Virginia Reform Convention endorses slavery

July 11, 1851

Under the Refuge of Oppression column, titled How They Hate Slavery, is an article stating that a proposition has been adopted by the Virginia Reform Convention, which would prohibit “the Legislature of the State from passing any law for the emancipation of slaves. This is locking themselves in the infernal pit and throwing away the key.  Well might Jefferson tremble for his country when he reflected that God is just.”