Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-05-10

! gave tiHSC CnCSIo, Was biSpOoCd " uISi
set the example of leaving the state. He has
since returned
Mn. WARREN,
In your last paper noticed some re-
marks taken from the Louisville Public
Advertiser, among which, is the
/ following. -" There is one impor-
tant fact, however, which the oppo-
nents of the conventions, seemed to have
entirely overlooked, viz: that the intro
duc,ion oil slaves INTO the new states, or
the dissemination ofthem over larger
tract of country, while it would enhance
their value by opening new markets for
Them, and consequently meliorate their
condition, would not add one to the list
of those in bondage"
The error contained in this remark is
more easily comprehended, than The
stupidity OF the writer who Numbered
into it. .s.a
The important fact intended to be dis
closed, is, that the establishment OF a
permanent slavery in Illinois will not
tend to increase the number of slaves in
the U. States. The reverse of this pro-
position happens to be true, and for the
very reasons suggested in the remark
above quoted. Every principle, which
political economists count upon as ten
ding to increase the population of states,
would apply with great force to Illinois.
1t cannot be questioned but that tile do
mestic situation of slaves among us,
would be far more comfortable and
| friendly to their increase, than in many
| parts OF the southern states, where they
are often stinted in the means Of subsis-
tence OF the poorest description. Who
can doubt that the increase of given
number of slaves in a given time in
Illinois, fed with abundance of the best
meat, brea butter, and milk, would far
exceed the increase of the same number
in the same time on the sandy hills OF
Florida, fed with cotton seed and stink
ing fish !? Extreme poverty Of diet re-
lards, while plenty of wholesome food,
though not luxurious, promotes popula-
ton. The increase of the species essen
tally depends upon their manner Of liy-
ing. 1t is we'll ascertained that slaves
multiply faster in Kentucky, where they
are usually well fed, than in the more
southern states where they are often re-
duced to miserable, scanty subsistence.
Place 500 slaves of both sexes in Lousi-
ana, and the same number in Illinois,
| aud let the circumstances affecting health
be the same, and half century would
witness surprising difference in the in
crease Of the latter over the former.
Louisiana may be land of wealth, but
is not, and never will be a land of such
universal plenty as Illinois. The latter
is provision country, the former is not.
Why is it that New Orleans is the best
market for the sale Of immortal beings
| W hioh this republic furnishes "a
1t is admitted inthe remark to which
| | have alluded, that the introduction of
slaves among us, will enhance their
value, by opening new markets for
them. Every article of traffic multi
plies in proportion as the demand for il
increases, and its value is enhanced
The truth is. the great value of slaves in
this State will consist in the facility with
which they canbe multiplied and raised
for market. Our agricultural products,
the great source Of our prosperity, for
which we can find amarket, can be raised
by white laborers, and slaves would be
principally valuable among US, as an
article Of sale in the market at New
Orleans, which we could more readily
supply than most of our neighbors,
owing TO the ease with which we could
raise and transport them thither. We
should be the best sellers in that marke!
of living men and women. What a
theme for contemplation does this idea
suggest to the citizen Of free govern
ment, with the accents Of equal rights
upon his lips! what an ample field for
reflection does it afford to the christian
moralist? Butt has even been said that
christianity requires that we should
bring the slaves Of the southern states,
where they suffer for want Of food, into
this land, flowing with milk and honey.
Such was the language used in the noe.