The Rutland County herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1852-1855, 1853-04-16
slavery In Cuba.

hlttu hloh itt WfsttoH W liit tVuhfs
by public men who we're known 10 be
identified with the South and its insti-
tuiions. OF late there has sprung up
in iha, section Of the Union a warm and
well-organized opposition TO The project
and, at about the same time, we find it
commenting itself to the favor Of the
Free Democrats" in Congress, so far
as we have any indications from them
upon the subject. This singular revcr-
sal Of opinion gives rise TO one or two
inierrogaiories, the answers to which, if
We mistake not, involve some facts not
generally known TO the American peo-
Pile, and Of more than ordinary interest
at the present juncture.
African slavery is eminently an in
siitution Of Cuba. The whites compose
but small proportion other population;
aud her labor is performed exclusively
by slaves. Her sugar-felds, which yield
the wealth Of her freemen, are cultiva-
ted by slave labor alone and if the is
land is desirable at all for its productions
these productions must. for long time
to come, be the fruit of the black mans
toll. How happens it then that men,
who, year or two since, rallied under
the motto of "no more acquisition Of
territory" and who still declare their
determination TO resist the increase Of
slave power generally now in ia
vor of the acquisition of the Sugar Is
land ? There is less inconsistency in
these apparent contradictions than might
be supposed at first glance.
The African slave trade, held by the
whole civilized world to be piracy, and
deserving the same punishment that is
accorded to the banditti of the seas,
continues TO be carried on with Cuba,
under the very eyes and by the conniv-
ance of the Spanish authorities there.
Annex this island, extend over it the
laws of the United States, with its pow
er to sustain them, and the infamous
traffic must cease forthwith. ii is this
hope which renders Cuban annexation
desirable TO many opponents Of slavery;
and it is one in which our entire peo.
pie will heartily sympathize.
But slavery in Cuba is quite differ
ent institution from that which exists in
our southern states. Spanish law, so
oppressive in many respects towards
free subjects. seems TO have been espe-
cially regardful of the rights ofthe slave
population, as will fully appear from
the statement of few Of its provisions.
In Cuba the slave has always the lber-
ty of changing his master, or purchasing
his freedom while with us his sale or
his emancipation is altogether within
the control of the master. There the
freedom of the slave child may be al
ways secured by the payment TO the
master Of s25 on the day Of christening.
If the master neglecis this ceremony
until the slave becomes of age, still the
rule holds good he is compelled by law
to part with his property upon its chris
tcning,on the payment ofthe sum named.
If slave, by good fortune in gov
ernment lottery, or by industry and rru-
dence, is able TO amass one hundred
dollars Of his own, he has the right TO
| demand of his master TO state the price
for which he shall be allowed his free
dom. The usual price of an ahle-bodied
man is about $500. If the master re-
fuses to set price, or charges sum-
which the slave considers exhorbiant
lie cites the master before the iSinSico
Procwador General, who estimates the
value Of the man and declares the price
for which he shall be permitted TO pur-
chase liberty. In all cases, the .Siadico
is quite sure TO name price less than
would be generally conceded fair one ;
and, consequently the matter is general
y agreed upon between the master and
slave without reference 10 the magis-
irate. The price once fixed can never
be increased. If the slave is valued at
$500. and pays his master 500. he is
then said 10 be cuartado for S400, and
has the right TO select his own employ
ment and employer, anywhere within
his district, paying four-fiilhs Of his
earnings TO his masfer-,he latter pro.
viding him with all the necessaI-ies OF
life. If he pays 5000 or $500 on his
price, his master collects ihree-fiiihs or
iwo-ffihs of his earnings, the slave hav-
ing the remaining two-fifths or three.
ffihs to himself 10 devote TO the com
pletion Of his emancipation.
The government lotteries 10 which
we have made incidental illusion are
largely paironized by The blacks. They
are conducted in perfect good faith and
the tickets are very low--ihe grand oh.
jeci being 10 give the slaves opportunity
10 purchase freedom BY this means q
negro often obtains the means 10 pur'
chase himself at once, much 10 the Joy
Of his fellow-servanis--al OF whom have
an occasional holiday 10 attend in per
son the drawing Of the lotteries. Th,
slave who has in hand what he suppose
TO be fair price for his liberty goes &c
his master. offers il TO him, and become
free on the instant II any difference
arises to the terms. reference ia had a
once To the lSiadie0, who, ms in lh'
} former ease. fixes the price--and iron
whose decision there is no appeal.
So, also, II slave considers hinsei
overworked or 10 any other manne
harshly treated by liis owner, he has neT
er-failing redress He goes 10 the S'H