The following extracts from the published addresses of some of the
most eminent and gifted supporters of the Colonization Society, would
show, that the _compulsory_ removal of the colored population, had
from the first been contemplated. If it was replied, "You cannot find
compulsion in the Constitution," he (Mr. T.) would rejoin, No; but
herein consists the wickedness and hypocrisy of the scheme; that while
it puts forth a fair face in its constitution, it does, really and in
truth, contain the elements of all oppression. The written
constitution of the Society was but the robe of an angel, covering an
implacable and devouring demon. He would make another remark, also,
before submitting the extracts in his hand. Mr. Breckinridge had
strenuously endeavored to lay the guilt of the oppressive laws in the
south upon the Abolitionists, declaring that those laws had resulted
from the spread of Anti-slavery principles. From the passages about to
be cited, and, more especially, from the words of Mr. Clay, it would
be found, that long prior to the "quackery" of the Abolitionists,
there had existed harsh and cruel laws, calling forth the regrets and
censures of Slaveholders themselves. Even admitting the truth of what
Mr. B. had said, did it follow that the truth should not therefore be
published. By no means. The Israelites, in their bondage, murmured
against the measures of him whom God had raised up to deliver them,
and complained that their burdens had increased since Pharaoh had been
remonstrated with. He would quote, for the benefit of Mr. B. a very
laconic remark, by an old commentator, "When the bricks are doubled,
Moses is near."
1. Charles Carrol Harper, Son of General Harper, to the
voters of Baltimore, 1826. Af. Repy., vol. 2. page 188. For
several years the subject of Abolition of Slavery has been
brought before you. I am decidedly opposed to the project
recommended. No scheme of abolition will meet my support,
that leaves the emancipated blacks among us. Experience has
proved that they become a corrupt and degraded class, as
burthensome to themselves, as they are hurtful to the rest
of society.
Again, page 189, "To permit the blacks to remain amongst us
after their emancipation, would be to aggravate, and not to
cure the evil."
2. Extracted with approbation from the Public Ledger,
Richmond, Indiana, Af. Repy., vol. 3. page 26. "We would say,
liberate them only on condition of their going to Africa or
Hayti."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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