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Show 236 LIBERTY AND SLAVERY. as we shall soon sec, the expense was increased, while the crop was diminished. But after every possible explanation, even Dr. Channing and Mr. Gurney were bound to admit "that some decrease has taken place in both the articles, in connection with the change of system." They also admitted that "so far as this decrease of produce is connected with the change of system, it is obviously to be traced to a corresponding decrease in the qu11ntity of labor." May we not suppose, then, that here the ingenuity of man is at an end, and the truth begins to be allowed to make its appearance? By no means. For here "comes the critical question," -says Mr. Gurney, "the real turning point. To what is this decrease in the quantity of labor owing? I answer deliberately but without reserve, •Mainly to causes which class under slavery and not under freedom.' It is, for the most part, the result of those impolitic attempts to force the labor of freemen which have disgusted the peasantry, and have led to the desertion of many of the estates.'' Now suppose this were the case, is it not the business, is it not the iluty, of the legislator to consider the passions, the prejndiccs, and A RO UMENT FROM TilE PUBLIC 0 OOD. 237 the habits of those for whom he legislates? Indeed, if he overlook these, is he not a reckless e"-perimcnter rather than a wise statesman? If he legislates, not for man as he is, but for man as he ought to be, is he not a political dreamer mther than a sound philosopher? The abolitionist not only closed his eyes on every appearance of decline in the prosperity of the West Indies, ho also seized with avidity every indication of the successful operation of his scheme, and magnified it both to himself and to the world. lie made haste, in particular, to paint in the most glowing colors tho rising prosperity of Jamaica.* IDs narrative was hailed with eager delight by abolitionists in all parts of the civilized world. It is a pity, we admit, to spoil so fine a story, or to put a damper on so much enthusiasm. But the truth, especially in a case like the present, should be told. While, then, to the enchanted imaginar tion of the abolitionist, the wonderful industry of the freed negroes and the exuberant bounty of nature were concurring to bring about a paradise in the island of Jamaica, the dark stream of emancipation was, in reality, undet *Life of Joseph John Gurney, vol, ii. p. 214. |