Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-12-12
.LAEAYErTE's PIAN oF EtANcIpArIoN,


LAFAYRrTE's PLAN OF EMANCIPATION,
see by the newspapers that the people
of Western Virginia are proposing plan
of gradual emancipation, by which slaves
of a certain age shall be free after a cer-
tain date, The plan, If carried into effect,
would leave not far from ono half of the
slaves in bondage allHtheir lives. These
men and women wonld constantly see rela-
tives, whose ages differed a little from their
own, enjoying the blessings Of freedOm,
while the law doomed themselves to slave.
ry. Judging by rules universally appliea.
BILE to human nature, such a state of things
must produce repining aud restlessness in
the class excluded from freedom by the
date of their birth. They will see that
their right to freedom is practically ac-
knowledged by the whites, while at the
same time they will not be furnished With
the incentives which stimulate free labor.
Gen. Washington, in his reply to a Propo-
sitiou from Mr.. Laurens to emancipate
portion of the slaves, for the purpose of
arming them rs soldiers in the war of the
Revolution, suggests that such a measure
might "render slavery more itksome to those
who remain in it. Most of the good and
evil things of this life are judged Of by
comparisons; and fear comparison
in this case will be productive of much
discomfort in those who are held in serVi.
tude." an SOS haH.s as s.HflfH
The plan of emancipation adopted by
General Lafayette has always seemed to me
to combine benevolent feeling with great
practical wisdom. Early in 1888 he wrote
to Gen. Washington: zILet u5 unite ia pur-
chasing asmall estate, where we may try
the experiment to free the negroes, aud nse
them only as tenants. Such an example
as yours might render ita general practice;
and If we succeed in America, will cheer
fully devote part of my time to render
the method fashionable in the West In.
dies
Gen. Washington replied: any dear
Marquis, the scheme you propose is .
striking evidence of the benevolence of
your. heart, ] shall be happy 10 join you
in so laudable work"
History does not inform us why Wash
iugton did not cooperate with Lafayette
in trying this experiment in Virginia. The
probability is, that such a plan was not
likely to be popular with ueighbOring
SHAREHOLDERS, and the Union being in its
infancy he deemed it inexpedient to risk
agitation on the subject. f.i "a -il b.
Lafayette made his experiment IN 1885,
in the French Colony Of Cayenne, where
most of the land belonged 10 the Crown,
and could be obtained on moderate terms,
He expended $4,000 in purchasing land
and slaves. An amia6ie, judicious man,
who was truly friendly to the eolored peo.
pie, was selected to manage the plantation.
As soon as he arrived on the estate, he
called all the slaves together and Informed
them that a good French gentleman had
bought them for the purpose of helping
them to obtain their freedomi that no COR
poreal punishment would be Inflicted un-
der his management; that those who did
not work would receive no wages, but
those who did work would receive payment
in proportion to the amount they accom-
Plished; that rules concerning the pay
ments would be established and explained
to them. He advised them to save as much
of their wages as they could, for whenever
they could repay the Marquis Lafayette the
sum he had paid for them, they Would,re
ceive their freedom, and work for them
selves. he further explained to them that
they could help the good Marquis to bene-
ct others oftheir race; for themoney thus re.
paid would beimmediately invested in 9TH
er slaves, who would have the same chance
to work out their freedom. He then ORDER
ed all the whips and other instruments of
punishment to be piled in heap, aud when
this was done, he told them to set FIRE to it..
II have treated you like men," said he, "Iet
me see whether you will behRVe like menu
They did, bnhaye like men, They enter
ed into the plan with the utmost alaerity.
Their energy redoubled, and they were
obedient TO the slightest wish of their
mauager. Everything worked well, and
promised satisfactory results. Unfortunate-
", the Ejudieious, kind-hearted manager
died from effects of the climate. OF his
successor IN otfice l know nothing. But
that the negroes continued TO show them
selves worthy of freedom may be inferred
from The following fact: Ini1T93, the
French government proclaimed uneondi-
tionaI emancipation to all the slaves in the
French Colonies consequently those of the
negroes on Lafayette'S plantation in Cay
eune, who had not entirely purchased their
freedom, were no longer legally bound to
do so. Lafayette was in prison, and could
mot hold Communication with them. There
lis something extremely beautiful in the
conduct Of these freed men, in this state
of affairs. They waited upon the new agent
and inquired whether the land still belong
cd to the Marquis Lafayette ;Ssayiug that Il
it did, they wished to labor for him on the
old terms, and repay him in full for what
he had expended for them. eve wish to
do this, said their spokesman. "becausC
We are desirous TO promote the interests oil
the good gentleman, who has treated u:
like men, and Iighteued onr labor by max.
ing it the means of freedom.p
Concerning this Transaction, Gen. Wash
ington, wrote to Lafayette as follows
s,Your late purchase Of an estate in the
Colony OF Cayenne, with view Of eman-
oipadng the slaves on il, is a generous and
noble proof of your humanity. Would tc
God alike spirit might diffase itself geuer.
ally into, the mtnds ofthe people Of thii
country; but despair Ofseeing ft-,,ii ..l..
/ take the liberty to lay these facts be.
fore, the people Of Western Virginia, with
the hope that II may suggest TO their minds
the practical wisdom, Is well as justice o
course would combine many advantages
/ IL would be for the interest of the masters