The influence of this relation upon the white race is marked in the peculiarities of character which distinguish the people of the South.  The habit of command, where implicit obedience is to follow, ennobles.  The comparison is inevitable between the commander and him who obeys, and, in his estimation, unconsciously elevates and degrades.  This between the white man and negro, is only felt by the white.  The negro never dreams that he is degraded by this servility, and consequently he does not feel its oppression.  He is incapable of aspiring, and manifests his pride and satisfaction by imitating his master as much as is possible to his nature.  The white man is conscious of the effect upon the negro, and has no fear that he is inflicting a misery to be nursed in secret and sorrow, and to fill the negro’s heart with hate.  This, however, is universally the effect of the domination of one man over another of the same race.  The relation was for life, and the master was responsible for the moral and physical well-being of his slave.  His entire dependence makes him an object of interest and care, and the very fact of this responsibility cultivates kindness and tenderness toward him.  But this is not all; it carries with it a consciousness of superiority, and inspires a superior bearing.  These influences are more potent in the formation of female than male character.  The mistress is relieved absolutely from all menial duties, and is served by those who are servants for life, and compulsorily so.  She is only under the obligations of humanity in her conduct toward them.  They must do her bidding.  She is not afraid to offend by giving an order, nor is she apprehensive of being deserted to discharge her household labor herself by offending them.  It is their duty to please—­it is their interest—­and this is the paramount desire.  The intercourse is gentle, respectful, and kind; still, there is no infringement of the barrier between the mistress and the servant.  This habit is the source of frankness and sincerity, and this release from the severity of domestic labor the fruitful source of female delicacy and refinement, so transcendently the attributes of character in the ladies of the South.  It gives ease and time for improvement; for social and intellectual intercourse; creates habits of refinement, and a delicacy seen and heard in all that is done or said in refined female society in the South.  Something, too, I suppose, is due to blood.  There are many grades in the Caucasian race.  The Anglo-Norman or Anglo-Celtic is certainly at the head.  They rule wherever left to the conflict of mind and energy of soul.  Sometimes they are conquered for a time, but never completely so.  The great constituents of their natures continue to resist, and struggle up, and when the opportunity comes, they strike for control and supremacy—­

  “And freedom’s battle, once begun,
  The cause bequeathed from sire to son,
  Though baffled oft, is ever won.”