The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-09-28
Spirit ef 9e,noeraey.
Tuesday, Sept. 2S, 1856.
EDUCATIONAL.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.

III ltoO, Whtu cieCtcu HClnDci
of the famous House of Burgcsses,
Mr.. Jefferson's life Ms an active pol
itician began. His fame as scholar
and lawyer had preceded him there,
and he was accorded the privilege Of
drawing up the responding resolu-
tions to the snnual address Of the
Governor task rarely imposed
upon new members.
Taxation without Representa-
tion,n was then agitating the Colo
nies, and Massachusetts, had,a short
time before the meeting of the House
of Burgesses, hurled her defiance at
the mistress of the Seas" and as
sympathizing and patriotic sister
State should, Virginia looked to her
Legislature to support the vigorous
action of Massachusetts,. The House
was not slow in passing spirited res
olutions, and boldly proclaimed the
right of the Colonies to petition for
-rcarvvs of grievances, and to procure
the assistance Of all friendly pow
ers. In addition to these, the House
further stated that Parliament had
no right to transport to England for
trial, persons in the Colonies charg-
ed with treason. The passing of
such resolutions, so destructive to
the high-handed policy England had
been pursuing, brought down the
wrath of the royalist governor, Lord
Botetourt,and without waiting for Of
fetal statements, he Immediately
dissolved the assembly. But his ac-
tion only made the opposition all
the more determined, and increased
their obstinacy. The following day
the members met in the Town Hall
and entered into an association,
pledging themselves during the con-
tinuancc of the act for raising rcye-
nue. in America, not to import, or
purchase, or use British merchand-
Use; and they called upon their con-
stituents to join them in the pledge.
Jefferson, in his humane and po-
litical views, went little further
than most Of his colleagues, and he
denounced the custom of slavery ,and
openly advocated their gradual
emancipation. The idea of slavery
in the Colonies was q favoritc one Of
the British ministry, as it allowed
the production Of many articles Mt
very low figure, and consequently, q
better profit to the English mcr-
chants. Although one of the largest
slave owners in Virginia. Mr.. Jcfrcr-
son advocated this doctrine with an
utter disregard for the financial loss !
to himself Although he received
encouragement from q great many !
influential men, among whom was
Washington, yet the majority was
against him, and he was forced to
relinquish the carrying out of his
intentions. But this was the first !
break in an education that was
bound to be fruitful. and from that
time forth the subject began to re-
ceive the anxious thoughts Of many
just minds. And had Jefferson's
proposition in the House of Burgess
es to that effect been accepted, and
slavery passed away in Virginia, as
it did in New York and New En-
gland, their posterity would have
been gamers by this foresight and
wisdom,and the great sectional strug-
gle that followed years after would
have been avoided; the Great Rebel
lion would have been omitted in our
history.
But time moved onward, and
brought nearer and nearer the great
conflict that was to try the strength
and spirit of the members of
House of Legislation that had al
ready dared to pass acts, considered
by the mother country rs almost
amounting to treason. In the spring
of 1772 the Gaspc, British vessel,
sent over to enforce the odious reyc-
nue. laws, was decoyed aground and
burned. Parliament Immediately
made the least harm done to her j
majesty's navy crime punishable
with death.
In 1774 the news of the Boston .
port bill reached Virginia. Jefferson
believed the time had come to arouse
the people to sense of the danger
to their liberties and called meet 4
ing Of a few Of the leading men and
held consultation. The result was
the appointment of a day of fasting
and prayer. And on the same day .
that the port Of Boston was blocka-
ded, the people Of Virginia were en-
gagged in prayer for the preservation
or their liberties.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Test Questions ut Last SATURDAYS TX.
animation.
HISTORY. Il
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