The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-10-16
@EBoNY SCHOOLS"

I we ulvG OSGu lutOb tJtGO VII TIC shoSA ~
liable authority Of the existence in this
lefty Of certain kind Of Sabbath Schools,
Under the superintendent Of citizens Of
Memphis, which calls for immediate inves,
litigation. We are informed that at these
schools, slaves IRE regularly taught TO read
However humane and honorable may Be
tho motives Of those who superintend these
schools, wn cannot consider il in any other
light than as striking direct blow at the
Institution itself. as well as at the peace
and security of Southern Society. What i
n he fundamental maxim which lies at the
basis Of American republicanism. which i
10 be found in every discussion Of the the
ory Of Free Government? Il is that bis
tory and philosophy attest the truth that
lenlightened man cannot be ensaved. A.
east il is truth which no one can deny,
that an enligethned man cannot be con.
tented slave These schools are in direct
violation of,hese fundamental maxims, and
are preparing the way, if not for the over
throw Of the institution, at lenst tor the en-.
dangering Of the tranquility Of our socie
Ivy Memphis paper.
Not later than Yesterday We had
lengthy conversation with an intelligent
gentleman, upon tho subject Of the estab.
Iishment Of these schools in Tennessee
The gentleman happened to be present at
Garrison meeting in one Of the eastern
cities, and being well known as an anti
|
slavery man, but not an aboltions', was
called upon by Gerritt Smith, we think, 70
rive his views 10 relation 10 slavery. lie
lid so, and in tho course Of his remarks
stated. that had it not been for The course
pursued by the aboIiiions,s in Virginia that
State would now have been free from sla
very. Smith arose and interrupted bin
very mpertinently with tho remark
= You're liar, sir!r' The gentleman re-
lues,ed the blackguard 10 be seated and he
would prove his position. Tne latter re-
suiaed his seat, aud the former then pro-
ceeled to detail Win. is perhaps already
known 70 olr readers, ,ha, resolution had
been introduced into the Consention for
The gradual emancipation Of the slaves
throughout the State; i. had received the
sanction of the largest Shareholders in Nr-
yinis, aud would have passed that body had
not, previously to il being acted upon, .
quantity Of incendiary abolition pnbliea-
lions been distributed broadcast among The
people. This act so inllaIned the prejudic
IS Of the citizens that tho mover osthe res.
slu,ion concluded that. as under The exist
ing circumstance there was n probability OF
its being defeated, he had letter Withdraw
it until more favorable opportunity, and
he did 50. As the speaker in conclusion
stated himself to he citizen Of Virginia,
Gerri,t Smith arose and apologized for his
former painness Of speech.
Bat all this has nothing TO do with the
subject Of Ebony Schools" in Tennessee.
We will come TO that by-and-bye. The
narration of the above incident Of course
created a sensation ia the assembly quite
uafayorable to the speaker. lie then pro
ceeded to give the history Of the above
schools, which eycniuated in such an up
roarious opposition that the speaker sal
d ,wn and refused to give his views further.
Regarding him in the light Of a prosecuted
man the tide set in his favor, and lie was
entrea,ed to proceed. The ladies' even Or
ginized themselves into a meeting and ap-
pointed committee to wal. upon and re.
quest him to give his views the ensuing
night in the Congregational Church. He
spoke no more upon the subject.
The following was our informan,'s &C
count Of the organization Of the above
schools. gen,emln, prominent mcm.
her Of the church Of Disciples, wrote and
published series Of articles upon the sub.
iect Of educating the blacks Of Tennessee.
Pobic Indignation became at length arous.
ed to such a pitch against him that they
mobbed bis house, and he barely escaped
with his life. Undismayed, he commenc-
ed lecturng upon the subject throughout
he State. Finally he was arrested ana
,ried Tor seditipn. lie was found guilty.
nd sentence was about TO be passed upon
i'm when legal gentleman whispered 10
him (flr he vas his own coansellor) TO ap-
peal. Upon what ground?" was the re,
| ,'r. "I'he unconsti'uiionality Of the law
sas the answer. lie made the reques. fiu
10 appeal, which was followed by an ad
dfess from his friend, aud an appeal was
or .nted. The case was carried to n high,
or court and the decision SO, aside, the law
has being declared unconstitutional. I'm
m9diateiy sprung Up in Memphis, an
many other towns Of Tennessee, s. Eblns
Schools, q, which many hundreds uf b!acas
are now being instructed.
The above is substantially rs related t.
is BY a gentleman Of great cIearness #
mind, who was prominent aboiitignst IN.
ii close investigation Of tho subject con-
| .nced him Of his error.