by statesmen and politicians, of the axiom that the shortest communication between two given points, is a straight line.  While others were speculating, and hoping that the worst reports from the West Indies might not be true, and that the evils would work their own cure, this generous and heroic philanthropist, resolved to go himself and ascertain the facts and the remedy required.”  On his return, Mr. Sturge, with his companion, Thomas Harvey, published a full account of their investigations into the working of the apprenticeship system; and his testimony before the Parliamentary Committee, occupied seven days.  His disclosures sealed the fate of the apprenticeship system.  Such a demonstration of popular sentiment was called forth against it, that the Colonies, one after another, felt themselves under the necessity of abandoning it for unconditional emancipation.  It was a remark of Brougham, in the House of Lords, that the abolition of the apprenticeship was the work of one man, and that man was Joseph Sturge.

Mr. Sturge’s benevolent labors have not been confined to the abolition of slavery.  He is a prominent member of the Anti-corn Law League.  He is an active advocate of the cause of universal peace.  He has given all his influence to the cause of the oppressed and laboring classes of his own countrymen:  and his name is at this moment, the rallying-word of millions, as the author and patron of the “Suffrage Declaration,” which is now in circulation in all parts of the United Kingdom, pledging its signers to the great principle of universal suffrage—­a full, fair and free representation of the people.  It was reserved for the untitled Quaker of Birmingham to take the lead in the great and good work of uniting, for the first time, the middle and the working classes of his countrymen, and in so doing, to infuse hope and newness of life into the dark dwellings of the English peasant and artisan.  The Editor of the London Non-Conformist, speaking of this movement of Mr. Sturge, says:  “The Declaration is put forth by a man, who, perhaps, in a higher degree than any other individual, has the confidence of both the middle class and the working men.  The former can trust to his prudence; the latter have faith in his sincerity.”

Such is the man, who, prompted by his untiring benevolence, visited our shores during the past year.  This volume is the brief record of his visit, and of the impressions produced upon his mind by our conflicting interests and institutions.  It is now republished, in the belief that the opinions of its author will be received with candor and respect by all classes of our citizens, and that they are calculated to make a permanent and salutary impression, in favor of the great cause of universal freedom.

Boston, May, 1842.

PREFACE

To the English edition.