The Journal of Negro History, Volume 6, 1921Various
History
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 6, 1921
Various
African Americans -- Periodicals
Considering the probable composition of the labourers, and the
known fact that, where the labour is compulsory the greater the
number of labourers brought together (unless, indeed, where
cooperation of many hands is rendered essential by a particular
kind of work, or of machinery) the less are the proportional
profits, it may be doubted whether the surplus from that source
merely, beyond the support of the establishment would
sufficiently accumulate in five, or even more years, for the
objects in view. And candor obliges me to say that I am not
satisfied either that the prospect of emancipation at a future
day will sufficiently overcome the natural and habitual
repugnance to labour, or that there is such an advantage of
united over individual labour as is taken for granted.
In cases where portions of time have been allowed to slaves, as
among the Spaniards, with a view to their working out their
freedom, it is believed that but few have availed themselves of
the opportunity by a voluntary industry; and such a result could
be less relied on in a case where each individual would feel that
the fruit of his exertions would be shared by others, whether
equally or unequally making them, and that the exertions of
others would equally avail him, notwithstanding a deficiency in
his own. Skilful arrangements might palliate this tendency, but
it would be difficult to counteract it effectually.[15]
The examples of the Moravians, the Harmonites, and the Shakers,
in which the united labours of many for a common object have been
successful have, no doubt, an imposing character. But it must be
recollected that in all these establishments there is a religious
impulse in the members of a religious authority in the head, for
which there will be no substitutes of equivalent efficacy in the
emancipating establishment. The code of rules by which Mr. Rapp
manages his conscientious and devoted flock, and enriches a
common treasury, must be little applicable to the dissimilar
assemblage in question. His experience may afford valuable aid in
its general organization, and in the distribution and details of
the work to be performed. But an efficient administration must,
as is judiciously proposed, be in hands practically acquainted
with the propensities and habits of the members of the new
community.
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