The “mistake” of this liberal descendant of Israel, which excited so much merriment was, after all, not a very unfortunate one, if the “crown” of manhood is more important than that of monarchy.  The members objected to so near an approach to immediatism, not, however, be it remarked, on account of the unfitness of the apprentices, (slaves) but their own convenience.  Among those who replied to Mr. Hart, was Mr. Osborn, of unmingled African blood, born a slave, and who, we are informed, was a successful competitor for the seat he now occupies against the very man who formerly claimed him as property.  Mr. Osborn and his partner Mr. Jordon were editors of the Jamaica Watchman, and had contended manfully for liberty when it was a dangerous word.  Mr. Osborn said:—­“He was astonished at the galloping liberality which seemed to have seized some honorable members, now there was nothing to contend for.  Their liberality seemed to have outrun all prudence.  Where were they and their liberality when it was almost death to breach the question of slavery?  What had become of their philanthropy?  But no, it was not convenient then.  The stream was too strong for them to resist.  Now, however, when the question was finally settled, when nothing remained for them to do, it was the time that some honorable gentlemen began to clamor their liberality, and began a race who should be the first, or who should have the honor of first terminating the apprenticeship.  He hoped the motion would be withdrawn, and the discussion put an end to.”

What had become of the visions of blood and slaughter?  Could there be more impressive testimony to the safety of Emancipation in all, even the worst cases?

We might add to this testimony that of the universal newspaper press of the British West India colonies.  We have room, however, to select only from a few of the well known opponents of freedom.

“We seriously call upon our representatives to consider well all the bearings of the question, and if they cannot resist effectually these encroachments of the Imperial Government, adopt the remaining alternative of saving themselves from an infliction, by giving up at once and entirely, the bone of contention between us.  Thus only shall we disarm, if anything in reason or in nature can, our enemies of their slanderous weapons of offence, and secure in as far as possible, a speedy and safe return of peace and prosperity to the “distracted” colony.—­Without this sacrifice on our parts, we see no shelter from our sufferings—­no amelioration of present wrongs—­no hope for the future; but on the contrary, a systematic and remorseless train laid for the ultimate ruin of every proprietor in the country.  With this sacrifice which can only be to any extent to a few and which the wisdom of our legislature may possibly find out some means or other of compensation, we have the hope that the sunshine of Jamaica’s prosperity shall not receive any farther diminution; but shall rather dawn again with renewed vigor; when all shall be alike free under the protection of the same law, and the same law-givers; and all shall be alike amenable to the powers that punish without favor and without affection.”—­Jamaica Standard.