Slaves and Blacks Commentary
2. March 24, 1819
“Is it politic in our government to plant a colony of blacks in Africa?”
Decided in the Affirmative.
This question gives insight into the ideas the Philomathesian Society possessed on blacks in the United States in the early 19th century, as they agreed with the idea that a black colony in Africa would be okay. This reflects their overall abolitionist view observed throughout the numerous debates on slavery and blacks in the United States. The colony in Liberia was a divisive issue and the Society’s debate illustrates their initiative in debating controversial current events.
6. April 1, 1829
“Ought the non-slave holding states to assist the slave holding in case of an insurrection of the blacks, on the principles of justice?”
Decided in the Affirmative.
This was an important discussion in the Society, as it posed a moral and philosophical dilemma for the Sophists. Although they possessed an abolitionist trend, their philosophical views were outdone by their moral views, as on the principles of justice they agreed to assist in stopping any slave insurrection. This debate attests to the integrity of the Society and their belief in the foundation of justice.
8. November 7, 1832
“Ought efforts to be made to raise the condition of our colored population to an equality of the whites?”
Decided in the Affirmative.
The topics surrounding the condition of blacks in the United States were frequent in the Society in the early 19th century, as they concerned themselves with another controversial issue within the country. Although they believed in maintaining the status quo of the South by stopping any slave insurrection, they did believe in improving the condition of blacks within the United States and making them more equal to whites. This result reinforces the Society’s abolitionist views and gives insight into their progressive ideas on the issues of race.