The Kansas herald of freedom., 1856-03-29
Eirm tke Axsiag .&sF.
slsvsTy--seatinents Of virgin;an's
nAa6

4
1t is often asserted that the people Of
the North should keep silent upon the
objectof slavery, because they know lit
tie or nothing aboxt it. Well, then,
hear those who have known something
about it, who have left their testimonies
behind. and gone the way of all the earth.
The following persons, whose testimonies
are given. were ell, I believe. natives of
the State of Virginia. Consequently
they had ample opportunity TO behold
the good or bad effects of slavery. But
IS to il beae6ts they have said nothing,
and IS to its evils they have spoken out
freely, as follows:
George WasAington.-"There is only
one proper and effecsual mode By which
abolition can be accomplished, and that
is, by the Legislative authority, and this.
as far as my suffrage will 60. shall not
be wanting"
Thomas Jsfersoa. tremble for my
country when ] reflect that Gsd is just,
and that his justice cannot sleep forever.
The Almighty has No attribute which
can take sides with Ls in such contest"
PATRICK HKNRY. at is debt we owe
to the purity of our religion. to show
that it is at variance with that law which
warrants slavery. AS for me, give me
liberty or give me DEATH"
GovEREoR TrLER. "My earnest desire
is, that it shall be handed down to pes
terity that l oppose this wicked clause"
GoyEREoR RANDOLPH. "Thst the sbo-
lition of slavery will result from the
Constitution! ] hope no one will be SO
dishonorable to Virginia. as to make this
IN objection
JAMES MADISON. "I conceive the Con-
stitution was formed, in order that the
government might save ourselves froEa
reproaches. and our posterity from the
imbecility ever attendant on . country
filed with slaves"
JAMES MoSRoE. "This evil has prey
ed upon the very vitals of the Union,
and has been prejudicial to all the states
in which it has existed"
john RANDOLPH. ''Sir ] never envy
the head nor the heart of that man from
the North, who rises here TO defend slave
ry from principle"
GEN. HENRY LEE. "The Constitution
OF the United States having done 80 much
it is to be lamentsd that provision had
not been made for the gradual abolition
of slavery. y.,...-...---..--L ;. s1-,s..s-..a..
JrDGE TucKEK. 'tShouid we not, 1t
the time of the revolution, have broken
their fetters?"
WILLIAM WIRr. "Last and worse, Q
feeulum Of beings, called overseers-the
most abiect. degraded. unprincipled
race"
RICHARD Henry LEE. "Slayes must
be natural enemies"
GEORGE Mason. "Ths augmentation
of slaves. weakens States, and such .
trade is diabolical in itself, and disgrace
ful to mankind" <
GovERsoR PACE. He placed himselfin
the condition of slave, and If anything
could induce him to rebel, it must be
stroke impressing upon his mind the hor-
rors of despair.
MR. PARKER. He hoped Congress
would do all that Law in their power, to
restore to human nature its inherent
privileges.
dEoK1E WYTaE. 10 the dsy Of his
death, he was for simple abolition, con-
sideriag the objection to color, as found
in prejudice.
The reader will readily perceive that
the abovepersons are included among the
most distinguished of our country. Some
of them were Presidents, Governors,
members Of Congress. DC. They are
Everywhere held in high estimation for
their talents, the soundness of their judge
ments and the conspicuous Offices of
trust which they have occupied. They
are looked up TO with venerstion and
respect. How often sre their names re-
fsrred to in the discussion of different
subjects. And their testimonies are
considered Is emanating from minds OF
the highest order. and worth the attention
of all. Upon the subject Of slavery they
have expressed their opinions without re-
serve. They desired to have their senti-
ments distinctly understood by the gen.
Grafton to come. They have shown. in
the plsinest language, that they were ut-
ssrly opposed to the existence and con-
tinuation ofan evil fraught with 80 much
misery, wretchedness, and wo. to the
human race as that of slavery. o who
would not hearken to the appeals Of the
dead Who would not endeavor TO b
profited by the advice they have given TO
the world !? Who would not strive 70
carry into execution the measures which
they had in view? Who would not
cherish the sentiments which they cher
ished. while taking view Of this crying
sin?
Let pro-slsyery men Of the North, as
well as the shareholders Of the South,
take this mater into serious consideration.
Let them adopt the language OF their
predecessors. and IS far as prastic&ble.
exert an influences which viii b felt
throughout fhs vide dona;e-of Slavery.
Yes, let every heart feel, every tongue
speak. and every pen describe the ssd
evils existing among as. sill they srs re-
moved and forever bsnishs8 from this
boosted land of pretended freedom. CIV
iiisati0n. and religion.
EEThs man Who would b happy.
must sxrerisncs eon.sntmeas 4 man
may Be rolling in richsa. and yet b mis-
ersble, while his poor seizhboE, knowing