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an hour rnuy bring forth.Retrospect at the cause.—It argues, either a want c* candor, or a deficiency of observation, to ascribe the legislative movement, or the thoughts which at this moment absorb public attention, to Nat Turner and his assassins. 'That the aff air of August is the proximate causei that it was that which took off* the injunction of secrecy of fifty years—that it was that which threw open the co-lunms of the Public Press, and the portals of the General Assembly to open discussion, and unrestrained enquiry, is true. But, as well may it be said that the battle of Lexington was the first cause of the American Revolution, as that the massacre of Southampton was the primary cause of the sentiments of abolition which the tongues of men now freely and unequivocally avow'. No ! the primary causes of the present agitation are more remote, more pervading, more profound, and more honorable to the Virginia Public. The thoughts now, for the first time, publicly avowed, have long lain dormant in the Public mind. The time had not come for their open avowal. In the favorite phrase o, Napoleon, “ the pear was not ripe.** Mistaken wisdom, and false calculation, bad invested the subject with a sanctity, which it was considered treason to public safety to violate. In a free land, with a tree Press, one subject was prohibited, and guarded from free discussion, with Turkish jealousy. Nat Turner, and the blood of his innocent victims, have conquered the' silence of fifty years. Exposed to the I danger of having the throats of their wives and children cut any nightiti the year, men have broken the chains w Inch a morbid sensibility imposed upon their tongues and their hauds. Imprisoned for years by this unreasonable jealousy, the thoughts of men have burst forth, with a warmth and vivacity, proportioned to the long previous confinement. .Thus far and no farther, have Nat Turner and his bloody deeds been instrumental in shaping events. The imputation of unriianly/cu/% inspired by the horrors of August, \va9 eloquently repelled in the debate yesterday on Mr.Goode’s resolution, (by Mr.J Bolling) and is an unjust reflection upon the friends of acti ve measures.
Newspaper Details
Washington National Intelligencer
Washington, Washington-DC, US
Tue, Jan 17, 1832
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Library O.
USA 01 May 2018
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