The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-08-19

What axe the advantages resulting, in this
Island, rom the Abolition of Slavery?
l. What is the religious condition, at this
tine, Of the Island generally, and the emanci.
psted classes in particular, compared with that
during Slavery? And in how far may the enan-
cipstion be supposed to have affected it3
2. What is the state of education now, COM
pared with what it was under Slavery?
3. Is there less crime now than formerly, and
10 what extent?
4. What is the price of land now, and what
was it under Slavery? And whether the invest
ment is considered more advantageous now than
II was then?
s. Is there greater security Of person and
property now than there was in the state of Sla-
very?
.. Generally speaking, is the days work of
the free lsborer for wages greater or less than
was that of the slave? And in what proper
ticn?
Z. What was the estimated cost of slave Ia
Dor per diem-taking into account the proper
ton of workers to sLGres, the interest and risk
of the investment in them, the law and other
charges to keep them in order, as well as main
tenance in food, clothing, &c.-and what is
now the daily cost of free labor?
8. Do the lsborers usually work by the day
or job, or both? And how many hours consti-
tute a days work?
8. Are the estates, generally speaking, better
or worse cultivated under free labor than they
were under slave?
10. Comparing the cost of production, on the
whole, with the quantity of produce raised, apart
from its actual market value. has that cost been
increased or diminished under the freelabor
system And ere there any modifying circum-
stances, other than Emancipation, that might
be supposed to have contributed to that result
ii. Is Emancipation generally acknowledged
in this Island to be blessing? And if not, by
what particular class or classes is it considered
otherwise?
IL. Has there been, at any time since Eman-
cipation, any manifestation Of vengeiul feelings
On the part of the emancipated, for the things
endured in Slavery?
l3. Do the laborers usually take q greater
interest in the Estate than under Slavery?
IA. What time do the usual engagements for
Estate labor leave them for house work, or
work in their own grounds?
l5. Are houses furnished them rent free on
the Estates? Or, if they pay rent, how is it
rated, and what are the conditions?
l6. Are lsborers required to pay any taxes,
peculiarly affecting their condition and circum-
stances?
IL. Have they the right of voting equally
with ether classes?
Is. On the whole, have they been benefited
or otherwise by emancipation, and in what re-
spects
10. What is the present condition of the poor
whites? And how have they been affected by
Emancipation CHARLES TAPPAN.
FROM LONDON BOURNE,
A man Of unmired african blood and once a
stdre lcit0 noe OtcaS tio0 tceU caLtigdted plant
atoms
BARBADOS, FRIENDSHIP PLANTATION,
January 20, 1858.
DEAR Sir: / have received list of cues
lions from you, relative to the extent of advan-
tages resulting at this period from the abolition
of Slavery, which L beg to reply to, for The
information of those concerned in the welfare
of that deeply injured race, as follows:
L am dear sir, with due respect, your obedi-
eut servant, LONDON BOURNE.
Mr.. 46ppdn.
The altered circumstances generally in this
eAsass OF people, both in appearance, wealth, and
Status in the community, unquestionably fully
show that the change has been beneficial,
many having become proprietors of small
landed estates and houses in the city as well
as country.
/. The condition Of the emancipated classes,
in both moral and religious point of view, has
immeasurably improved, and results from
free action of mind and body. Marriages and
other Christian obligations amongst this class
are celebrated as common as they were IN
common under the old regime.
2 cannot say that education is as fully
developed as it should he amongst the people !;
but from the time OF which you speak, it has
been valued so much that great many of the
children of the emaacipated show at this mo-
ment good specimens of attainment; and it is
hoped, so soon as the efforts recently made BY
the Legislature for the furtherapce of education
amongst the mass be carried out, that that
blessing in the reach of all will be gratefully
accepted.
3. / think so many crimes before, except
the heinous one Of murder, were punishable by
the master alone, so that the public was I'M
aware Of their commission but now publicity
in all such matters would make it appear that
it is on the increase.
4. The price of land has nearly doubled at
this time, and investments in that description
of property much safer.
5. You have no fear of your life on the plant
alton now, nor apprehension of finding your
buildings burnt or other damage done over
night, on rising in the morning.
Lahorers will work by day or Job nine
hours is IA days work.
8. Estates produced, under Slavery, nearly
one half less than they do now
10. Better cultivation, more work, and the
stimulus of money wages, have tended TO
raise the amount of sugar production; these
causes have decreased the cost of that article,
aided by agricultural implements-the crops
of this island being nearly doubled.
H.. The whole community concurs in the
blessings OF emancipation.
IL. There is no instance of such feelings
having ever transpired
Is. Where there are good feelings between
the employers and laborers-that is, wages
fairly earned and fairly paid-no dissatisfaction
of the slightest nature exists.
IA The usual time for working estates is
from Mondays to Fridays; but you may have a
large portion OF laborers to work any dsy tina,
there is need of them.
To- The usual way to pay rent is, by giving
day labor TOR the use of house a week OF
else, the house being theirs, they rent half an
acre Of land on which they place their wooden
tenement of two rooms, laying ont the balance
for provision grounds and canes.
Is. No tax is paid by the emancipated, save
he be the possessor of property, in which case
he pays the same tax as any other member OF
the community and when his taxes amount to
the qualification which the franchise act re
quires that one should possess, be votes, serves
as juror, and possesses ali the rights and
privileges of citizen.
ls. They have all the rights of men, and al
those attributes which Providence in his good
ness has destined for man.
l9. Many of this class have risen sine,
emancipation to cpulence, others have becom
shopkeepers, artisans, carriers, and, in the high
lands of the island, agricultural laborers. Thi
LaI haa,, ,rt he bohf IF aot,r