Part 77 (1/2)

”We all resisted violently the measure of abolition, when it first began to be agitated in England. We regarded it as an outrageous interference with our rights, with our property. But we are now rejoiced that slavery is abolished.”--_Dr. Daniell_.

”I have already seen such decided benefits growing out of the free labor system, that for my part I wish never to see the face of slavery again.”

--_Mr. Hatley_.

”I do not know of a single planter who would be willing to return to slavery. We all feel that it was a great curse.”--_D. Cranstoun, Esq._

The speaker of the a.s.sembly was requested to state especially the advantages of freedom both to the master and the slave; and he kindly communicated the following reply:

”The benefits to the master are conspicuous--he has got rid of the cark and care, the anxiety and incessant worry of managing slaves; all the trouble and responsibility of rearing them from infancy, of their proper maintenance in health, and sickness, and decrepitude, of coercing them to labor, restraining, correcting, and punis.h.i.+ng their faults and crimes--settling all their grievances and disputes.

He is now entirely free from all apprehension of injury, revenge, or insurrection, however transient and momentary such impression may have formerly been. He has no longer the reproach of being a _slaveholder_; his property has lost all the _taint_ of slavery, and is placed on as secure a footing, in a moral and political point of view, as that in any other part of the British dominions.

As regards the _other_ party, it seems almost unnecessary to point out the advantages of being a free man rather than a slave. He is no longer liable to personal trespa.s.s of any sort; he has a right of self-control, and all the immunities enjoyed by other cla.s.ses of his fellow subjects--he is enabled to better his condition as he thinks proper--he can make what arrangements he likes best, as regards his kindred, and all his domestic relations--he takes to his _own_ use and behoof, all the wages and profits of his own labor; he receives money wages instead of weekly allowances, and can purchase such particular food and necessaries as he prefers--_and so on_! IT WOULD BE ENDLESS TO ATTEMPT TO ENUMERATE ALL THE SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES OF A STATE OF FREEDOM TO ONE OF SLAVERY!”

The writer says, at the close of his invaluable letter, ”I was born in Antigua, and have resided here with little interruption since 1809.

Since 1814, I have taken an active concern in plantation affairs.” He was born heir to a large slave property, and retained it up to the hour of emanc.i.p.ation. He is now the proprietor of an estate.

We have, another witness to introduce to the reader, Ralph Higinbothom, Esq., the UNITED STATES CONSUL!--_Hear him_!--

”Whatever may have been the dissatisfaction as regards emanc.i.p.ation among the planters at its commencement, there are few, indeed, if any, who are not _now_ well satisfied that under the present system, their properties are better worked, and their laborers more contented and cheerful, than in the time of slavery.”

In order that the reader may see the _revolution_ that has taken place since emanc.i.p.ation in the views of the highest cla.s.s of society in Antigua, we make a few extracts.

”There was the most violent opposition in the legislature, and throughout the island, to the anti-slavery proceedings in Parliament.

The anti-slavery party in England were detested here for their _fanatical and reckless course_. Such was the state of feeling previous to emanc.i.p.ation, that it would have been certain disgrace for any planter to have avowed the least sympathy with anti-slavery sentiments.

The humane might have their hopes and aspirations, and they might secretly long to see slavery ultimately terminated; but they did not dare to make such feelings public. _They would at once have been branded as the enemies of their country!”--Hon. N. Nugent_.

”There cannot be said to have been any _anti-slavery party_ in the island before emanc.i.p.ation. There were some individuals in St. John's, and a very few planters, who favored the anti-slavery views, but they dared not open their mouths, because of the bitter hostility which prevailed.”--_S. Bourne, Esq._

”The opinions of the clergymen and missionaries, with the exception of, I believe, a few clergymen, were favorable to emanc.i.p.ation; but neither in their conduct, preaching, or prayers, did they declare themselves openly, until the measure of abolition was determined on. The missionaries felt restrained by their instructions from home, and the clergymen thought that it did not comport with their order 'to take part in politics!' I never heard of a single _planter_ who was favorable, until about three months before the emanc.i.p.ation took place; when some few of them began to perceive that it would be advantageous to their _interests_. Whoever was known or suspected of being an advocate for freedom, became the object of vengeance, and was sure to suffer, if in no other way, by a loss of part of his business. My son-in-law[A], my son[B], and myself, were perhaps the chief marks for calumny and resentment. The first was twice elected a member of the a.s.sembly, and as often put out by scrutinies conducted by the House, in the most flagrantly dishonest manner. Every attempt was made to deprive the second of his business, as a lawyer. With regard to myself, I was thrown into prison, without any semblance of justice, without any form of trial, but in the most summary manner, simply upon the complaint of one of the justices, and without any opportunity being allowed me of saying one word in my defence. I remained in jail until discharged by a peremptory order from the Colonial Secretary, to whom I appealed.”--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._

[Footnote A: Dr. Ferguson, physician in St. John's.]

[Footnote B: James Scotland, Jun., Esq., barrister, proprietor, and member of a.s.sembly.]

Another gentleman, a white man, was arrested on the charge of being in the interest of the English Anti-Slavery party, and in a manner equally summary and illegal, was cast into prison, and confined there for one year.

From the foregoing statements we obtain the following comparative view of the past and present state of sentiment in Antigua.

Views and conduct of the planters previous to emanc.i.p.ation:

1st. They regarded the negroes as an inferior race, fit only for slaves.

2d. They regarded them as their rightful property.

3d. They took it for granted that negroes could never be made to work without the use of the whip; hence,

4th. They supposed that emanc.i.p.ation would annihilate sugar cultivation; and,

5th. That it would lead to bloodshed and general rebellion.