Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1855-11-30

masters and their slaves in the great bulk oi our
population is kindly on tile part OF the former, aud
uociirnatcly faithful nii the part olhc latter. Slave
~, indeed il not pure and unmiXcd good Nor is
any that IL human There instances of cruel aud
dcvish masters, and %! turbulent md refractory
slaves, who cannot be controlled ami brought into
subsection but by extraordinary severity. But t!.s"
are exceptions, and rare exceptions. Great severity
in masters Is rs much opposed IL the usagcS OF
people a. 10 the sentiment OF the ag", and, Indeed, 10
the interest of the master. Moderation in the punish
racm OF dependents il founded III nature and uas,
excessive, and barbarous cruelty is moi to he pre-
suucd: but quite the contrary. The meek man who
led the sraers through the wilderness, and lcssln
ted for them b. inspiration, understood this better
than those Who paint US =" fr!ghfuiy without know
!ng much abort In treating ot the different de-
grces al homicide he had regard To the known mo-
tTcs OF the human heart aud thereon founded the
presumption that the alavn. ul II slave by tn. inIs
ter il by mi>adv hccuusc he is his money"
unless il should be rehukcl by such in the de-
gree duratiuu Of the infection to make him dir
under hl- land, md ihGS cvEce that discipline WAS
prrtrncc and the killing Of designed mali.uty or
w.non brutality. | appeal to every one il our ex-
pcricncc Is not i'll accordance with the divine statute.
The motive induces the master to be uUservunt
of the health and morals %! his slaves 10 care fur
them and 10 provide for them To restrain them from
banciui cxccss.s. uIr to employ them in moderate
though steady labor. That this is the coursc--the
established habit OF the savc!odig portion Of the
countryls plainly TO ba dcduced from IN increase in
Inc numbers OF our slave population beyond the ratio
at natural increase III the population ut any other
ton, which could Only arise from the abundant sup
ply of the necessl:cs and comforts OF life and con.
tented state Of mind.
Ii is great in those who do not know our
slavery to contound authority in the private relations,
though it be that Of slavcholder with the absolute
power Of prince throne. a political despot is
separated from his sub jects. licknnws them not nor
loves them He synpahzns with ilomc ot them, but
Their positions and feelings in constant hostility
But authority i'll domestic life though necessarily,
II Naturally considerable, mild, eusv TO be culrentCd,
AMI tends Ia an elevation in sentiment in the superior
whic! generates humane tenderness for those III his
power, and Renders him regurdtul alike of the duty
and dignity of his position 1t is only when the ali-
thorlty Is disputed and resisted that conflict occurs;
and the slaves, if kept 10 themselves, unpronptcI
from without, will seldom give occasion in that way
for rg"r' Why should this propituus state of things
be Changed! Why should any wish a change Is
pecIally why should persons who have no concern
in II. who are not OF us, and know not what they do
otticously interfere III relation entirely domestic
md delicate! We know that our slaves are generally
humble, obedient quiet and contented and cheerful
| race OF laborers Scattered over the plantations in
rural occupations, they are never rotous or danger
Gus, rs the same number of uneducatei working men
have often been III other parts of our country. Slaves
no part oil the State with political power aud
seek no violent or sudden changes in the law or po-
cy OF the country and where slavery exists labor
and capital never come in conflict, because they are
in the same hands, aud operate in harmony. Its not
theu blot upon our laws stain on our morale
nor blight upon our land. A signal instance of its
beneficial political influence just occurs TO me, 10
which cannot refrain from asking your attention.
The sad fate Of the Indian tribes in the territories now