New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-01-01
A VISIT TO THE Port OF srA1N


AniAno u 4EAhAuhO
Last May, the writer visited the island Of
Trinidad, and had an ample opportunity of
noting the progress Of the negro race in the
West Indies under the auspices of freeden,
as we'll as the impetus given in the pro-
duetion of sugar as accelerated by the late
war in the south of the United States. The
steamer in which was passenger drop
ped anchor few hundred yaraa from
the city OF Pert Of, Spain, encircled
by a Heet of some, fifty vessels of
every class, from the noble steamers
and majestic ships down to ordinary
schooners, hailing from Liverpool, Glasgow,
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and other
ports, forming connection with all parts
Of the globe, loading with sugar and mo-
lasses, purchased below rates at which our
Louisiana planters could exist. Our vessel
was Immediately surrounded BY feet Of
large, comfortable and tidy skiffs, manned
by negroes neatly dressed, whO-exerted ev-
cry nerve, to induce our passengers TO en-
ploy them, to transport taeir baggage to the
wharf, and after succeeding, showed the ut
most alacrity in the performance of their
duties, marked by Politeness and honesty
in their charges. Ny fare, including trans
pertatiOn Of two trunks, amounted to one
shilling. The same rush was made on land
ing BY the negro drsymen TO secure the
hauling of our baggage, and in that depart
ment saw no lack Of industry. The city,
Immediately upon the bay, is situated or
built in valley at the foot Of 2 chain of
mountains of grand appearance, and the
principal business street is similar in APP
pearance TO our Canal street, with the ex-
ception that the neutral ground is much
wider, and covered With large and uaagnsf-
cent trees. At . point on this beau
tifnl street corresponding with the
position of the Clay statue is one
of the most elegant Of the several
fountains that adorn the city, and rapid
walk amid boxes, and bales, and casks,
with a glance at the imports and'exports,
astOnished me with the commercial import
ance Of the island. A turn in the street
brought me face to face with police officer,
black as ne ace Of spades. dressed in anil
form. THIS was a new feature to me, never
having seen one before Of that color. Being
q Southern man, Of liberal feelings and
views, and knowing fall we'll that men
Of the South should take things as
they are, and not az they were, and feel
ing that, any information acquired for the
benefit Of the black race, would be An i'd
vantsge 10 the whites, I conversed freely
with intelligent negroes as well as mer-
camille meRs 80 to the condition Of The
negro race in the islands, and asceItained
fact that viii be particularly appre-
ciated by our intelligent blacks. The
slaVei formerly owned Ia the Wegr India
ialands have enjoyed their freedom ior q
far lsHger period than those with u.s. And
lhay have learned In that interval the reIa-
| tive pesitisn 81 labor and capital. a iaeI
patent to every white man II oar
midst TIE eapitaiiaE my b., and is
greatly dependent upon the laborer. and
che laborer equally dependent upon this
| capitalist for his wages and Subsistence,
Hence theip interests are identical, and The
negfo,who has nothing to depend upon save
1 Bis labor and Yspnldfioa feels that ihe sue.
cess Of his employer . . guarantee for BIZ
future welfare. Aad they al work and
pnll together and produce great results.
The island tbelOuging 70 EngIandl il gov
erned By Aord Gorden; the laws are JUS
but stringent Work Is trump, and any
man, white or black, Who Willsnot work fol
himself and becomes yagraRt. Is made Il
work for the government and the good o
society. +. A. J,