Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1865-09-27
Imnnrtant Letter.

sui, who is a Northern man and appointee of the
late lamented President
L. 5. Consulate, KIN GsTuS, JAMAICA,
August ), 1866. /
Ne Dcolr Shy published state papers and the
press observe that the question of adjusting the
relations between the white and black races, and
the fixing Of the future status Of the negro in the
Southern States is just now the all-absorbing ques
ton in administrative circles as well as elsewhere.
My knowledge of your interest in public affairs
me that this subject must claim large share
of your attention, and that communication relative
thereto from the Of your old and firm friend,
Thomas Camp, would not be unwelcome.
A residence of nearly four years in the Colony of
Jamaca-the largest and most important of the de-
Tendencies affected by the emancipation measures
of the British government-has given me great IA
clties for observing the results of those measures
politically, socially, and morally, on all classes-as
also their effect the industrial and commercial
interests of the British West Indies. 1 have noted
facts connected herewith, with the greater interest
because from the beginning of the late war, l re-
garded the destruction of slavery in the United
States as one of its results-to be foregone concu-
sion; and believing the experience furnished by
these Colonies might be Of great value to our own
countrymen in drawing the line of policy underline
new order of things.
Although | have often though Of writing YOU on
these questions, have determined TO do So by this
opportunity a. so late period that should be able
to do little more than hastily give you the conelu-
sions have arrived at.
Reasoning from data gathered in these Colonies,
easily arrived at the conclusion that the only sound
policy to be adopted by the Federal and State gov
ernments would be one looking to the ultimate sep
aratOn Of the great mass of the two races, and ]
may add that all subsequent research and observa-
ton have tended to strengthen my first conviction
There has been nothing more clearly demonstrated
in the history and condition of these Colonies than
that emancipation effected against the will and sup
posed interest of the masters can make these
masters truly aHti-slareTy men.
The a5.iii,,s of the ex-master towards his former
slaves remains unchanged and it is exhibited in his
bearing in his legislation and his administration Of
ius tce The ex-slave with exalted but ill-defned
ideas Of freedom cannot be brought to brook these
things and rupture of industrial relations is in
evitable consequence. 1t has been proved beyond
all question, l think, that man born and bred
der the regime of slavery, is wholly disqualified to
sustain harmonious and profitable voluntary rela-
tions with his former slaves. Out Of the ten consid
cradle British West India Colonies varying much
in their individual circumstances and cultivation,
there not single instance wherein the two classes
have assumed permanent relations founded on the
mutual interest of all parties. AmalgamatiOn and
LEGITIMACY rampant; private virtue IS under
mined. Although political privileges were guaran-
teed to the emancpated slaves the basis of linn
tied property qualification, the franchise has not
been so used TO be of any material advantage to
them. Ihey nave LOT Lne most paFI Oeeu lne LOOlS
of tIeacherOus demagOgues. These things have Oc-
Cured here where the black and colored population,
as compared with the whites is from ten to twenty
TO one. l am glad 10 say the people gradually
advancing in intelligence and in proportion to their
/ ght they shake of the trammels fastened on them
| by the few.
The reign Of equality before the law among
all men has now lasted q years in the British West
Indies and hold the lessons taught in this quarter
are worthy of the most careful consideration.
has been shown here that every interest depend
eut upon the hearty cooperation of the two classes
has greatly suffered and many been entirely ruined;
and do not hesitate TO say that these fatal conse
duences are chiefly due to the short-sighted policy
the pride and prejudice of the dominant class There
is ut this date an antagonism of interest and feel
ing between classes that must ere long give the as
tendency 10 the people Of African descent in these
! countries
1t will BE- remembered that the late lamented
President Lincoln was a strong advocate for the
separation of the races in our country. During
soiourn of four months in Washington last year
while Congress was in session, 1 awaited myself of
the many opportunities afforded me for elicting the
views of public men this question. found New
England men opposed to all schemes of separation
or colonization.
/ Other Northern men seemed to be undecided and
holding the question in allegiance. Loyal Southern
men, without exception favored separation of the
races Whether their views have since undergone
( a change 1 am not aware.
/ The removal of 100000 people Is a stupendou7
undertaking, and the idea OF efiectng it at IS
Of course, impracticable; but plan by which con-
slant stream OF emigration would set to designated
/ country, is, think, entirely practicable.
Il has been for several years the settled policy Of
! the Jamaica government to encourage immigration
/ into this island with view 10 increasing the labor
/ ing population.
/ You are, no doubt, informed on the plans and
/ enormous cost of the introduction Of East Indian
and African cmigrants into the British West Indies.
! This Colony is now paying Interest and sinking
! funds on a large debt incurred for that purpose,
/ which has turned out q complete failure.
! The Colonial government is prepared 10 enCOur-
age an immigration Of cOlored Americans by appTo-
priations of money well as by every other means
/ at their disposal
! During nv three years connection with this Con
| sulate-mCst of which time have been in charge
I have twice been the medium OF conveying the
views and propositions of this Colony to the United
States government, with view to securing q large
number Of immigrants Of the class lately designated
/ contrabands that l speak advisedly on the
! subject.
! Jamaica mas now population Of 10000, and Is
estimated TO be capable Of sustaining population
/ of 1000 600. In her palmiest days only small
belt of land around the se8-cOast was under cult
! vation-within the last fifty years than two
thirds of the estate previously in cultivation have
/ been thrown up, and are now overgrowB with
Jungle. The whole interior Of the Island IS, COM
parative!y speaking, an unbrokcn waste of virgin
/ land.
/ Though one Of the first countries settled on the
Western Hemisphere, this Island is still an undevel-
! oped country. The soil Is rich, abundant springs
and brooks Of excellent water, copper and other
minerals in great quantities and being mountainous,
is without doubt the heathiest country within the
| Tropics-laying in the great thOrOUghfare of ma
tiOns, and having % available sea-poTts the COM
! mercial advantages Of Jamaica are unegualed.-
/ There Is no reason why this Island might not be-
| come negro paradise. Jamaica and every other
! British West India Colony, with two three ex-
! Ceptions would use every means at their command
TO colonize the American freedmen within their own
limits if the cooperation Of the States Federal
! government could be secured.
do not believe that Congress is now prepared 10
! encourage any colonization scheme but | sec moth
ING to prevent the action of the different State gov
/ ernments in the matter if deemed eNpedient-
| Northern abolitiOnists would give the negro the
right Of suffrage in order to secure strong ally in
the South, but l do not believe they succeed in
doing IT, vet they will be able to impede any Con-
gressiona measure looking to the final separation of
the races. If the different State governments will
| cooperate with the British Colonial governments
either directly indirectly, there can be several
hundred thousand Of our surplus negro population
comfortably settled in these Colonies annually.
greatly to the benefit Of the negroes themselves and
infinitely to the relief of every interest in the South
ern States If this view of the matter strikes you
favorably you will, of course give it some ventila-
ton in the proper quarter. By present mail write
! Gov. Pierpont of Virginia on this subject, with
/ whom had several interviews on these questions
when there and who found a deyout ss0aJatsonist.
! l regret having had to write you so hastily on so
| important q subject, but trust the foregoing will
serve TO bring the matter fully TO attention. shall
be glad to hear from you and continue the CORES