| Chapter I. | |
| PAGE | |
| West India Party disingenuously treated | [1] |
| Chapter II. | |
| Compulsory Manumission contrary to the Spirit of the Resolutions of Parliament | [12] |
| Chapter III. | |
| Infringement of the Right of Property | [22] |
| Sect. 1.—The Conversion of good Servants into bad | [22] |
| Sect. 2.—Loss arising, if a number of effective Hands be taken from the Plantation | [35] |
| Sect. 3.—Plantations burdened with Expenses, while the gross Returns are diminished | [44] |
| Sect. 4.—Contrary to the Law of Mortgage | [47] |
| Chapter IV. | |
| Injury to the Well-being of the Slaves | [51] |
| Sect. 1.—Counteracts the Incentives to Civilization | [51] |
| Sect. 2.—Debauchery and Crime encouraged | [53] |
| Sect. 3.—Virtuous Union of the Sexes impeded | [56] |
| Sect. 4.—Task-work prevented | [57] |
| Sect. 5.—Invidious Feelings excited by prompting to a general Rush for Freedom | [60] |
| Chapter V. | |
| Safety of the Colonies endangered | [64] |
| Sect. 1.—Cultivation superseded | [65] |
| Sect. 2.—Rebellion instigated | [66] |
| Chapter VI. | |
| No just Analogy in the Precedents adduced by Government | [70] |
| Sect. 1.—Trinidad | [70] |
| Sect. 2.—St. Lucie | [73] |
| Sect. 3.—Berbice | [74] |
| Sect. 4.—Cape of Good Hope | [76] |
| Chapter VII. | |
| Responsibility attaching to Ministers if they enforce Compulsory Manumission | [78] |
COMPULSORY MANUMISSION.
Chapter I.
WEST INDIA PARTY DISINGENUOUSLY TREATED.
The West India Question is gradually narrowing to a point. There seems now to be little difference of opinion in regard to all safe and practicable measures tending to ameliorate the condition of the slaves, though the time and manner of their adoption may be dependent upon local considerations.
The question of emancipation, or that measure commonly designated Compulsory Manumission, alone remains at issue. The paramount importance of this clause, and the alarm felt in every West India colony at the threat of government to enforce its adoption, has caused the proceedings of the colonial department to be closely scrutinized, and it has in a variety of publications been charged with precipitation.
A pamphlet has lately appeared in vindication, under the title of “Remarks on an Address to the Members of the New Parliament, on the Proceedings of the Colonial Department with respect to the West India Question.” It is avowedly “written by a Member of the late Parliament,” and bears internal evidence of being the production of a gentleman connected with the Colonial Office.
This pamphlet calls for a reply, for two reasons: First, because the writer indulges in recrimination, and brings accusations against the West India body, which, if passed unnoticed, might produce a very erroneous impression on the minds of the moderate and disinterested portion of the legislature.
Secondly, because the writer discusses the compulsory manumission clause, and acquaints us with the nature and strength of the reasoning employed by government to justify the adoption of that measure.