r population
consisted of free negroes. The tie which now connects them, being
broken, the different races would be estranged from each other, and
hostility would grow up between them. Having the command of their own
time and actions, they could more effectually combine insurrection, and
provide the means of rendering it formidable. Released from the vigilant
superintendence which now restrains them, they would infallibly be led
from petty to greater crimes, until all life and property would be
rendered insecure. Aggression would beget retaliation, until open
war--and that a war of extermination--were established. From the still
remaining superiority of the white race, it is probable that they would
be the victors, and if they did not exterminate, they must again reduce
the others to slavery--when they could be no longer fit to be either
slaves or freemen. It is not only in self-defense, in defense of our
country and of all that is dear to us, but in defense of the slaves
themselves, that we refuse to emancipate them.

If we suppose them to have political privileges, and to be admitted to
the elective franchise, still worse results may be expected.[251] It is
hardly necessary to add any thing to what has been said by Mr. Paulding
on this subject who has treated it fully. It is already known, that if
there be a class unfavorably distinguished by any peculiarity from the
rest of society, this distinction forms a tie which binds them to act
in concert, and they exercise more than their due share of political
power and influence--and still more, as they are of inferior character
and looser moral principle. Such a class form the very material for
demogogues to work with. Other parties court them, and concede to them.
So it would be with the free blacks in the case supposed. They would be
used by unprincipled politicians, of irregular ambition, for the
advancement of their schemes, until they should give them political
power and importance beyond even their own intentions. They would be
courted by excited parties in their contests with each other. At some
time, they may perhaps attain political ascendancy, and this is more
probable, as we may suppose that there will have been a great emigration
of whites from the country. Imagine the government of such legislators.
Imagine then the sort of laws that will be passed, to confound the
invidious distinction which has been so long assumed over them, and, if
possible, to obliterate