3/5ths Of A Person
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
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Based on some recent letters to the editor it appears that there might be a misunderstanding of why our Founding Fathers chose to count slaves as 3/5ths of a person. This was not done to place some moral value on a human life but for the purpose of representation. The Founding Fathers decided on this method to limit the power of the South. And, for those who were against slavery, the 3/5ths compromise kept alive the future ability to end slavery.
During the Constitutional Convention it was determined that representation in the House of Representatives would be based on the population of each state. At that time James Madison wrote, "It seems now to be well understood that the real difference of interest lies not between the large and small but between the northern and southern states. The institution of slavery and its consequences form the line of discrimination." This division over slavery was one of the reasons for the "3/5 Compromise."
However, the perception that this was a bad thing for slaves is incorrect. Actually, the delegates from the southern states (slave states) wanted to count slaves as part of their population because it would give them greater representation. The northern states and many of our Founding Fathers were concerned that with greater representation, the southern states and slave holders would have enough control to legislatively institutionalize slavery forever. The southern states were concerned that if slaves weren't counted at all they would have too little representation. So, to protect the fledgling union the compromise was made to count all people who were not free as 3/5ths of a person. Thus, the opportunity was kept alive to eventually end slavery. Google "3/5 of a person constitution" and you will find many sources for a more detailed explanation of this compromise.
Much has been made of the "hypocrisy" of our Founding Fathers who spoke out against slavery, but had slaves. George Washington is a great example of this.
In the book "The Real George Washington", the author explains that George Washington felt very conflicted over slavery. "At one time he confided to his estate manager, 'I every day long more to get clear of [my slaves].' But, unfortunately, hired labor was almost impossible to find in Virginia." The author goes on, "Feeling trapped in a narrow box, Washington continued to farm with slaves. But his humane policies toward them nearly ruined him financially. As his slaves had children, his slave holdings expanded and grew far beyond his need. Many ate his goods without being able to contribute to the well-being of the plantation. One historian has observed, by selling a single slave, Washington could have paid for two years of all the taxes he complained about. But he stood firm on his moral principles, refusing to sell any of his slaves."
Contrary to some people's opinions, the Founding Fathers were not compassionless racists, but men who struggled with the creation of a new government ... a government under which one day every person would be free.
Dave Koontz
Warsaw, via e-mail[[In-content Ad]]
Based on some recent letters to the editor it appears that there might be a misunderstanding of why our Founding Fathers chose to count slaves as 3/5ths of a person. This was not done to place some moral value on a human life but for the purpose of representation. The Founding Fathers decided on this method to limit the power of the South. And, for those who were against slavery, the 3/5ths compromise kept alive the future ability to end slavery.
During the Constitutional Convention it was determined that representation in the House of Representatives would be based on the population of each state. At that time James Madison wrote, "It seems now to be well understood that the real difference of interest lies not between the large and small but between the northern and southern states. The institution of slavery and its consequences form the line of discrimination." This division over slavery was one of the reasons for the "3/5 Compromise."
However, the perception that this was a bad thing for slaves is incorrect. Actually, the delegates from the southern states (slave states) wanted to count slaves as part of their population because it would give them greater representation. The northern states and many of our Founding Fathers were concerned that with greater representation, the southern states and slave holders would have enough control to legislatively institutionalize slavery forever. The southern states were concerned that if slaves weren't counted at all they would have too little representation. So, to protect the fledgling union the compromise was made to count all people who were not free as 3/5ths of a person. Thus, the opportunity was kept alive to eventually end slavery. Google "3/5 of a person constitution" and you will find many sources for a more detailed explanation of this compromise.
Much has been made of the "hypocrisy" of our Founding Fathers who spoke out against slavery, but had slaves. George Washington is a great example of this.
In the book "The Real George Washington", the author explains that George Washington felt very conflicted over slavery. "At one time he confided to his estate manager, 'I every day long more to get clear of [my slaves].' But, unfortunately, hired labor was almost impossible to find in Virginia." The author goes on, "Feeling trapped in a narrow box, Washington continued to farm with slaves. But his humane policies toward them nearly ruined him financially. As his slaves had children, his slave holdings expanded and grew far beyond his need. Many ate his goods without being able to contribute to the well-being of the plantation. One historian has observed, by selling a single slave, Washington could have paid for two years of all the taxes he complained about. But he stood firm on his moral principles, refusing to sell any of his slaves."
Contrary to some people's opinions, the Founding Fathers were not compassionless racists, but men who struggled with the creation of a new government ... a government under which one day every person would be free.
Dave Koontz
Warsaw, via e-mail[[In-content Ad]]
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