to speak again.  We hear voices here and there which will excite other voices, and I trust before long they will bring all to speak the same thing on this subject, so that the conscience of the whole nation may be aroused.  There is another method of dealing with the subject, which is alluded to in the address, and also in the resolution of the society, at Exeter Hall.  It is the third resolution proposed at that meeting, and I will read it, and make some comments as I proceed.  It begins, ’That, with a view to the correction of public sentiment on this subject in slaveholding communities, it is of the first importance that those who are earnest in condemnation of slavery should observe consistency, and, therefore, that it is their duty to encourage the development of the natural resources of countries where slavery does not exist, and the soil of which is adapted to the growth of products, especially cotton, now partially or chiefly raised by slave labor.’  Now, I concur with this most entirely, and would refer you to countries where cotton can be grown even in your own dominions—­in India, Australia, British Guiana, and parts of Africa.  But it can be raised by free labor in the United States, and indeed it is already raised there by free labor to a considerable extent; and, provided the plan were more encouraged, it could be raised more abundantly.  The resolution goes on to say, ’And though the extinction of slavery is less to be expected from a diminished demand for slave produce than from the moral effects of a steadfast abhorrence of slavery, and from an unwavering and consistent opposition to it,’ &c.  Now, my own feelings on that subject are not quite so hopeless as here expressed, and it seems to me that you are not aware of the extent to which free labor may come into competition with slave labor.  I know several instances, in the most slaveholding states, in which slave labor has been displaced, and free labor substituted in its stead.  The weakness of slavery consists in the expense of the slaves, the great capital to be invested in their purchase before any work can be performed, and the constant danger of loss by death or escape.  When the Chinese emigrants from the eastern portion of their empire came to the North-western States, their labor was found much cheaper and better than that of slaves.  I therefore hope there may be a direct influence from this source, as well as the indirect influence contemplated by the resolution.  At all events, it is an encouragement to those who wish the extinction of slavery to keep their eyes open, and assist the process by all the means in their power.  The resolution proceeds:  ’This meeting would earnestly recommend, in all cases where it is practicable, that a decided preference should be given to the products of free labor by all who enter their protest against slavery, so that at least they themselves may be clear of any participation in the guilt of the system, and be thus morally strengthened