The Right Way the Safe Way: Proved by Emancipation in the British West Indies, and Elsewhere
History
The Right Way the Safe Way: Proved by Emancipation in the British West Indies, and Elsewhere
Slavery -- United States; Slavery -- West Indies
"Sept. 1836. The agricultural laborers continue a steady and uniform
line of conduct, and, with some few exceptions, afford general
satisfaction to their employers. Every friend to this country, and to
the liberties of the world, must view with satisfaction the gradual
improvement in the character and behavior of this class of the
community, under the constant operation of the local enactments.
"Jan. 1837. (After the Christmas holidays.) I cordially congratulate
your Excellency on the regular and steady behavior maintained by all
ranks of society, at this particular season of the year. Not one crime
of a heinous nature has been discovered. I proudly venture to declare my
opinion that in no part of his Majesty's dominions has a population of
30,000 conducted themselves with more strict propriety, at this annual
festival, or been more peaceably obedient to the laws.
"Feb. 1837. Crimes of any heinous nature are very rare among the
laborers. I may venture to say that petty thefts, breaking sugar canes
to eat, and offences of the like description, principally swell the
calendars of our Quarterly Courts of Sessions. In general, the laborers
are peaceable, orderly, and civil; not only to those who move in higher
spheres of life, but also to each other."
The foregoing Reports are all signed by "Richard S. Wickham,
Superintendent of Police."
TESTIMONY OF CLERGY AND MISSIONARIES IN ANTIGUA IN 1837.
Rev. Mr. Jones, Rector of St. Phillips, said to Mr. Thome:--"The
planters have always been opposed to improvements, until they were
effected, and the good results became manifest. They first said that the
abolition of the slave-_trade_ would ruin the Colonies; next they said
the abolition of _slavery_ would be the certain destruction of the
islands; and now they deprecate the _education_ of the emancipated
children, as a measure fraught with disastrous consequences. But
emancipation has proved a great blessing to the people, and the planters
in this part of the island are gratified with the working of the system.
The benefits of education are extending, and religious privileges
greatly increasing. There has been manifest improvement in the morals
and manners of the children, since education has become general. With
regard to marriage, there has been a complete revolution in the habits
of the people.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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