Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-11-26
staanton Spectator.
STANTON, VA.
s
WEDNESDAY,, NOVEMBER rs, 1855.
Condition OF southern Slaves.


IT is au oft repeated saying that the Northern
Abolitionist is the worst enemy Of the Southern
negro. No one feels this more Sensibly than the
humane masters Of he South. To the wicked
and ncendiary spirit If abolitionism, is to be at
tributed oil the ls@s III thu Southern States re-
lating to slaves, which have been denounced as
unnecessarily rigorous and cruel 1t is well
known in every slayeholding community that
some of these laws are dead letters, aud in re-
gard to Others the code is so administered-lus-
tce is so tempered with mercy--that the slave
convicted OF crime frequently escapes with
lesser degree of punishment than would be in
ticted upon white man. How often does it
happen for instance, that slave convicted OF
an offence for which white man would be sent
TO the Penitentiary for five or ten years. mere
~ ordered to be sold out the Commonwealth.
But while there is nothing in the practical OPP
GRAFTON, at least, of our laws affecting slaves,
which can be justly censured there is much that
might DC done TO improve the condition of that
class of population. We are no advocates of e.
Emancipation, present or prospective; and are in
tuenced not at all by wish to prepare the slave
for freedom. Even admitting all the evils which
its fanatical opponents charge upon the institu-
ton, we DO not believe that the wisdom of Insn
can at present devise a safe and practicable plan
of emancipation. Hence we heartily approve of
that provision in the Constitution of Virginia,
which prohibits the Legislature from passing
laws having any such view, and thus cuts Off all
agitation of the subject. Ii slavery is ever a.
polished it will and must be by the slow and ST.
lent operation Of tie laws of Providence, and
any tinkering OF man in the matter will only
produce confusion amt disaster.
Considering slavery then as permanent in
stitution,it becomes our duty to do what we can
to alneliorate and improve the condition Of the
slave. The laws regard slaves not only as pro-
perty, but as human beings-fellow creatures
with ourselves. There is TN infidel philosophy
falsely so called, which would degrade
them to the level Of the brute but not so true
philanthropy, to say nothing of Christianity
The slave is rational, intelligent being, response
bic for his acts to human tribunal here. and
higher tribunal hereafter; and duty to him, tC
ourselves and to God requires Us thus 10 trea
him.
We are not prepared to recommend any parti
cular measures touching tho subject; but we re
joice to observe that in various parts of tn,
South the press is calling attention to il. TIL
Telescope, published at Abbeyille, South Caro-
lima, commences an article as follows: at i
pleasing to see one and another of the great AM
good among the true friends of the South, ant
of the negroes in the South, taking large, chris
tian views of our obligations to the African il
our midst" The Charleston Courier, whose edit
or was lately elected member of tie Soutl
Carolina Legislature, warmly advocates o repea
OF the laws against allowing slaves to read an
write, "as contrary to the spirit of Protestan
Christianity, which could not consistently per
NIT the Bible to be 3 sealed book to any human
being, of any color or condition" The Southern
Press, during its braf existence at Washingto
city, suggested the same policy, and adduee
facts and arguments to show that the diffusio
of intelligence among slaves would promote tn
best interest of both bond and Free In Louisian
laws nave areauy Oeen passed 10 prevent I'll
separation of slave mothers from their youn
children, and, if we mistake not, recognising an
protecting the relation of husband and wife.
We regard these things as indications tina
public sentiment at the South is taking o RICH
direction, whatever may be thought of the partic
ular reforms specified. Heretofore the South la
neglected its duty III the premises, in great mea
sure because We would do nothing Shy compul
sion" AS Abolition intermeddling gave rise t
the statute book and prevented the enactment G
others of different character; but we hope tn
South is becoming less sensitive to the opinion
ofoutside fanatics, and more heedful Of the call
of duty.