CHAPTER XXXI.

SLAVERY AS A POLITICAL AND LEGAL PROBLEM.

1775-1800.

British Colonies in North America declare their Independence.--A New Government established.--Slavery the Bane of American Civilization.--The Tory Party accept the Doctrine of Property in Man.--The Doctrine of the Locke Constitution in the South.--The Whig Party the Dominant Political Organization in the Northern States.--Slavery recognized under the New Government.--Anti Slavery Agitation in the States.--Attempted Legislation against Slavery.--Articles of Confederation.--Then Adoption in 1778.--Discussion concerning the Disposal of the Western Territory.--Mr. Jefferson's Recommendation.--Amendment by Mr. Spaight.--Congress in New York in 1787.--Discussion respecting the Government of the Western Territory.--Convention at Philadelphia to frame the Federal Constitution.--Proceedings of the Convention.--The Southern States still advocate Slavery.--Speeches on the Slavery Question by Leading Statesmen.--Constitution adopted by the Convention in 1787.--First Session of Congress under the Federal Constitution held in New York in 1789.--The Introduction of a Tariff-Bill.--An Attempt to amend it by inserting a Clause levying a Tax on Slaves brought by Water.--Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.--A Change in the Public Opinion of the Middle and Eastern States on the Subject of Slavery.--Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Address to the Public for promoting the Abolition of Slavery.--Memorial to the United-States Congress.--Congress in 1790.--Bitter Discussion on the Restriction of the Slave-Trade.--Slave-Population.--Vermont and Kentucky admitted into the Union.--A Law providing for the Return of Fugitives from "Labor and Service."--Convention of Friends held in Philadelphia.--An Act against the Foreign Slave-Trade.--Mississippi Territory.--Constitution of Georgia revised.--New York passes a Bill for the Gradual Extinction of Slavery.--Constitution of Kentucky revised.--Slavery as an Institution firmly established. 412

HISTORY OF THE NEGRO RACE IN AMERICA.

Part I.

_PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS._