time a strong disposition in Maryland
to try the experiment of emancipation, and it was believed that
after the war was over Virginia would adopt the same policy. Little
doubt was felt as to the power of Congress to abolish slavery in
the District, should such a course be deemed expedient. By the
constitution Congress was invested with express "power to exercise
exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such district
as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of
Congress, become the seat of government of the United States."
This power had been recognized by the most eminent statesmen of
our country, and also by the Supreme Court of the United States.
Until Mr. Calhoun doubted or denied the power it was not questioned
by any considerable number. The real question was whether that
was the time for emancipation. I endeavored to give to the subject
careful consideration, and came to the conclusion that it was
expedient then to emancipate the very few slaves in the District,
fewer than there had been at any time within forty years, and fewer
than would likely be in case the war should end. I believed also
that the social influence of Washington, and the wealth and property
controlled and owned in a great measure by slaveholding residents
there, had been always against the government of the United States
and in favor of the Rebellion. While slavery existed it was a
constant source of annoyance and irritation. The great mass of
our constituents were opposed to slavery, morally, socially and
politically. They felt it was wrong and would not change their
opinion. As long as slavery existed in the District, where Congress
had the power to abolish it, agitation and excitement would be
ceaseless. The great body of the people of the northern states
were opposed to the institution theoretically, as were very many
of the most intelligent people of the southern states. I felt that
now was the time when this moral conviction should be heard and
heeded by the national legislature. I felt that we were bound to
consult the material interest of the people of the District, and
that emancipation would add to the value of their property and also
add to the population of the city. The abolition of slavery would
bring to the city intelligent mechanics and laboring men who would
never compete with the labor of slaves, and who, finding none there
but freemen, would develop the great advantages of the city.