FREE LABOR PRODUCTS
The disposition to discourage slave labor is evidently gaining ground amongst those who deem slavery a SIN, and consequently, feel that Christians ought in no way or manner to participate in the abomination. A circumstance of the kind came under the notice of the writer during the last week. A respectable shoe manufacturer called at my manufactory, and enquired if I had any Philadelphia Sole Leather for sale. I replied, I had none of the particular kind he named on hand, but had a plenty of Baltimore Leather. Oh, says he, that wont answer; I have enough of that myself, but my workmen wont use it. They are such thorough-going abolitionists that they will not work on leather which they know comes from a slave State, and which, of course, they suppose has been made by the labor of slaves!! This was a novel idea to me. I had heard of free labor Sugar and Cotton and Rice, but had never heard the term applied to the article in question. I cannot but admire the spirit of those men who thus decline in their humble way to encourage compulsory and unpaid labor; they undoubtedly act consistently with their principles, and if not ranked in fame with Wilberforce and Clarkson and Thompson, are yet sincere and genuine philanthropists.
A DEALER.
