New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-02-27
DIR. CHALMERSS PRACTICAL PLAN FOR
THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.


The following letter has been addressed to Lord
Brougham:
EDTSBURGH Jan. 30, 1861.
Ny LORD: On my way from the north, III 1871, l
passed delightful hours with DIR. Chalmers In his
retreat at Burntisand, roaming over the links aud
rocks Of that picturesque Ieghborhood in the course
OF which, talking OF scheme for the abolition OF
church patronage by Of Act for enabling the
people Of any parish TO buy up their patronage, and
leaving il there that those who proved themselves
worthy OF the right, by making sacrifice for 1t, might
have an opportunity OF 80 doing. "Oh, my dear Sir
said the Doctor that reminds me of my plan for abol
shng Slavery in colonies, which proposed to the
Government. proposed TO them to buy up one day in
the week Of the labor OF the sayes ana spend no more
money upon them All the slaves thus were to bave
one day for themselves, TO be employed in any way
they pleased Some, of course, would be idle that day
and some would drink But some slso would work
aud earn wages OH that day; and as these were the
well-,o do slaves, and would be outstanding their
wages proposed that should be lawful for them 10
buy up another day from their masters for themselves
that they should become owners OF two days in the
week in process Of time
"Wei having two days, thought Il would be COM
parativey easy for them TO go bUyDg day after day.
ill they rad all the week III other words, were their
masters.
than sx days for regard the Sabbath as already
theirs, and not tEeir masters.
81 consid.red that tLis scheme would accomplish
many objects besides. IL would cause no violent
den reyOlution the contrary, would leave things
as they were, excepting the day for which their
masters were paid. The idle slaves would continue
slayes and their masters would have their labor free
Rvo days in tho wooki and With regard ~ the Others,
the wel'o saves they would, Of course, continue
laboren all the week. and the fields would be well
worked i'll they had achieved their independence.
There would have been Io need Of my plan Of the
purgatorial apprenticeship scheme, that WAS found
necessary on the instant emancipation plan. The
gradual process of buying mp themselves by of
continued labor would Lave saved that; and il would
have been capital way Of preparing them for liberty,
and fitting them for enjoying is privileges. That was
my proposal
answer OF the Government ~
"Oh, The answer was, that it was much too expen-
tive il would coft five six millions And the end
was that, in few years, they gave twenty millions
for not 30 good thing
Now my lord l have addressed this letter 10 your
ordship at tbs cIis, because il seems TO afford the
only pr, teal scheme of peaceful emancipation posi-
Die. DIR. Chalmers common was onsEicuVus
AZ bic genius and IA this il eminently the aEo
with tie distinguished person whom address, feel
sure that your lodrbp will appreciate duly bis scheme.
am led to address your ordsbip, not only by the emf
neut distinguished, and loDg-continued perseveIing
eer, ices which You have done 10 the Of emanc
patton, but by tie conviction that you are the only
man whose voice has any chance OF being listened 10
IT, America in the midst OF the present commissions
The eole Of Boston, observe have referred 10 you
at this time and your lordship has given them good
advice.
Ihope your ordship will not only pardon the liberty
take but make your powerful voice be heard at this
time when America, and every good cause Is threat
ened with danger.
Your lordships faithful and humble servant,
JAMES BRIDGES.