The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 1, July, 1863: Devoted to Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 1, July, 1863: Devoted to Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
visitations of cholera, and one of small pox, all within eleven years,
which together are computed to have swept off 40,000 persons. The
increase would doubtless be much greater but for the loose living and
careless habits of the negroes, and their almost entire destitution of
medical attendance. There are now, it appears, but fifty qualified
practitioners in the island, with no hopes of reinforcement.
The results of this census were very gratifying, and very unexpected.
Such scanty means are there, ordinarily, of knowing the true condition
of the country, that it was a prevailing impression that the population
was decreasing. Had slavery continued, the present population would
probably have been about 275,000. The difference of 165,000 in favor of
freedom tells its own story. But the present necessities of the estates
call for a more speedy augmentation of the laboring force than is
furnished by natural increase alone.
I have omitted to mention in its proper place one gratifying sign that
those minor industries which make so large a part of the prosperity of
the wealthiest free communities, but which are neglected by the coarse
labor of slaves, and have been particularly despised by the Jamaica
planters, are now coming up in the island. Hitherto, sugar, rum, and
coffee have been the all in all of prosperity to Jamaicans. But in 1838,
the pimento export was 2,708,640 pounds; in 1858, 9,465,261 pounds. In
1838 the export of logwood was 8,432 cwt.; of fustic, 2,126 cwt.; of
mahogany, 1,936 feet; of cocoanuts, 0; of honey, 0. In 1859, the export
of logwood was 14,006 cwt.; of fustic, 2,329 cwt.; of mahogany, 35,000
feet; of cocoanuts, 712,913; of honey, 6,954 pounds. The ginger export
has diminished from 1,834,120 pounds in 1841, to 709,620 pounds in 1858.
This increase in the lesser articles of trade shows a brisker
circulation in the capillaries of the social system, a sure token of
reviving health. Indeed, before the writer left the island, that dreary
uncertainty how affairs were turning, which prevailed for the first half
of his stay, had given way to the returning cheerfulness arising from
the feeling that Jamaica had touched bottom, and that henceforward,
however slowly, her prospects were brightening. This cheerful feeling
displays itself in a late report of Governor Darling to the Home
Government, some paragraphs of which follow, quoted from Mr. Underhill's
book, from which the writer has derived so large a part of the facts
that he has had to take at second hand, and which he is glad again to
commend as kindly, impartial, and full of carefully gathered and exactly
appreciated information. His conjectural estimates of property, however,
are exceptionable, as decidedly too high.
Governor Darling, himself a planter, says:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account