From the foregoing statements we obtain the following comparative view of the past and present state of sentiment in Antigua.

Views and conduct of the planters previous to emancipation: 

1st.  They regarded the negroes as an inferior race, fit only for slaves.

2d.  They regarded them as their rightful property.

3d.  They took it for granted that negroes could never be made to work without the use of the whip; hence,

4th.  They supposed that emancipation would annihilate sugar cultivation; and,

5th.  That it would lead to bloodshed and general rebellion.

6th.  Those therefore who favored it, were considered the “enemies of their country”—­“TRAITORS”—­and were accordingly persecuted in various ways, not excepting imprisonment in the common jail.

7th.  So popular was slavery among the higher classes, that its morality or justice could not be questioned by a missionary—­an editor—­or a planter even, without endangering the safety of the individual.

8th.  The anti-slavery people in England were considered detestable men, intermeddling with matters which they did not understand, and which at any rate did not concern them.  They were accused of being influenced by selfish motives, and of designing to further their own interests by the ruin of the planters.  They were denounced as fanatics, incendiaries, knaves, religious enthusiasts.

9th The abolition measures of the English Government were considered a gross outrage on the rights of private property, a violation their multiplied pledges of countenance and support, and a flagrant usurpation of power over the weak.

Views and conduct of the planters subsequent to emancipation: 

1st.  The negroes are retarded as men—­equals standing on the same footing as fellow-citizens.

2d.  Slavery is considered a foolish, impolitic, and wicked system.

3d.  Slaves are regarded as an unsafe species of property, and to hold them disgraceful.

4th.  The planters have become the decided enemies of slavery.  The worst thing they could say against the apprenticeship, was, that “it was only another name for slavery.”

5th.  The abolition of slavery is applauded by the planters as one of the most noble and magnanimous triumphs ever achieved by the British government.

6th.  Distinguished abolitionists are spoken of in terms of respect and admiration.  The English Anti-slavery Delegation[A] spent a fortnight in the island, and left it the same day we arrived.  Wherever we went we heard of them as “the respectable gentlemen from England,” “the worthy and intelligent members of the Society of Friends,” &c.  A distinguished agent of the English anti-slavery society now resides in St. John’s, and keeps a bookstore, well stocked with anti-slavery books and pamphlets.  The bust of GEORGE THOMPSON stands conspicuously upon the counter of the bookstore, looking forth upon the public street.