Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-09-18

was member oil the General Assembly |
from the county OF Buckingham. The
servile instruction had taken place in
Southampton, but few weeks before he
took his seat. The whole State had been
startled by the cry of murder, in its most
dreadful shape. From one end ofthe Com
monwealth to the other, there was feeling
OF deep and solemn concern. Meetings were
held in almost every county, and petitions
poured in upon The Legislature from every
quarter. Many delegates were instruct
ed by their constituents. and among these
was Col. Boiling, TO aid in dcvising mea-
sures ofpeace and security for the people.
The Governor Of the State (who was the
father of the present Gov. Floyd had in
vokcd the attention of the Legislature 10
the subject. His annual message to tina,
body opened with these words: The
deep interest which the citizens in every
part of this commonwealth have felt and
manifested in relation to occurrences Of
grave and distressing character, which
have taken place since your adjournment
new. unexpected and heretofore unknown
to the State, all conspirc to cause the pco-
pie TO turn their eyes upon you, at this time
with profound and fixed attention. You
alone possess the power Of accomplishing
all the great objects which the public de
sire, and much of the future welfare of this
Republic depends upon yourprcscnt dclib-
crations, which will doubtless be turned
first to the melancholy subject, which has
filed the country with affection, and one of
the faircst counties in the commonwealth
with mourning"
Gen. Brodinax an able and leading men,
Der of the House said: at was evident
that something must be done, and although
measures for the removal of the evil might
not be arrived at Immediately, yet some
plan for its gradual eradication would pro-
badly be hit upon. A system might be
concocted by degrees, to embrace the
whole subject, and it was therefore ueccs-
sary to consider it IN all its bearings.
Let us discuss it coolly aud fully and com
pare opinions, that some beneficial results
may arise, from our deliberations"
John Thompson Brown.one Of the most
gifted men Virginia has ever given birth
to, said, ale admitted that slavery was
an evil, the greatest perhaps that an an ,ry
Providence could inilict on a shining PEG.
pie 1t was expected and
desired by the people that the whole sub.
Jcct in all its relations should be examined
and that the General Assemcnbly should
decide, not to do something, but whether
any thing can or ought to be done"
On tie question of considering petitions
for emancipation, the vote stood % for to
~ against.
After considering the subject, tho commit.
tee to whom it had been referred reported
resolution, chat it is inexpedient far he
present to make any legislative enac,mcn,s
for the abolition of slavery" A motion
was made to amend by substituting the
word "cxpcdent" for inexpcdicnt and OF
this motion Col. Boiling made the speech
an isolated extract from which, uithoat
date, may be seen at the head Of the Re
publican's columns. To have adopted the
resolution would have closed the j cor up
on all action. Mr.. Boiling in obedience tt
the will Of his constituents, and under til,
convictions of his own judgment, was il
favor Of providing means for the deporia-
ton Of all slaves, that might be voluntarily
cmancipatcd by their masters. He was
not willing to do more, and so declared in
his speech. For this reason. he voted for
the substitute, in company with many pro
mincnt and influential members from every
part of the Statc-thc vote standing IS
for the substitute 10 70 against.
Another amendment, was then present
ed by Mr.. Bryce, Of Goochland propos-
ing to "awalt u more definite, development
ofpublic opinion" and resolving in the
language Of the committees report. that.
at is inexpedIent for he present, to make
any legislative cnactmcnts for the abolition
of slavery" For this resolution, Col. Boil
ing voted, in company with a majority of
the members, and there the matter ended.
Among those who thought, and acted
with Col. Boiling, at the time, were many
prominent democrats, who have since re-
ceivcd, and are yet receiving public trusts
and honors, at the hands of their parry
One Of them has been in the United States
Senate, others in the House Of Reprcscn-
taiives-in the executive chuir, of our
State upon our Judicial bcnches--and
in our Legislature We have never vet
heard of any democrat being objected to
by Democrats, for his course at that time.
We have never yet heard of any Demo
cratic meeting resolving that Roane, Nc
Dowell, Halyburton, Moncure, Rubber
ford. aud Jefferson Randolph looked
upon slavery, in the same light with "thc
abolition fanatics of the NORTH George
w. Thompson, said, in a public speech,
of the Southampton instruction The
noble blacks, only wanted success to crown
their efforts with glory. Their blood will
call for vengeance" and yet George w
Thompson, is now running for Con-
grcss, in this State, as a democratic candi-
date, and has. we doubt not, the syinpa-
thies Of the Campbell democrats.
Thomas Richie, the undoubted leader
of tho Day,,o-r, ,,ar,,, \, H. G,.,x -, H.