“The effect of emancipation upon the commerce of the island must needs have been beneficial, as the laborers indulge in more wheaten flour, rice, mackerel, dry fish, and salt-pork, than formerly.  More lumber is used in the superior cottages now built for their habitations.  More dry goods—­manufactures of wool, cotton, linen, silk, leather, &c., are also used, now that the laborers can better afford to indulge their propensity for gay clothing.”—­Statement of a merchant and agent for estates.

“Real estate has risen in value, and mercantile business has greatly improved.”—­H.  Armstrong, Esq.

A merchant of St. John’s informed us, that real estate had increased in value at least fifty per cent.  He mentioned the fact, that an estate which previous to emancipation could not be sold for L600 current, lately brought L2000 current.

NINETEENTH PROPOSITION—­Emancipation has been followed by the introduction of labor-saving machinery.

“Various expedients for saving manual labor have already been introduced, and we anticipate still greater improvements.  Very little was thought of this subject previous to emancipation.”—­S.  Bourne, Esq.

“Planters are beginning to cast about for improvements in labor.  My own mind has been greatly turned to this subject since emancipation.”—­H.  Armstrong, Esq.

“The plough is beginning to be very extensively used.”—­Mr. Hatley.

“There has been considerable simplification in agricultural labor already, which would have been more conspicuous, had it not been for the excessive drought which has prevailed since 1834.  The plough is more used, and the expedients for manuring land are less laborious.”—­Extract of a letter from Hon. N. Nugent.

TWENTIETH PROPOSITION.—­Emancipation has produced the most decided change in the views of the planters.

“Before emancipation took place, there was the bitterest opposition to it among the planters.  But after freedom came, they were delighted with the change.  I felt strong opposition myself, being exceedingly unwilling to give up my power of command.  But I shall never forget how differently I felt when freedom took place I arose from my bed on the first of August, exclaiming with joy, ’I am free, I am free; I was the greatest slave on the estate, but now I am free.’”—­Mr. J. Howell.

“We all resisted violently the measure of abolition, when it first began to be agitated in England.  We regarded it as an outrageous interference with our rights, with our property.  But we are now rejoiced that slavery is abolished.”—­Dr. Daniell.

“I have already seen such decided benefits growing out of the free labor system, that for my part I wish never to see the face of slavery again.” —­Mr. Hatley.

“I do not know of a single planter who would be willing to return to slavery.  We all feel that it was a great curse.”—­D.  Cranstoun, Esq.