The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-13
From The Euiaip Democrat.

TREATMENT OF NEGROES. -Wo hope our
readers will not think it out of place, or pre-
sunlptuous in us, if we venture to offer them a
few reflections upon this subject. The proper
management of our negroes at the South has
always been Il matter of great private interest
to their individual owners but it is fast bccom-
ing one of the deepest public moment. When
we look at the deadly hostility that exists against
The institution Of slavery at the North, nd the
efforts that arc being made to undermine it in
our very.midst, it is of the greatest Importance
that our slaves should be united to US rs much
" possible, by kind and considerate treatment.
1t would be exceedingly mpolitic and danger
Gus at this time, for shareholders to use unne-
cessury harshness or severity in the government
of their slaves, as this must inevitably tend to
make TEN less contented with their condition,
and more inclined to listen to those who are not
only secretly endeavoring to entice them from
their homes, but are instlllng dangerous senti-
meats into their minds.
We know that as Il general rule, slaves are
kindly treated at the Sonth; for the more our
white nopulntion has advanced education and
refinement, the mere the feeling Of humanity
towards the blacks-the disposition to treat
them us fellow beinys--has continued to
strengthen. Perhaps not one master IN thous-
md ever ventures now to treat his slaves with
brutal severity and the few who do so incur the
tontemp; and scorn OF their nei Ih5Ors. But
what we would now chiefly insist on, il that
shareholders should not merely give their negroes
Il sulticiency to eat and to wear, mr. merely
avo over -tasking them. but they should endcavor
to inspire them with love and gratitude, by at
tending more strictly to those little wants and
comforts, the absence Of which even the hum:
blest Of slaves will feel at times to be privation
When Il slave is simply provided with food
clothing, and cabin to lodge in, it eXctes no
| thanksuness in his heart, for he reflects within
himself that these things are bestowed upon
him merely because they are necessary to keep
him alive, that he may work on for the benefit
of his master, But if the master will show
some regard for his comforts as we'll os his neces.
sites, then n feeling of gratitude arises in his
breast, and he is inclined to serve his master
from affection, and not from compulsion Now
it cannot bo denied that there are many planters
| in the South who care very little whether the
feeling that exists in the bosoms Of their negroes
is one of far or aGeclion provided they are ODE.
dent and do their duly with alacrity. But
| would not such planters evince more prudence
and more humanity, if they would seek to es-
tablish mutual good ,cU between themselves
| and tair slaves!
Having spent many Of our younger years upon
large plantation, we had every opportunity
OF observing the effects Of different manage.
ment upon the sane set Of slaves; and it is our
sincere belief that il is in the power of every
master 10 make his negroe. not only fear, but res
pect and lore him. And is it not all-mportau,
that every sla,e-owner should begin to pursue
this course? We have incendi,ries in our midst
who are striving by every means to ALLEVIATE on,
slaves, either by enticing them from their homes
or by rousinr rebellious feelings in their bosoms
But by proper and judicious treatment, they can
be made so happy, and contcnted with their
condition, tat it will be out Of the power OF
abolition agents to draw them off into the free
States, or excite them to deeds Of cruelty and
revenge against their masters.