I propose to treat of Slavery in the State of Maryland, believing
that a fair inquiry into that subject at the present time may lead
to good results. The institution itself has existed long enough in
this community, and has produced consequences sufficiently marked and
decisive to enable an impartial observer to form a definite opinion
of its nature and tendencies. I believe that such an opinion has been
formed by the general mind of the commonwealth.
Before we proceed to the particular matter in hand, it may be proper
to have an understanding upon some preliminaries. There is so much
sensitiveness with regard to Slavery; so much irritated feeling; it
has been and is the cause of so much ill-judged agitation, giving rise
to unhappy manifestations of moral and political fanaticism,--that
one needs to move very cautiously in touching upon the topic at all,
lest he do more harm than good by meddling with it. But, for my own
part, as I have no design to minister to excitement, nor to deal with
the subject as an advocate of extreme opinions, it shall be my care
to regard the question as one requiring to be practically considered
by those whom it most concerns, and to express as clearly as possible
what it is in my mind now to say about it. Not to be misunderstood is
a thing to be greatly desired by those who would treat justly such a
question as this--or indeed any serious question; but then, indeed,
one ought to have something to say worth the trouble of understanding.
Let us now hasten to get through the preliminaries.