Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-05-06

1T seems now to be almost universally. contested
that Slavery as an institution, has ceased to ex-
ist Yet the relations between the white and black
races in our country remain to be established by
such policy, laws aud usages as shall be found best
adapted to promote the industry and prosperity OF
both. To devise a scheme cOndueive TO these ends
will tax the wisdom, fOrbeaFenee and foresight oil
our rulers to their utmost tension.
II is common to hear the opponents of emAncipa-
ton refer to the results Of freeing the blacks in the
island Of Jamaies positive proof that such policy
IS alike disastrous to both races. We propose
briefly 10 show the contrasts between the moral and
material elements Of the problem as existing IN
Jamaica and in cur country, aud thus to deny the
soundness OF the inference drawn nom a supposed
similarity OF condition.
In 1888, when the act Of the English Parliament
prospectively emancipatng the negroes was passed.
Jamaica held a population of only $4,000 whites
while the blacks and mulattOes numbered not less
than $40 OOO-a proportion OF about one to twenty
four. In the United States, on the contrary, the
whites outnumber the blacks as nearly six 10 one.
While in Jamaica, therefore, the negro element
was so overpowering as TO bring dO5U ths standard
OF industry and prosperity TO the habits OF race
proverbially INDECENT and careless, in our country
the very necessity for exertOn in contact uith the
outnumbering whites will compel the liberated
blacks % enterprise and thrift.
The Intelligence aud moral culture Of the eman-
cipated-segroes in Jamaica we're immeasurably be-
low those Of the same race in our country at this
crisis. The slaye trade had literally "dOne its
worst" IA that Island. Between 100 and lIS6 not
less than COO DOB rude, nntutOred Africans we're
brought IN, IN 1901 when farther importation OF
slaves was prohibited they numbered 324,OOO.--
English owners and Overseers are known TO have
been aaoag the most cruel and selfish in the world
lFhey trealed their slaves merely as beasts Of bur
Then, Hence this great mass of human beings
when smancipated were stepped in ignorance, and
brutalEed by a system which practically ignored
their moral nature. We rejoice to know that in
1855 the blacks of the South are in far higher
condition. A great change has been wrought even
in our own country since 1920, and forty years OF
kindness and humanity have elevated the negro to
a platform ia which the dangers Of emancipation
have been greatly diminished.
The physical features and the connection between
labor aud product are very different in Jamaica
from those in our country. Probably in no place
10 the world is il so easy to lire, as mere ANIMAL
as in that Island Situated wholly within the trOp-
les with two hundred rivers and streams running
from the Blue Mountain ridges both sides into the
ocean, which fertilize the ground and give the APP
propriate INiian name Of Jamaica" the 'ISle Of
Springs" With a soil rich and generous, producing
almost spontaneously plantains, bananas, ,yams,
sweet POTATOES maize, sugar cane, oranges, shad-
docks, pOmsgranateS and pine-appleS, with the
rivers aud neighboring swarming with fish,
there was everything in the state Of this Island 70
invite an uncultiyated and naturally indOsnt race
OF emancpated negroes 10 habits OF idleness, self
indulgence aud vice. Hence the decline in the pro-
ductiou OF sugar, coffee, mOlasses, pimento-in
fact, OF every product requiring labOr,-has been
very great; and in the two years, 1850 and 1851,
~, 900 OF. the negroes died from disease.
But the condition Of things in the United States,
even in those parts OF the South naturally richest,
Is very different. Labor, systematic, intelligent
and constant is indispensable il order TO secure
the means OF living. The vigorous competition and
tue example OF the white race will be ceaseless
stimulus to the emancipsted blacks, both male and
female, urging them to industry, economy and
uccess.
Yet, with all the encOuragements thus furnished,
the adjustment Of the relations Of labor and the
supply OF adequate motives to make the negroes a
useful aud selEsupportiug part Of the continuity,
will require wise aud patient legislation to which
the best thought and talent Of the land should be
speedily turned.