New-York daily tribune., 1861-08-11
NEW PUBLICA17ONS.
AN ENGLISH VIEW OF SLAVERY AND
SFCESSlON

'AA AND Econ OMICAL by TnoSAs Eli bS, f. s. 5.
Iamo. PIP. S7I. Sampson, Low, Son Co.
The author of this volume, who is known in
England by his able contributions to statistical
science, maintains that the cause Of the present
Secession movement in this country is traceaoie
TO the institution Of Slavery, and eniorces and
illustrates his views by large collection oi
facts on which he comments in series OF DIS
passionate and intelligent reasonings. Common
cling with the adoption Of the Federal Cons'l'u'
ton in 1889, he follows step by step the struggle
between the defenders of Slavery and the advo-
Gates OF Freedom. until its elimination In the
civil war which now convulses the Union. no
is struck by the fact that neither the worn
slave, nor any of its derivatives, Is 10 Dc iounu
in that document, and iniers from the euPheni'
isms with which the trainers of the CONSTITUTION
aougbt 70 hide tho monster iniquty, that the
thing was abhOrred, and though tolerated. was
not sanctioned. The fret great advantage ga'ned
by the Slave States was the acquisition OF Loulsl-
From the moment the uct for Its purchase
uyas na,aed they felt that they had the Free
statss m tneir power; they had obtained space
to multiply their slaves at their viii; and since
that time they have pursued the policy of allow
hp no influence to the Free States, except in
subseryiency to their own views. Next in the
order of prominent events was the establishment
of the Missouri Compromise which increased
the power of the South, and gave wide range
to its favorite institution. But the greedy pas
sion for more territory was not satisfied. 1t was
eagerly coveted, not merely to prevent the too
rapid concentration of the slave population, but
to replace the plantations which had been i'm
poyershed By excessive and exhaustive cultiva-
tion. The desire for fresh lands led by success
sye steps to the annexation OF Florida, Texas,
and the purchased regions of Mexico. With the
Illustration of the designs Of the South in regard
to Kansas, q reaction commenced IN favor oil
freedom, and the Shareholders did not fail to
perceive that they were threatened with defeat
by the rapid increase of their opponents in num-
bers and strength. The election of Mr.. Lincoln
furnished the pretext for carrying into effect the
plan, which had long been at the bottom Of
Southern policy.
The people had been wrought up to an intense
degree of excitement by the declamations Of the
oratorica fire.eaters, and the South Carolinians,
who had long cherished the ambition of form
ing an independent nation, boldly took the lead
in the work of Secession. The remonstrances
of moderate men were in vain. Soon all free
dom of opinion and discussion was banished.
Every man who was not an insurgent was
branded as an abOlitioDist, and threatened with
expulsion from the State.
The grounds upon which South Carolina at
tempted to vindicate her course, the author
characterizes as puerile and farcical. Had she
waited to give the new President an opportunity
Of announcing bis principles and intentlons-had
she postponed her adieu until after some uncon-
stitutional encroachment on Southern rights
she might have received the sympathy OF impair
tisl men oil both sides of the Atlantic. But al
IL ia her declarations and ordinances are reaC
sometimes in an ironical, and sometimes in
serio.comic tone. Some people pity her; Others
look on her with contempt; the majority say
let her alone, till she learns from experience
Che folly of her dongs; the muscular minority
arges the need Of giving her u sound thrashing;
while every one shares in the universal disgust
The effect of secession on the prospects of
cotton is lucidly discussed by Mr.. Ellison, with
whom the subject has been special branch Of
study. 1t is maintained by Southern politicians
that when separated from the Union they will
open their ports freely to foreign manufactures,
and if the Western States refuse to join them,
will Themselves produce all the provisions neces-
sary for home consumption. But how would
This, even if practicable operate on the cotton
business The last crop was exceedingly
large one, amounting to 4,629,770 bales, and of
the estimated value of $232, 032, 523, while the
provisions purchased from the Free States
amounted to S45, 377, 400. Had the Slave States
accordingly raised all the provisions required for
home consumption, there would have been $45,-
377,i00 worth less Of cotton grown, or about
3,92S, 900 bales instead of 4,529,770 bales.
Hence, with the consumnation of Southern Con-
federacy, a falling-Off Of about one-ffth go per
cent) in the extent of the future crops might be
anticipated. The reduced supply of cotton would
doubtless greatly enhance its price, giving
stimulus TO its growth in other cOttOr producing
countries. A high range of prices for two or
three successive seasons would enable capitalists
to introduce an improved mode Of culture in
India, and to permanently establish the cotton
trade on the continent of Africa. All that is
wanted is q start. So long as the prejudices of
the English spinners against all cotton except
that of the United States are kept alive by q
full supply, no other country can pretend to es-
! tabsh successful competition; but let the i'm
ports from the Southern States be reduced from
as per cent of the whole arrivals, the present
ratio, to 10 or 55 per cent, which would proba-