The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-05

States to follow in the steps already taken by
Indiana and States further West The subject
Is now occupying the attention of the Tennes-
see Legislature, where a bill has been intro
duced providing for the removal Of free ne
groes from the State The local press is large
~ In favor OF measure of this kind, as neces
sary to counteract the repellent and expulsory
action Of neighborng States. We quote some
passages from an article in the Fayetteville
(lenn) Observer, which may. we believe, be
received as fair sample Of the comment
elected by the discussion of the matter:
The free negro population of Tennessee, and
Tue subject OF emancipation, seem 10 be topics OF
growing interest. With many both are very ex-
eeptionable. Many complaints alleged against
'ho ioriner' while decided and formidable opposi-
ton to the latter is to be found among all classes ot
our white Inhabitants. unless upon certain condi-
tions--vis' our unconditional removal beyond the
limits of the State. In our own county We have
noticed with qualification the stand taken upon the
subject OF renewing free negroes bonds in several
instances, ny our county court. The difficulty
ana III some instance tho absolute refusal-to grant
renewal, indicates public sentiment upon the sub.
Ject OF curslng our country with increase, even
the present number of free negroes. However
strong the claims they may have upon our char
ny and iorbcarance it is nevertheless true, that
the drawbacks and inroads they make upon the
peculiar institution Of the South-savory YIN pro.
ducing disquictudc and rcirac tory conduct anon q
tho slave population, by example and otherwise,
has direct influence in causing the most humane
to wish the country rid of that cass Self pre-
servatlon and pecuniary interest prompt and che
rsh desire to see our land shorn of these degraded
creatures by colonization in their mother country
Touching the subject Of emancipation, il is beyond
all question, the desire Of overwhelming ma
Jority OF the people of Lincoln county to place the
emancipation of the slave upon the condition of
transportation. And Judging from a recent move
nent made in our Legislature by Barclay Martin,
OF haury. We have the evidence that Lincoln ia
not the only county whose interest begcts desire
to better the condition of both white and black, by
transportation TO Africa Immediately after the
emancipation OF the slave"
OF the provisions of Mr. MARTINS bill, we
have the following epitome:
"Mr Martins bill, understand it, not only
contempatos the regulation of emancipation. but
provides means for the transportation of free ne
groes from Tennessee to Africa. To emancipate
slave under the provisions of this BILL the owner 10
court fund sufficient to transport the slave to
Africa and support him six months after he reaches
that country; and upon this being dono by the
owner, or by any negro now free, the judge is to
notify the governor, who will Immediately send
him to some seaport to be transported As to thosc
Tree negroes now under bonds, the bill provides
that if they fail to renew them, or if the county
court refuse to renew them. they to be at once
arrested and brought before the circuit court where
they may elect to enter into bonds be transport
ed, and if no election be made the existing law is
10 bs enforced
Measures of a similar character are before
the Legislatures of Pennsylvania and Virginia,
and are demanded by the citizens of other
States. North, and South, and West, the
feeling of the majority runs counter to the pre-
cepts and practice of the apostles of amalgama-
ton; and the free negroes have therefore no
truer friends than those who would aid them |
in building up for themselves nation on the |
African coast. The horde Of fugitive negroes
scamps or slaves-may continue to find shelter
in Canada. That is the business of the Cana. |
dams, who, If we mistake not, will by and by |
discover that their misdirected charity has en- |
tailed upon their country curse not to be east
ly eradicated
We trust that the States in which this cues |
ton OF negro removal has been mooled will |
complete any actual or intended Legislation by
affordIng operative aid and sympathy" to the
Colonization Society, whose organization has
been satisfactorily tested through long Sc
ries of years; and that Congress will not
separate without rendering effsctual assistance
TO scheme, with the success of which the i'm
Provement of the negro and the peace of our
country are closely identified