The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-02-06
He.

In O final chapter the author shows that the
institution OF slavery would not have taken such
vigorous root in the soil of South Carolina had
there not been found an article of commerce
which could be successfully cultivated by
slave labor. and by slave labor alone. Before
rice began to be cultivated in South Carolina.
Portugal. which was a great consumer of tho
grain. had been supplied from Italy. 1t was
the opportunity of reaching the Portuguese
market which induced the Carolinians to devote
their attention to the production of this COM
modify. Their industry and skill were ulti-
mately rewarded with abundant crops OF this
valuable produce, and they had nearly monopo.
liked the Portuguese market when. by an net
passed In the reign of Anne. rice was added TO
the articles enumerated in the Navigation acts.
the expectation of which was restricted to
Great Britain. This act required the rice OF
Carolina. intended for Portugal and Spain. to
be shipped first to England. and reexportei TO
those countries. The cost OF this additional
expectation. was estimated At one-third OF the
value OF the commodity. This legislation cut
on Carolina from competition with Italy and
the East Indies in tho markets of southern
Europe. Yet, although deprived d. of what should
have been the chief mart ofthe province. the ship.
encountered though this also was with reexpor-
tation charges. became presently OF great import.
Town. The successful production OF rice. and
It's value considered as an article OF export.
tended largely to the enlargement of the ins'i'
tuition OF African slavery: Indigo and cotton
were, yet to be found, equally suited to cultiyn.
tion by this agency. but during the timo OF tho
proprietary government. and for a number OF
negro labor could be pToftably employed. Car.
olina rice had already become esteemed ms tho
best In the world, and IL ~sustains the reputation
to this day.
The authors researches have enabled him to
give us some glimpscs of social life in Carolina
under proprietary rule. Even at the end Of the
period. society In the colonies seems to have
count or It as it was in 100 has come down 10
us by tradition from Landgrave smith. In his
counting days. he sad, young girls received
their hesuy at 3 o'clock, having dined a, ~ and
many families retired 10 bed at 7 in the winter
and about = in tho sunmer heir q .hers
having learped to obey the curfew toll IN
grave Smith recalled. were all uncarpoted, the
sides OF. the apartments, retaining the natural
color OF whatever wood. the house CHANGED
bottommed. Another contemporary describes
the gentlemen. who had country seats az very
courteous. living nobly In their houses. and
giving very gonteel entertainments. A.Sw!ss
Rentlemhn, who In ITO gave a favorable ac-
count OF Carolina TO q friend in Bcrne. relates
that no people were more hospitable. generous.
every one was ready TO, entertain them free;
ly with the best they had. Moroseness and
sullcnhess were rare. he said. among them. Al
though so. happily situated that nobody was
careful To make liberal provisions for the poor.
Those born of European parents, he adds. wcrs
Tor the most part very temperate. and gener"iIy
could not call TO mind more than two or three
We hope that Mt. Mccrady will continue his
line under the royal Government from l7Ie v