Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1857-05-29

tax upon the public revenue and upon
private charity This condition of things
does not arise exclusively from their own
dement's; they have been gradually and
to very considerable extent ousted by
the increase Of white labor from the po-
sitions formerly filed by them as domes-
tics and laborers Their number, orig-
nally too large in proportion to our white
population, is increasing rapidly, both by
their natural increase aud from immigra-
ton. Justice to ourselves and kindness
to them require that we should prohibit
Immigration aud encourage their reno
val from our limits Now, it is plainly
manifest that the success Of this school
enterprise must largely increase our ne
gro population by the inducements it Of
fers. The school win be increased with
the demand. 1t will bring not only
scholars to remain temporarily, but entire
families, until our District is inundated
with them. Upon white labor, upon the
present colored residents of the District
and their descendants, and upon the
public generally, this increase must ope-
rate most injuriously. If, however, we
should admit that the increase from this
cause would be trifng, and that the in
struction would be mainly confined to
our own resident population, the follow
ing insupcrablc objection presents it
self:
The standard of education which is
J proposed is far beyond the primary bran
ches, and will doubtless from time to time
be advanced. Is it, then, just to our
selves, or humane to the colored popula-
ton, for us to permit degree of instruc-
ton so far beyond their political and So
cial condition, and which must continue
to exist in this as in every other slave
holding community With this superior
education there will come no removal of
the present disabilities, no new sources
of employment equal to their mental cul-
ture and hence there will he restless
population, less disposed than ever to fill
that position in society which is allotted
to them. In my judgment, these two
objections, the increase of our free pop
ulation and the indiscrimnate education
of them far beyond their fixed condition,
are sufficient reasons for us to oppose this
scheme.
But let US consider the subject in its
more important relations to the whole
country. There has been for many years
a persistent agitation of the abolition of
slavery in this District. 1t is one of the
leading purposes of powerful, if not
controlling, section of the Republican
party. The advocates of this measure
know that it is hopeless to attempt the
accomplishment of it through the legisla-
ton Of the National Government, with
out the consent of all parties interested,
and therefore they deem it necessary to
adopt an indirect course. Again, altho
the constitution prohibits any interference
with slavery in the States, yet its aboli-
ton is the determined resolve of large
portion Of the Republican party. highly
distinguished for talents and energy
For this purpose they hold themselves
justified in using every influence within
their reach Without charging this in
tent upon all the authors and present sup
porters Of this enterprise, can we doubt,
in view Of the past history and present
action Of "abolitonism," that this insti-
tuition will be controlled by it, and en-
ployed at an early day without disguise
for these purposes? We cannot be un.
mindful Of the chnractnr and aims nE
some of those announced as its principal
advocates, and even if this particular one
should be preserved from such inauen-
ces, yet under the precedent it would af-
ford, others would be established for those
special objects.
A misguided philanthropy, inAamed by
political demagogueism, would readily
supply the means and tho agents to exc
cute its designs; an incendiary press in
our midst will soon follow; and, with al
these varied active agencies, stimulated
by the presence Of adherents in Congress,
in constant operation, our District will
be converted into the headquarters Of
slavery agitation" from which il may
deal forth in every direction its treason
able blows.
1t is unnecessary to depict the fatal
consequences TO ourselves, and 10 the
country; but, in considering this view
Of the subject, we cannot forget the
events which disturbed the peace Of our
country some few years since, consequent
upon the act Of Drayton and Sayres
and how quickly the agitation attendant
upon il spread from the crowded streets
and excited populace 20 the halls Of Con-
gress. If these apprebensions, then,
are not altogether unfoundcd, either in
their relation to ourselves or the country
generally, we must meet the responsible
ties they impose. We shall gain nothing
by concession or delay. This scheme
was started some years ago in humble
guise, and in the foothold it has already
gained il feels secure Of its future pro-
gress. Earnest, prompt action can now
arrest il peacefully; tumult and blood
may stain It's future history.
With justice VIC can say TO The adyo-
Gates Of this measure, you are competent
to decide this question; your habits Of
thought, your lHuOI"hVc VI Vui buc to
lations 10 the colore1 population prevent
you from making a full and candid OK
animation Of its merits, and, above all,
the temper Of the public mind is in.
auspicious even for its consideration III
your humanity demands this particular
sphere for its action, and il, TO use your |