Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-05-05
The E1irSiGens rrS.

In 1890 the population of the United
States, according to the census of that year,
amounted to 1921, 32G. The States were
then fifteen in number. Now the number
of States is more than doubled, and our
population is increased some seven fold.
In 1900 the great State of New York,
now the first in the confcderacy, was the
fifth inregard population. Virginia, then
the first, is now likely to become the fifth.
a relative change ofpositons somewhatre-
markablel
In every State of the Union, in 1870,
slavery existed, except in Massachusetts.
If those who take interest in the subject of
slavery at this day would take note of this
fact; ifthey would observe the gradual pro-
cess by which, without disturbance or ag-
ltallon, the institution of slavery disappear
cd from New York, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Connecticut, Rode Island, New
Hampshire and Vermont, they might learn
useful lesson, and might even come to
perceive that certain results may often be
better accomplished by the mutual opera
ton of things in their proper order, than by
the oilicious lnterposition Of meddlesome
agencies, that exert disturbing rather than
a salutary influence. There was no occa-
sion to bring fanatcism into the field to re-
move slavery from the more northern States.
1t retired to itself when the conditions of
those communities no longer required its
continuance. So ii will be elsewhere and
everywhere in due time. AS an industrial
instruineniality slavery is adapted only to
the most simple kinds OF labor-for in it.
sclfitis not inventive, norenergetic, nor en-
terpnsing. But where it exists it must con
tinuc TO exist until better system of labor
Is put in its place; and that can only be done
IN accordance with the gradually develop
ing requirements of this community where
the change is to be made. There is no law
recorded on the statue books of England
TO show that serfdom was ever abolished
in that country. 1t ceased gradually and
by reason of industrial and social rcquisi-
tions--never by statue.
1t is a prevailing error with theoretical
reiormers to regard society and government
IN the light of mechanism, and to look upon
the social and politicalstructure asa piece Of
machinery which may be altered as one
would modifya steam engine; when in truth
society is a growth, a living organism, Of
which Government isthe emanation and the
external form. Give but the inspiration OF
a healthful life, and the body socialand po
htical throws off its disorders by its own in.
herent ris ritz. Let it alone; forbear you,
drugs; do not nauseatc the system; leave il
to Its own recuperative energies which are
ten thousand times more powerful and san
alive than all the prescriptions of doctors
But the vanity which aspires to aid
Providence and to inaugurate itself among
creative Powers. will not be content to LEI
men and things alone. Its burning to dc
good; 1t is overlooking with bcnevolenct
and universal philanthropy and being
deeply panied to observe that others are
not so good as they ought to be, it sett
itselfup in the attitude ofperiection fully
attained and criesaloud against pcrvcrsC
generation. The age does not sanction
extreme Observation-Disclosures it would i
1t could, jealousy burn or hang all who
stood recusant TO its earnest solicitations
Such is the fanaticism Of these days, whicl
now seeks to lay hold of politics and tc
make the public affairs of the country the
staple and the element gifts most PERM
cious influence.
But to return to the census of1190. II
that year the State of New York had q
slave population of 21 1924; Pennsylvania
had 3,737 slaves; Connecticut had 2,764-
a larger number than Delaware has now
New Jersey had slaves even under tn,
last census. In 1870 she had a slave pop
ulation of 1l,423. The question might
occur, why is not New jersey a slave
holding State now as thenl She doe:
not Z = it to the abolitionists that she i.
not The answer to the question arises Of
Itself; the laws of productive economy
did not warrant the continuance of slavery
IN New Jersey; she needed a different
system of labor, and she obtained it. Thai
is all oft. The same formula Of quesior
ard answer is applicable throughout, and