The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-10-10


By GEORGE M. WESTON. Published by the
\ Author; Washington. 1857. . .gIai
The above volume, handsomely printed and
plainly bound, has been laid on our table, and al
though the subject of 1t is one which we nstinc-
lively avoid, it behooves US, public journalists,
to give it. passing notice. The aim of the book
is briefly set forth in the following Introductory
lines Of the preface: HI
e The design Of this volume, as indicated by its
title is to describe the past progress of slavery in
the United States, and to consider the circuni-
stances which viii probably control it's movement
hereafter. The economy, morals, and effects of
slavery are discussed only incidentally and only so
far as such discussion was unavoidable; it having
been the main purpose Of the author TO deal with
the progress of slavery as matter of fact, accom-
plished in the past and to be discerned in the f-
ture by the aid of such lights as experience and
reason may afford" f&s.s, M
The author is not prone to moralizing or SER
mouzing on this fruitful theme, but addresses him
self to the task of showing the progress, the pc.
liti;a social, and economical consequences of
slavery, like man Of the world who is only con-
ce,ned to know how the ensavement of the negro
affects the welfare of the ruling class, the whites.
Indeed so conspicuously is this idea presented
throughout the volume, that we shall be greatly
surprised IL the author is not overwhelmed by
storm Of furious denunciation from the various
sec ions of Abotiondom, including large class Of
bis own egro-sympathizing Republican friends.
So uncompromising, and SO e1acting is our author,
in behalf Of the rights of white men, that he
claims not merely the whole South and West as
their rightful domain, but Cuba and Porto Rico!
He undertakes to show-and II his authorities are
reli ,ble he does show--that in both these fine
| islands the whites are rapidly gaining on the
blacks, Notwithstanding the yearly importation Of
thousands from Africa; and he insists that il the
slave trade were stopped, the African race would
soon disappear. He therefore favors the idea Of
acquiring the island and insists that It will imme-
diately be taken possession of by the free white
men Of the North Would II not be well for the
people of the South to look into this matter be-
fore they make leap in the darkf Is it safe 20
trust 10 the professions Of the dominant party in
a matter of so much Importance The process of
reas oning by which Mr.. Weston arrives at the
cusion stated above, is exceedingly plausible; and
If they may not be in danger Of another gross inn
position, such as was put upon them by Polk in
the acquisition Of California. -.f d
Our space will not permit US 10 make tho
rough review Of the book before us, and we there
fore content ourselves with saying that Il presents
the subject in many new and stHking--we might
say startling-points of view. The author seems
to delight in paradoxes His style is clear, strong
and even elegant, and his mastery treatment Of
the subject must command for his book vide
attention. It is needless to say that there few
points of agreement between the author and orr
selycs; and that, II we could have our way We
would Danish this pestferous question Of slavery
from the politics Of the country; but since two Of
the great parties Of the day--the sham Democracy
and the ck-Rel'ubcans--could not exist but
for the agitation Of this negro question; lis well
that their respective policies should be seen and
understood by the people, as presented by their
| ablest men. .,,s 49,