"How grossly are they mistaken to suppose slavery to be disallowed by the Alcoran! Are not the two precepts, to quote no more, '_Masters, treat your slaves with kindness; Slaves, serve your masters with cheerfulness and fidelity_,' clear proofs to the contrary? Nor can the plundering of infidels be in that sacred book forbidden, since it is well known from it, that God has given the world, and all that it contains, to his faithful Mussulmen, who are to enjoy it of right as fast as they conquer it. Let us then hear no more of this detestable proposition, the manumission of Christian slaves, the adoption of which would, by depreciating our lands, and houses, and thereby depriving so many good citizens of their properties, create universal discontent, and provoke insurrections, to the endangering of government and producing general confusion. I have therefore no doubt, but this wise council will prefer the comfort and happiness of a whole nation of true believers to the whim of a few _Erika_, and dismiss their petition." The result was, as Martin tells us, that the Divan came to this resolution: "The doctrine, that plundering and enslaving the Christians is unjust, is at best _problematical_; but that it is the interest of this state to continue the practice, is clear; therefore let the petition be rejected." And it was rejected accordingly. And since like motives are apt to produce in the minds of men like opinions and resolutions, may we not, Mr. Brown, venture to predict, from this account, that the petitions to the Parliament of England for abolishing the slave-trade, to say nothing of other legislatures, and the debates upon them, will have a similar conclusion? I am, Sir, your constant reader and humble servant, HISTORICUS.[5] FOOTNOTES: [1] _The Works of Benjamin Franklin_, II, p. 517. [2] _Ibid._, II, pp. 518-519. [3] _The Works of Benjamin Franklin_, II, pp. 519-520. [4] _The Works of Benjamin Franklin_, II, pp. 520-521. [5] _Ibid._, II, p. 521. THE PROCEEDINGS OF A MISSISSIPPI MIGRATION CONVENTION IN 1879[1] The convention of the planters of the Mississippi Valley, which has attracted the attention of the entire county, ever since the call for its assembly was published, met in this city, this morning. Delegates from all sections of the country are present and more are expected. The original intention was to hold the meeting of the convention in the Operahouse, but owing to the large crowd present, and the warm weather, the place of meeting was changed to the Concert Garden.