu-
ally the tenderer of that provision of the new
constitution which forever secures the right of
the Shareholder; and he rendered it with no pos
slble reference to the position he was more than
four months Afterwards called upon to occupy as
candidate for the office of Governor.
| Il
vention, on the I'd of July, while the delicate
subject of taxation was under consideration, and
when he had offered proposition by which slaves
under twelve years of age should be exempted
~ will barely repeat (said Mr.. S. that have of.
fered TINS proposition as means oindcatng AT LEAST
MY OWN VIEWS IN reference to this question OF taxation
ABOUT winch so much sensltiveness is exhibited the
part OF ceftan gentlemen IN this Convention. Much
has been said about guarantees both reference to the
right OF property in slaves, and in reference the pro-
liability or possibility OF onerous taxation upon that
properly IN future. HAVE SAID, BOTH THE CANVASS
FOR A SEAT IN BODY AND HERE, THAT I sToon
READY AT ALL TIMES, AS FAR AS VOTE AND MY VOICE
C ULD Go,To SECURE THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EASTERN
VIRGINIA, FROM ALL INVASION UPON THE RIGHT OF PRO.
PERTY IN SLAVES, AND ALSO FROM ALL UNJUST AND I'M
PROPER TAXATION upon slave property.
| DO not charge US hereafter with sn unwngness to
guarantee property OF this peculiar kind. You cannot
do 1t. We come here and offer Won an exemp,
ton OF your Young slaves by constitutional provision
We offer you another provision, that your slaves tina
are taxed shall never be faxed at higher ad vaorem
rate than lands taxed. We offer you this 10 re-
spouse to all that has been id here in reference tc
western aggression and rap as.ty. We stand here as
we have stood among constituents ready to shelC
YOU in the protection of this property In every FORM
We row offer It'll you. 1t is for you to accept or re-
IJectit. We as nothing part but the simple pow
ef IN The legislature to exempt minor portions OF pro
pefty which may be found in the future experience o
the State absolutely necessary to be exempt
All this was said by Mr.. Summers before the
new constitution had assumed its final form, anc
before any schemes of party organization had beer
mooted lie spoke as the representative anc
eader of the Western delegates; and it is IL
bel upon them and their constituents. no less
than upon Mr.. Summers, to accuse him of insin.
cerity in his declarations.