Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-04-18
TREATMENT OF SLAVES.

We find in the Columbus. Ca, Soil Of the
South. the report of a committee appointed to
| anime the essays presented for the premium of
fered by the Southern Central Agricultural Soc-
ety. for ''the best acceptable essay on the manage
meat and treatment Of Slaves" The committee
report that they have decided in favor of the es-
say of the Rev. Thos. F. Scott, of Columbus,
Ca, the best entitled TO the premium. They
then proceed with some remarks which we copy,
because we think they should be widely read,
especially by the people of the non slaveholding
States. They will learn by the following extract
from the committees report, the ideas generally
entertained in the slaveholdiDg States respecting
the treatment of slaves:
"The committee might here close their report.
as their prescribed duty has been discharged by
the selec ton of that essay, deemed the best en-
titled to the premium, but the perusal of the nu-
merous essays submitted to their examination has
so forcibly suggested a few remarks to their
minds, that they would ask for them the indul-
gence of the society.
"They have been struck by the fact that al
though these essays have been written By persons
from at least three of the slave States, containing
more than million of slaves the system recom-
mended for the management and treatment of
that class, is substantially the in nearly all
OF them. This circumstance proves conclusive
iy that 1t is one OF general acceptance and prac-
tice throughout extensive and important por-
ton of the Southern States.
The lending principles inculcated by thes q
writers are: that the duty of master and slave
are relative; that while the master is entitled
to the obedience and fair service of the slave he
is under obligation to the latter to provide for his
religious and moral improvement; that in enfor-
clng hrm discipline, it should be conssteur,
mild and consderate; that there should be strict
observance OF the principles of justice in all the
relations between master and slave; and that in
dustry aud good conduct should be encouraged;
the taste for Innocent amusements gratified and
that ample provision should be made for the ply
steal we'll being of the slave. of comfortable and
| not over crowded houses, good clothing, abundant
and nutritious food, and kind care of the sick,
the young and the old.
The author of these essays, while iecpmmen-
ding different means for the accomplishment OF
these ends, generally concurs in the foregoing
principles and in the opinion that the pecuniary
interest of the master best consulted by a
humane and liberal treatment of the slave.
That such feeling should be generally enter
tanned. and such principles iaculcated by so many
persons from extended territory, is certninly
honorable to the Southern character, and where
they prevail the muster may we'll pride himself
on practical philanthropy, which, while it
places the slave in condition of comfort and
happiness enjoyed by no other laboring popula-
ton, of the grade of civilization is preparing
him by safe and practical education as ra-
pidly as his present state will allow, for one of
greater elevation and increased usefulness.
The Committee proudly adduce this fact as
retutasion OF the wanton caumnies that ignorant
missionaries and maIevolent fanatics are heaping
| on generous people, who, placed under circum-
stances of peculiar and great difficulty, are earn
estly and manfully seeking for a rational and
safe solution of one of the greatest problems that
can occupy the anxious thoughts of the wise, the
good and the patriotic"