Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-12-29

| Messrs Editors What shall the State do with the
frse negro population This is a question of great
importance and grave concern, and truly deserves
the consideration of the present Legislature. 1t must
be admitted on all hands that il is nuisance, griev
Gus to be borne and that some course not yet agreed
| UPON should be adopted TO abate it.
II has been urged by many, SINGS the question OF
negro slavery has been fully examined and found TO
be justified by reason observation, by the inspired
lavish writer's, and by the Saviour OF man himseif,
| IN sell them all into absolute and unconditional
slavery, and to prohibit by law the emancipation Of
| others. This is my way of thinking, and would be
nv way of dspOsng OF them had the power, as
believe the negro race wholly incapable OF enjoying
rational liberty, when conditioned AZ they are
among us, and especially 30 when free TO make their
own laws a nation or body polite The history Of
the race every where proves this, and is acknow-
lodged by all unprejudiced minds. To place
course to pursue. But are the people, or is
the present Legislature in their minds pre-.
pared to adopt this course fear not, and if the
Legislature raise the question this winter, il will fail
Efforts have been made to drive them out of the State,
but former legislatures have by large majorlties ap
proved this plan, and think very properly. To send
them to the North among their loving brethren, the
aboltionsts is TO send them there 10 die with poverty,
and misery As well might you send your cattle 10 bar
rem fields TO winter without your attention, and eI.
pec them to i've az to expect that tbs free negroes Of
Virginia could live at the North. The county OF
Northampton did this once, and of the many th1t
we're driven TO New York, not one remained 10 tell Of
their suffering. Humanity, and the sympathetic feel
ngs of nature forbids IT, Moreover it would les.
the power of the State in the federal government,
when We need all the power that we have and more
if We could get it, What then should be done with
them sugges. a compromise of the different
views Of this qusston-a middle ground. Let the
psesent Legislature empower and make it the
duty OF the County Court (all the magistrates
being summoned for the purposel 10 appoint
three or more commissioners in each magisterial
district. whose duty it shall be TO hire out all
the free negroes in their respective Districts 10 the
highest bidder, the FIRST day Of January OF each
year. and the hires 10 be applied for the benefit of
themselves and families. This plan will benefit not
only the free negroes, but the State large aud the
owners OF slaves. They will be compelled to work,
aud their service thereby ensured to their often
wrefched families; the effects Of their labor will add
to the general wealth Of the State when il is now
lost, and the slaves will perform their task more
cheertuliy and willingly than when they see around
them idle, those whom they consider no better THAI
themselves Nor would :hey THE free negroesl have
The same opportunities, incentives, to corrupt the
slaves that they now have. l hope the Legislature
Will adopt the plan suggested, or some other 10 rn
gate This great and increasing evil hope also. that
II viii prohibit by law the emancipation Of others
and That they have the right 10 ind ubable.
Slaves are property, a. much az land. horses OF
cattle. lhs law will not permit land. though go DE-
vi-ed, 10 remain uDcultivated, unoccupIed or un-
owned ny any one for ever-nor 10 allow horses or
cattle TO roam at large without owners. Ihey wouid
GO 10 the lawful heirs besod tor the benefit oil Inc
State. Then on the same principle the Legislature
can pass law declaring thst slaves shall not hereat