Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-06-15

of the slave trade. However that NAV be,
and whether the Government of Liberia be
animated by an unselfsh solicitude for the
welfare of the negro race, so much is indis.
putable: that the energies and resources Of
the Liberian Government are inadequate to
the subsistence and protection of this influx
of barbarian population. The inhabitant:
of Liberia-I mean the bulk of the popula.
tion-are now sunk into the abyss of desti.
tuition and degradation and but for occa.
sional accessions Of strength and civilization
from this country, the muchvaunted glory
of this free-negro Republic would be eclips'
ed in total and rreparable darkness.
Mr.. Bust. Win the gentleman allow me
to ask him question? Ivoted for this bill
but not without some embarrassment.
would, had been permitted, have made
several amendments 20 it, The gentleman
from Virginia says he is in favor of sup.
pressing the African slave trade. Mr..
Pryor. Yes, sir Now, ask him, what
disposition he would make Of these Afri-
cans?
Mr.. Pryor. I will respond to the gen.
ticman and then desist, for / have already
abused the indulgent courtesy of the House.
My friend from Arkansas demands Of me
what provision l would make for these res
cued Africans? Ny answer is prompt, and !,
Think, satisfactory-satisfactory am sure
to gentlemen on the ether side, by reason
of its origin. In the present emergency,
commend for imitation the example of Brit
ish philanthropy philanthropy always
captivating to the Abolitionists of America:
that British philanthropy which is the orig
inal cause of sectional agitation IN this coun-
try; that philanthropy on which was heard
yesterday SO enthusiastic panegyfic in the
other end Of the Capitol; that British phi
ianthropy with which New England human
itarans taunt the reproached barbarisn, Of
the South that philanthropy which impos-
ed upon us the heavy obligations so griey-
ously felt in the embarrassment of this meas
nre--I say, let us be instructed by the prac-
teal wisdom of British philanthropy; and
instead of returning these negroes to the un-
relieved and sterile slavery Of Africa, let us
reduce them to mild and profitable subiec-
ton IN this country. This illustrious and
attractive example l commend to gentlemen
en- the other side Of the House and follow.
ing in the path Of British philanthropy,
propose to submit these negroes to the reg
usations of the apprenticeship system. Dc
rot understand me to claim a monopo!y OF
their service for the South. IF you of the
North desire them, we surrender our right
Of partition snd that you do desire their
presence and association l cannot doubt,
when / see with what fervor of affection YOU
welcome the fugitive slave to the bosom OF
your hospitality.
Iake them, and signalize your phian
tiiropy By resouing these victims Of Heav-
Ell nalediction from the calamities under
which they labor, and imparting to them
somewhat Of the solid substance and sweet
accessories Of civilized life.
Before resume my seat, Mr. Speaker, |
beg to avow my utter hostility to the reviv-
al or prosecution Of slave trade. ] would
not relax solitary Law for its suppression
Nor, while | contest the wisdom of the pol
icy which has involved the diplomacy of the
country in entangling alliances for the pro-
hsbition of the traffic /; while l regret the in
itiatioh of that mischievous policy in the
treaty Of Client. and still more the rigorous,
but abortive, stipulation in the Ashburton
treaty, yet, inasmuch as the faith of the
Government is solemnly pledged to exert all
its energies against the traffic in African
slaves, ! would submit to the obligation an
til opportunity offered for a legal and prop
er escape from its enlbarrassments NV OBJ
lection to the particular measure before us
is based upon the ground of It's unconstitu-
tiona'lty, its incalcuable expense, and its
essential :nhumanity.