rate, it is hardly possible for the slaves to fall into a more deplorable condition, than that in which this interposition of parliament found them.

The degree of success which has attended this experiment in the West Indies, under such unfavorable auspices, makes us sure, that emancipation in this country, accorded by the good will of the masters, would be attended with the happiest effects.  One thing is plain, that it would be perfectly safe.  Never were the West Indies so peaceful and secure as since emancipation.  So far from general massacre and insurrection, not an instance is recorded or intimated of violence of any kind being offered to a white man.  Our authors were continually met by assurances of security on the part of the planters, so that, in this respect at least, emancipation has been unspeakable gain.  The only obstacle to emancipation is, therefore, removed; for nothing but well grounded fears of violence and crime can authorize a man to encroach one moment on another’s freedom.

The subject of this book is of great interest at the present moment.  Slavery, in the abstract, has been thoroughly discussed among us.  We all agree that it is a great wrong.  Not a voice is here lifted up in defence of the system, when viewed in a general light.  We only differ when we come to apply our principles to a particular case.  The only question is, whether the Southern states can abolish slavery consistently with the public safety, order, and peace?  Many, very many well disposed people, both at the North and South, are possessed with vague fears of massacre and universal misrule, as the consequences of emancipation.  Such ought to inquire into the ground of their alarm.  They are bound to listen to the voice of facts, and such are given in this book.  None of us have a right to make up our minds without inquiry, or to rest in opinions adopted indolently and without thought.  It is a great crime to doom millions of our race to brutal degradation, on the ground of unreasonable fears.  The power of public opinion is here irresistible, and to this power every man contributes something; so that every man, by his spirit and language, helps to loosen or rivet the chains of the slave.”

* * * * *

The following sentiments are expressed by GOVERNOR EVERETT, of Massachusetts, in a letter to EDMUND QUINCY, Esq., dated

    “Boston, April 29, 1838.

DEAR SIR,—­I have your favor of the 21st, accompanied with the volume containing the account of the tour of Messrs. Thome and Kimball in the West Indies, for which you will be pleased to accept my thanks.  I have perused this highly interesting narrative with the greatest satisfaction.  From the moment of the passage of the law, making provision for the immediate or prospective abolition of slavery in the British colonial possessions, I have looked with the deepest solicitude for