In the debate, at the same session, May 13th, 1789, on the petition of the Society of Friends respecting the slave trade, Mr. Parker, of Virginia, said, “He hoped Congress would do all that lay in their power to restore to human nature its inherent privileges, and if possible, wipe off the stigma, which America labored under.  The inconsistency in our principles, with which we are justly charged should be done away, that we may show by our actions the pure beneficence of the doctrine we held out to the world in our Declaration of Independence.”

Mr. Jackson of Georgia, said, “IT WAS THE FASHION OF THE DAY TO FAVOR THE LIBERTY OF THE SLAVES. * * * * * What is to be done for compensation?  Will Virginia set all her negroes free?  Will they give up the money they have cost them; and to whom? When this practice comes to be tried, then the sound of liberty will lose those charms which make it grateful to the ravished ear.”

Mr. Madison of Virginia,—­“The dictates of humanity, the principles of the people, the national safety and happiness, and prudent policy, require it of us.  The constitution has particularly called our attention to it. * * * * * I conceive the constitution in this particular was formed in order that the Government, whilst it was restrained from having a total prohibition, might be able to give some testimony of the sense of America, with respect to the African trade. * * * * * It is to be hoped, that by expressing a national disapprobation of this trade, we may destroy it, and save ourselves from reproaches, AND OUR POSTERITY THE IMBECILITY EVER ATTENDANT ON A COUNTRY FILLED WITH SLAVES.  I do not wish to say any thing harsh to the hearing of gentlemen who entertain different sentiments from me, or different sentiments from those I represent.  But if there is any one point in which it is clearly the policy of this nation, so far as we constitutionally can, to vary the practice obtaining under some of the state governments, it is this.  But it is certain a majority of the states are opposed to this practice.”—­[Cong.  Reg. v. 1, p. 308-12.]

A writer in the “Gazette of the United States,” Feb. 20th, 1790, (then the government paper,) who opposes the abolition of slavery, and avows himself a slaveholder, says, “I have seen in the papers accounts of large associations, and applications to Government for the abolition of slavery.  Religion, humanity, and the generosity natural to a free people, are the noble principles which dictate those measures.  SUCH MOTIVES COMMAND RESPECT, AND ARE ABOVE ANY EULOGIUM WORDS CAN BESTOW.”