The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-09-02

To Mr.. ---:
What are the advantages resulting, in this
Island. from the Abolition of Slavery?
|. What is the religious condition, at this
time. Of the Island generally, and the emanci
psted classes in particular, compared with that
during Slavery And in how far may the enan-
cipation be supported to have affected it?
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
to What extent?
was it under Slavery? And whether the invest
meut is considered more advantageous ow than
it was then?
5. Is there greater security of person and
property now than there was in the state of Sls-
veryf
6. Generally speaking, is the days work of
the free laborer for wages greater or less than
wss that of the slave? And in what proper
tiou7
7. What was the estimated cost of slave Ia
Dor per diem-takiDg into account the proper
ton of workers to slaoes, the interest and risk
of the investment in them, the law and other
charges to keep them in order, as well a. main
tensnce in food, clothing, &c.-and what is
now the daily cost of free labor?
8. Do the laborers usually work by the day
or Job, or both? And how many hours consti-
tute q days work?
9. Are the estates, generally speaking, better
or worse cultivated under free labor than they
were under slave2
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 free-labor
system And are there any modifying circum-
stances, other than Emancipation, that might
\ l. - Ia
III. Is Emancipation generally acknowledged
in this Island to be q blessing? And If not, by
VIVA. particular class or classes is it considered
otherwisef
H. Has there been, at any time since Eman-
cipation, any manifestation of vengeful feelings
on the part of the emancipated, for The things
endured in Slavery?
l3. Do the laborers usually take greater
interest in the Estate than under Slavery?
ID. What time do the usual engagements for
Estate labor leave them for house work, or
work in their own grounds
Is. Are houses furnished them rent free on
the Estates2 Or, if they pay rent, how is it
rated, and what are the conditions?
Is. Are lsborers required to pay any taxes,
peculiarly affecting their condition and circum-
stances?
IL. Have they the right of voting equally
with other classes?
Is. On the whole, have they been benefited
or otherwise by emancipation, and in what re-
spects?
l9. What is the present condition of the poor
whites? And how have they been affected BY
Emancipation? CHARLES TAPPAN.
FROM THE REV. JOSEPH THoRNE,
(COlored,) ,cho Preached Earlyin Lifeto Sldses.
l. The advantages arising from the eman.
nf ha alo nhy tnro
as to be evident to the most skeptical, who will
take the trouble of looking into the matter; and
with reference to tie religious state of the peo
pie, the churches and chapels are much better
attended than formerly and the behaviour
during the services are better, and the state of
morals is of much higher tone, taken as a
whole, than during the time of Slavery.
2. 1t is much more difused than formerly,
and far greater number of children attend the
schools than they possibly could in the times
of Slavery.
8 There is difference of opinion, but
venture 10 eGy that, from the fact that in the
times Of Slavery the master was Judge ard ex-
ecutioner in his own person, and that every
estate had its jail, only what they thought fit
was placed before the public; now, all must
come before the public tribunals of tie lard.
am therefore Of opinion that crime has not in
creased.
f. The value CT land has been much incress-
ed; this can be easily proved by the very high
prices estates have brought that have changed
Si60, lately sold for $500 an acre.
5. Undoab.eily, there is common interest
now formerly, it was not so all now have an
interest in The well-being of society, and the
maintaining of order and quietness, for the pro-
lection of life and property.
6. When they we're hired out in the times Of
Slavery, it was at the rate of 20 cents per day
with allowance; now, they cost one shilling
but they can earn two sbilliDgs with ease, and
very many Of them do so.
8. Both; nine hours lie the time allowed.
9. Many Of the estates have taken in q great
many pieces Of waste lands, and are now giving
much larger returns than formerly, nay
doubling the quantity of sugar they formerly
made.
IL. All classes have benefited by the boor
that was conferred by removing the awful curs
of Slavery from the land; there may be
few who think otherwise l do not know an
such.
IL. Never for one moment. At this time,
could point 10 several who have been mos
faithful friends and benefactors to their forme
masters, and are their chief support and refug,
from poverty and wretchedness.
l3. | would not venture to say that all mel
felt alike, but / think the employers have n,
reason 20 find fault with their want of attention
10 the affairs of the estate, as their propertie
have very much improved.
II. This derenes greatly on the class O
work they are employed for, as in the time O
reaping The cane they are necessarily later a
work. They then earn higher wages, and som
of them work by task, per day, or for nine hour,
Is. With few exceptions, they are not; the
are generally paid for the labor at 30 much pc
week.
l6. Any laborer who had any amount of Ian
would be taxed Ike his fellow cit zens. Boa
men aud porters take out ticket, fer the who
they paw according to law.
II. Yes; if they possess property TO Il
amount required by law, they have the right
voting ct AL elections.
Is. That question is Felfevident to every on
and great many of them have become propr
etors OF lands, and are fulfilling all the duti
of freed men.
70 Many Ct them have suffered from ema
cipeiion. According 10 an cid law which e
listed, each white person was entitled to be
tenant en- the estates, with an acre of land
their support; that ceased even before Il
emancipation. The repesliDg of this law b.
injured Them mere than emancipation. Maj
OF them are industrious, aud have gained pro
erty eince they have been thrown On their ov
resources. JOSEPH THoRNE.
FROM SAMUEL J. EDGHILL,
Manager of" Constant" Estate
|. Since emancipation, it has been four
requisite 10 increase the number of chaps
very considerably, to accommodate the lar
number of the emancipated ella 8, who were 4
nrsviously in the habit CT attending public ",
ship besides these of the church of Engar