Free Labor Intelligence

FREE LABOR INTELLIGENCE. - A recent letter from Trinidad speaks of the lively interest of the inhabitants of that island on the subject of cotton growing, and of their intention to plant a large quantity of land that has hitherto been lying almost waste. The writer enclosed a specimen of native cotton, which has been valued in Liverpool at nine and a half per lb. Another account of from Jamaica speaks earnestly of the importance of the people of Great Britain prefering free produce to slave-grown, and of the probability of a large supply of free cotton being grown in that colony at no distant period.
Other letters from the maker of the new Roller-gin (a gentleman residing in Edinburgh) tell of the hearty approval of his machine by the manufacturers of Manchester, after it had been closely tested in that town; and the writer adds, "I am now engaged in the construction of one for Australia, one for Jamaica, and one for the East coast of Africa. Today, I am forwarding one to Natal. I receive L 12, 12s. each for these machines; but so soon as I receive an order to any extent, and can make a division of labor in their construction, I will inform you of the lowest price for which I can furnish them."

It appears that this gin, which may be conveyed to the West India Islands for about 10s., is all the machinery that is necessary for the cleaning of cotton. How cheap and simple a source of comfort and revenue might cotton growing become to the inhabitants of those islands!

Be it also remembered that the exuberance of the West Indian soil and climate allow of two crops of cotton being gathered in the year, instead of only one. The frosts of winter uniformly cut off the American plant, and call for its being renewed each spring; while, in the West Indies and Natal, the same shrub lasts for six, eight, or ten years, and requires comparatively no attention, except being kept clear of weeds.

Why, with this source of an abundant supply within easy reach, and only requiring a spirited demand for it to fill the British markets - O why should the ladies of England continue to clothe themselves in garments wrung from the bondsman's sufferings? Why should his back be forever bleeding in their service, and the holiest ties of love and affection be constantly rent asunder to find victims for the auction-block, and human cattle for the cultivation of the sugar plantation and for the rice and cotton field?