Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-01-06
Aristocratic Philanthropy.

The titled ladies of England are signing and
mourning over the extravagant delineation OF
American slavery in Mrs. Stoves novel.
great meeting was recently held at Stafford
House, composed of the noblest and proudest
ladies of the aristocracy of the three kingdoms.
Mrs. Duchess of Sutherland presided And
the high and mighty ladies of Her Majesty's
Court, with tears and prayers and bible phras-
es, with soft words of condemnation and
self graduation, made out a sweet memorial
to the women of America upon the terrible
wickedness of slavery. They beg that union
may arise between both parties to do away the
evil. The memorial was put on satin paper,
and it is said, as the high-titled ladies Of Vic
toria's Court put their names to the document,
tear drops and drops of otto of roses mingled
profusely.
No objection can be made to this exhibition
of feeling. But it is hardly necessary for the
ladies of England to send their sympathies over
here. especially as they are obliged to overlook
by the act so much misery at home. Instead
of sobbing over the fancied shrek of lacerat-
ed slave far away, it would be better for them
to look at the depth of wretchedness in the
streets of London, where, as is described, the
stencil Of poverty more patrid than eUer feStered
in Gods sunshine, fills the receptacles of wo and
misery. The London Morning Herald says
more unrelieved misery exists in London this
winter than usual. No wonder. "Uncle
Toms Cabin" has monopolized the philanthro-
Ply or English ladies. A poor English semp-
stress girl may work for three pence day or
starve, and these duchesses of the English court
know nothing about it but pretty fiction
of negro life is enough to wake up the femi-
nine philanthropy Of the whole realm to vigor-
Gus efforts across the Atlantic.
We have no defence for slavery neither
have we an excuse for hypocrisy. Britain,
with all of English Boosting of civilization,
philanthropy and christianity, is the most hyp-
ocritical nation on the face OF the earth. See
Britain feeding China with bibles from one
hand, and with opium from the other. How
many Of the poor Chinese get to heaven by the
former instrumentality. we do not know but it
is demonstrated that four hundred thousand hu-
man beings are sent to premature and dishon-
ored grave annually and the seeds of misery,
degradation and death sowed broadcast, by the
accursed traffic in opium sanctioned by the
English parliament.
The Emperor of China says-"I cannot pre-
vent the introduction of the poison corrupt
men for profit defeat my wishes; but nothing
aOiH induce me 10 desire revenue from the Uice
and misery of my people" A noble, christian
sentiment And yet, British officials, author
lied by law and encouraged by government,
persistin this contraband trade, and force their
opium into China by means of steamships and
clippers. The result is fearful sacrifice of the
Chinese people, body and soul. We think
there is work enough to do at home for the
Duchess Of Sutherland, Viscountess Palmers
ton, Lady John Russell, and the other high
titled ladies of England. Instead of weeping
over the poor negro of an American planta-
ton, let them open their eyes to the enormous
evils existing at their own doors, and the
abominable traffic in opium legalized by their
own government. -.-~-