Mobile register and journal., 1845-10-09
#We leave the &C, out for want of room.
For the Reaister & Journal.

MESSRS. EDlTORS:-A5 the people OI AidDdiId
have been enlightened by an address from Col. A.
J. Pickett on the subject of the great evils flowing
from the introduction for sale OF negroes into this
Stale and AS the ed object OF the writer is
invoke the attention of the Legislature for the sup
preston of the trade, il may be of some use 10
examine the arguments OF the lecture.
1t is proper state, in the outset. that the writer
of the address is not entirely volunteer in the
publication of the paper and it is probable he would
have been content with The presentmeni OF his views
to and by the Grand Jury of Montgomery county,
had not his admirers called for, endorsed and para
ded them in wider field. Sill. there is perfect
harmony of intention between the writer and pub
Usher Of the address, If we may Judge from the let
of TIE latter, and The introduction of the former.
Though il is addressed The Jurors OF The Sate for
their consideration, yet, by dint OF strong solicta
ton, it has found its way 10 the Press-and thus
doubly urged, it hoped by the publishers that the
treal sentiments of the people may be speedily
known.
The views of Col Pickett frat presented
last spring; and though avorably noticed by several
leading papers at that t,me were soon lost sight oil
and hushed in The warm controversy ri the thea an
preaching elections. There is something exlraordi
nary in this admission Of the address; for why a
question of much moment TO the best interest Of
the State WAS "lost sight OFF at the most proper
period, and the most effective mode of ascertaining
The real sentiments Of the people, neglected by The
writer and his approvers, does not appear. Nor
selected is better adapted to reach true public sent-
ment, than proper issues before the people in the
Controversy of elections. &c.
Rut waving The snficiency of the reason assigned,
and similar objections, let us look at the address
ITSELF and observe whether the reasoning OF the Col
onel is just and conclusive as to The position he as
sumes.
The writer's recital of facts needs some correc-
ton The object OF the address is to prove that the
introduction of slaves into the State for sale, is The
great Of depression in the affairs OF our peo-
pile. Errors 10 the statement OF history oil qnes-
lion should be particularly avoided, they influence
in great measure The correctness oil the conclu-
sion.
In the opinion of the writer of The address, none
of the evils complained of result from Rgraton,
conIradstlnguished from introduction for sale. He
think that The former adds 10 The wealth Of
the State, whilst the latter though il increases the
agents of productveness, impoverishes the commu-
nifty, by draining of the substance of the people in
the shape of circulating medium. The difference in
the modes Of acquisition is certainly very great,
it involves the consequences of gift and purchase
To show the ruin. however, Of Introducing slaves
for SALE the increase Of negro population is CAREFUL
|, exhibited by the address, from 1916 10 '32-the
term in which it asserts the tide of emigration
this maximum, and at the end of which il ceased
At the last period, rather from 1880, emigration
gave way to another food, and there inn
mense augmentation Of the number produced by in
SAFE, anu ''lne fdnefB WHO constantly
visit us are responsible for the great increase Of
l47, 598 slaves" after making due allowance for
natural causes.
Nothing is said in relation to the progress Of the
State in wealth; or Of tia "ruin'' from other branch
es of commerce; or of its increase of population in
other respects: is any comparison instituted be-
tween the growth of the white and black inhabitants
Of the State. .-I .fIi
Now il will be remembered that Alabama is a
young State, and that its rise in every respect has
been rapid as any in the South. The immense
quantity Of fertile lands within its limits, its csm
aercal advantages and the attractive force Of great
gains which resulted from the cultivation pf cotton,
made the "young sister" lovely object Of peculiar
regard 10 every portion of the country, and espe-
cialy TO The slaveholdng States Of the East and
North. The streams Of emigration and introduce
lion for sale at early period, were swelled into
strong hoods and increased in volume until the gen.
er,l bankruptcy of 1887, when they greatly sub
sided. ..l4-. 1
The trade has always been a channel Of lucrative
enterprise; and however despicable 1t may be in
itself avocation, has been, and will continue
10 he profitable, so long there il sufficient DIFF
ference ~ The value Of labor between the old and
the new States. Emigration never was greater than
IN the years between 1882 and 81; and il may we'll
be doubted whether the trade not less proita-
BILE, if not smaller in amount, during that time, than
at any other period for the fact was, the rage for
private ventures and general emigration during those
years. made il difficult for traders to obtain negroes
FIR The market.