Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, With Some Account of the Annual Meeting

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1836. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... pation in the West Indies. „£}} His statement is abundantly confirmed by the testimony of the Marquis of Sligo, Governor of some of those islands, and by the evidence which has recently been brought before the British Parliament, by Fowell Buxton. In those islands where the emancipation was entire and immediate, the happiest effects have followed. The freedmen have been quiet, contented, and industrious. This is a fact which should be proclaimed every where. Providence seems to be graciously teaching this nation, by the plainest lesson of example, that the way in which right and duty require us to go, will be safe and pleasant . We shall be wholly without excuse if we refuse to learn. In the West Indies we see before us, in contrast, the system of partial and gradual emancipation on the one hand, and the system of immediate and entire emancipation on the other. The results have proved the safety of obedience to the truths, on which the abolitionists of this country have based their enterprise ; and have repelled the anticipations of anarchy and blood shed so freely indulged and propagated by the opposers of this holy cause. Where immediate and entire emancipation from slavery was proclaimed, there have been no violence, no disturbances. Except, indeed, on the morning of their redemption, when the grateful freemen assembled by thousands, and with tumultuous, enthusiastic joy, shouted thanks to their earthly benefactors, and gratitude to God Most High. This is the only disturbance we have yot heard of. So entirely convinced are the philanthropists of Great Britain of the safety and duty of breaking the yoke of slavery at once.--and of the unhappy operation of the Apprenticeship System, that Mr. Buxton has introduced a Bill into the House of Com...