Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-10-14

Net sentiment was uttered by mesthat can.
not be sustained BY similar or stronger sen
t:meDts from the writings and opinions b
Washington, Jefferson, Wyshe, Mason, Lee
1 the elder Tucker and q host Of other names
great and illustrious. IN the annals Of oul
Commonwealth. That debate occurred at .
period when we could discuss such questions
as freely in our Halls Of State Legislation as
we could by our own frcsides. There was
then no abolition party in the U. s. That
wicked and fanatical sect had its origin at q
later period. 10 1884, Immediately subsequent
to the action Of the British Government upon
the emancipation question in their West In
4 Ola possessions.
| 1t has now been near twenty years since
! that speech was delivered, and few | appre-
bend sufficiently remember my remarks, or
the circumstances under which they we're
made, to place fair and just estimate upon
my position at the time. 1t has consequent
y been the subject of frequent misrepresen-
tation by superficial scrihblers and unscrupu-
lous partizans. If instead Of perverting its
sentiments. they would place copy Of Il in
the hands Of every voter in the District,
should have less reason to complain. There
is but one spirit which pervadcs my entire
argument, and that is a love and devotion to
the best interests Of Virginia / may in
some of my views have displayed an imma-
turity Of judgment, but the patriotism Of the
sentiments will be questioned by none. And
when ] reflect upon my youth at the period
Of that discussion--upon the circumstances
existing at the time, and which awakened a
spirit of ultraism even in Eastern delegates
Of advanced years--a and, further, when re-
feet upon the extent to which we were ur-
ged to prompt and decided action, by persons
Of such commanding positions as the editor Of
the Richmond Enquirer, ! only feel gratifed
at the tone of sentiment which fell from me
on the occaaion..
In the opening Of my speech say Il beg
it to be understood that. in This cause. ], at
least am no enthusiastic am no fanatic
go for no Agrarian laws--for no confsca
tion Of property---for no wild and chimerical
schemes Of abolition. My views, such as
they arc viii be found to he sanctioned by
the wisest heads and BY the most ilustrous
names which have adorned the annals Of the
Republic. Page J..
Again--.In all the details Of any scheme Of
emancipation--in providing irhen and holp
the system should 60 into operation-i should
be disposed to defer much to the wishes,
opinions, nay even to the prGndices Of the
EAST '--Page7.
Agaia--'ln conclusion, permit mo again
to repeat that although am decidedly in
win ultimately relieve my country from the
catastrophe which threatens it, let no gentle
man suppose from what has fallen from me
that am in favor Of any rash, violent, or
hasty legislation. | am for action--but it
must be er--circumspect well considered
action am for no plan which is not mild.
gradual, prospective inits operation ! shall
advocate no scheme that does not respect
the right of property, SO far as it is entitled
to be respected. with just regard to the
safety and resources Of tho State. | would
approach the subject as one Of great nagni-
tude and dclicacy--as one whose varied and
momcntous consequences demanded the calm
est and most deliberate investigation. Page
%.
Now is it to be tolerated that speech,
even if erroneous in policy yet full Of every
sentiment Of devotion to the best interests OF
| VIRGINIA. speech breathing nothing but
good, fidelity, and attachment to the interests
Of the white race--to the interests Of the
white laborer and the white mechanic--shall
| BY this disunion partizan be falsely perverted
into an appeal upon my part on behalf Of ''the
poor objected African, tricked out in oil the
miserable trappings of his helpless servitude.
the manacles, the gives, the chains &c. and
uttered to him sweet words Of hope and con-
ISOLATION If there be in the community a
sentiment Of justice, such course Of unpar-
donablc misrepresentation must recoil upon
the head of its author,
The views which expressed in 1882 up
on this delicate and interesting subjects OF
State policy are before the country. They
cannot berccallcd Litera Scripta manet,
There they stand for good or evil. When
delivered they we're in accordance with the
feelings and sentiments of Virginia. All the
motives which prompted my action were
sound and patriotic. If erred, it was an err
ror of the tmcs--an error shared by me in
common with many of the noblest and bright
est spirits in this Commonwealth, and who
have since been honored with every mark Of
trust and confidence within the gift Of their
native State.
CHARLES j. FAULKNER.
Martinsburg, September 80. 1851
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n1y@We are happy to see and record,