These facts come down upon the question of the safety of an immediate emancipation with an a fortiori, a much more then.  For it is admitted on all hands that the apprenticeship had “alienated the affections of the people;” they were in a state less favorable to a quiet sequel, than they were before the first of August, 1834, yet the danger was not thought of.  The safety was an argument in favor of emancipation, not against it.  The raw head and bloody bones had vanished.  The following is a fair exhibition of the feeling of the most influential planters, in regard to the safety of the step.

From the Barbadian, May 9, 1838.

AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN THE NEW COURT
HOUSE, APRIL 24TH, 1838.

The Lord Bishop rose and spoke as follows: 

“Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Council,

’I was informed yesterday that, during my absence from this island, the members recorded their opinion as to the expediency of absolutely abolishing the apprenticeship in August, 1838.  I am most anxious to record my entire concurrence in this resolution, but I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the measure as called for by any hardships, under which the laborers in this island are suffering—­nor from the want of any essential comfort—­nor from the deprivation of any thing, which a laborer can fairly claim from his master; still I do express my concurrence in the resolution of the board, and I do so on these grounds:  that I am satisfied the measure can be safely carried in this island, and if safely, then I feel justly; for I consider the very important interests which are involved in the measure.  I must confess, too, that I am unwilling the Barbados should be behind any other island, especially in a measure which may be carried both safely and justly, and where its example may be of such beneficial consequence.  I am just returned from visiting the Northern Islands of the Diocese.  I have gone over every part of Tortola, and though it is far more fertile than the Off Islands, yet even these are sufficiently productive for the laborer to raise the lesser and necessary provision of life,—­and yet with these islands in their very face, the Legislature of Tortola has passed the act of abolition.  Some of the proprietors were opposed to it, but they have now given up their opposition; and I heard, whilst in Antigua, not only that the act had passed, but that on the day of its passing, or the following day, some of the leading proprietors rode through the island, and were met by the people with expressions of the utmost gratitude, regarding the act as a boon granted to them by their masters.  At Nevis the act has passed.  At St. Christopher’s the council are in favor of its passing, and with Nevis emancipated in its vicinity, there is little doubt but the Act must pass.  At Montserrat also it has passed.  At Antigua,