Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/463

 is evident, from experience, that the more they are separated and diffused, the more care and attention are bestowed on them by their masters — each proprietor having it in his power to increase their comforts and conveniences, in proportion to the smallness of their numbers. The dangers, too, (if any are to be apprehended,) from too large a black population existing in anyone section of country, would certainly be very much diminished, if not entirely removed, lbit, whether dangers arc to be feared from this source or not, it is certainly an obvious dictate of sound policy to guard against them, as far as possible. If this danger does exist, or there is any cause to apprehend it, and our western brethren are not only willing but desirous to aid us in taking precautions against it, would it not be wise to accept their assistance? We should benefit ourselves, without injuring them, as their population must always so far exceed any black population which can ever exist in that country, as to render the idea of danger from that source chimerical."

After discussing other subjects embodied in the Indiana memorial, the committee close with a series of resolves, which they commend to the adoption of the house. The first is as follows:

"Resolved, That the sixth article of the ordinance of 1181, which prohibits slavery within the Indiana territory, be suspended for ten years, so as to permit the introduction of slaves, born within the United States, from any of the individual states."

This report and resolve were committed and made a special order on the Monday following, but were never taken into consideration.

At the next session, a fresh letter from Governor William Henry Harrison, inclosing resolves of the legislative council and house of representatives in favor of suspending, for a limited period, the sixth article of compact aforesaid, was received January 21st, 180T, and referred to a select committee, whereof Mr. B. Parke, delegate from said territory, was made chairman. The committee consisted of Messrs. Alston, of North Carolina, Masters, of New York, Morrow, of Ohio, Parke, of Indiana, Rhea, of Tennessee, Sanford, of Kentucky, and Trigg, of Virginia,

Mr. Parke, from this committee, made February 12th, a third report to the house in favor of granting the prayer of the memorialists. It is as follows:

"The resolutions of the legislative council and house of representatives of the Indiana territory, relate to a suspension, for the term of ten years, of the sixth article of compact between the United States and the territories and states northwest of the river Ohio, passed the 13th of July, 1787. That article declares that there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory.

"The suspension of the said article would operate an immediate essential benefit to the territory, as emigration to it will be inconsiderable for many years, except from those states where slavery is tolerated.

"And although it is not considered expedient to force the population of the territory, yet it is desirable to connect its scattered settlements, and, in admitted political rights, to place it on an equal footing with the different states.