persons unlawfully held in bondage, and for the
improvement of the condition of Africans and their descendants amongst
us.

"The Societies which we represent, have beheld with triumph the
success of their exertions in many instances, in favor of their
African brethren; and, in full reliance upon the continuance of Divine
support and direction, they humbly hope their labors will never cease
while there exists a single slave in the United States."

[31] Mr. Jackson opposed the reference of the memorial to a committee,
and wished it to be thrown aside. Mr. Burke, of South Carolina, said
he saw the disposition of the House, and feared the memorial would be
referred. He "was certain the commitment would sound an alarm, and
blow the trumpet of sedition in the Southern States."

Mr. Seney, of Maryland, denied that there was anything
unconstitutional in the memorial; its only object was that Congress
should exercise their constitutional authority to abate the horrors of
slavery as far as they could.

Mr. Parker, of Virginia, said: "I hope the petition of these
respectable people will be attended to with all the readiness the
importance of its object demands; and I cannot help expressing the
pleasure I feel in finding so considerable a part of the community
attending to matters of such momentous concern to the future
prosperity and happiness of the people of America. I think it my duty
as a citizen of the Union to espouse their cause."

Mr. Page, of Virginia (governor from 1802-1805), said he was in favor
of the commitment. He hoped that the designs of the respectable
memorialists would not be stopped at the threshold, in order to
preclude a fair discussion of the prayer of the memorial. With respect
to the alarm that was apprehended, he conjectured there was none; but
there might be just cause, if the memorial was _not_ taken into
consideration. He placed himself in the case of a slave, and said
that, on hearing that Congress had refused to listen to the decent
suggestions of a respectable part of the community, he should infer
that the general government (from which was expected great good would
result to every class of citizens) had shut their ears against the
voice of humanity; and he should despair of any alleviation of the
miseries he and his posterity had in prospect. If anything could
induce him to rebel, it must be a stroke like this. But if he was told
that application was made in his behalf, and that Congress w