Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-12-30
TOT N' ENYNTfT.
SLAVES. FREE NEGROES, &c.

Messrs Editors Since the publication of your
last issue, containing information OF the negro move
inrnts at the Snuth tho people "i this State have had
an opportunity Ia pass few reflections ut least as 10
their rea duty. Heretofore the time has been spent
in following the "wnding in and winding OUT Of the
poician, and 10 the discussion of those sui jec6
which should have remained untouched until more
important matters were arranged and disposed of.s
The time how ever, has now arrived for nctrn. The
end and aim OF man is happiness aud prnspcr!ty--to
secure which governments are Instituted among men.
| IT, then, the people are KEEP; in constant state OF
suspense, ter safety aud repnse not safely cslah
lisiled, upun permanent footing. The object
and aim OF such people are not only frustrated but
| their wisdom amounts simply To = sp1 hme econO
my, whilst the thug is letting out their very sub.
stance apparently uncared lor aud unknown.
The state Of mind Of the people Of this country, nj
this time, notwithstanding they are blessed with one
of the best governments The sun ever shone upon-he
machinery Of which working with the most perfect
harmony, with almost perfect reciprocity OF action,
throwing ts congenHl heat from centre 10 crcumt.
renee, If let alone to he governed by the grca lever
of the Constitution probably the greatest and
most iuialbe proof, THAT man, born Of woman, Is
of but few days and full OF trouble
| The safety and rcpose ol people is the chic! cor
ner stone upon which all good governments basodi
aud when that is established the requirement OF pro
perty aud the means of enjoying H. together with all
| the improvements necessary for the accomplishment
Of State, iuaters of secondary consideration,
and becomes the duty secondariy, OF iha: people to
accomplish 5ut reverse ms sCiic IN structure
of governments and suspense, the most dsagreeabe
of dilemnas will 80 continue 20 mar our peace, to
anuhiate both the OBJ ect aud the aim oi such peo
pie, ard establish their inapiude for self govern.
ment. Such is iikened unto the ship at in
q storm-the shrewd sailor feels every moment to be
the last, and considers his only duty then is to bring
about and use the means Of present safety, whilst the
smart captain is in the cabin looking over his books
and calculating what will bc his profits, and where
his next cargo to be obtained TO the best advan
tage.
Whilst looking over this state of things, we are
forcby struck with the ideas of the people, or rather
the prime movers or leaders in the business and poll
cy Of this State, at the present moment. One man,
in suggesting for an extra session Of tbs Lee
yislature urges-what! His mind appears to be sci
upon stocks railroads, bridges canals, stesples on
fine houses aud all that train Of thought; whilst the
most important acts-hs safely and security OF our
people-are cyphers throwc aside and disregarded.
Some years ago we had militia SYSTEM In gong
ont in an old field where the people were 1t was said
mustering,w we behed parcel n men jnnbed together
a captain calling out, right face forward march to
the right wheel halt! face about! discharged
Here the farce ended for. looking about yourself 10
a cartouche box, nor bright barrel, could be seen
along the extended line of a regiment.
A Legislature is assembled, and the winding III
and the winding out Of the politician is all you can
hear whilst the great end aud aim of our people,
their security though needing it in the strlctest
| sense, IS apparently overlooked, or uncared for.
Mr. Browne brought in bill to rid the people OF
this State OF that worthless set Of vagabonds, the
| free negroes, and what done with il , The peo-
! pie OF Virginia want arms and ammuniton-have
| they got them! ltinerant Yankees are everywhere
in the State tampering with our, otherwise, happy
negroes Are they molested or even looked rpop with
suspicion
People Of Virginia we call upon you to vigilance
aud action! II your Legislature. nor your depuied
agents will not act make law for yourselves, and
act accordingly. We are able to defend ourselves