Free Produce Societies

For the Liberator.

FREE PRODUCE SOCIETIES.

I should have attempted, ere this, to answer the inquiries of S.T.U. had I not hoped that some one more competent would have undertaken it; but since none have appeared, limited as is my information on the subject, I will endeavor to impart the little knowledge I possess; and if it fail (as it certainly must) to satisfy his inquiring mind, it may be that we shall hear from him again on this important topic.

He inquires: 'How many Free Produce Societies are there in the United States? How long since the first was formed? How large are they? On what principles are they established? Do they adopt the principle of total abstinence from the productions of slave labor, or only of procuring free articles when they can? If total abstinence is not the principle on which these societies are founded, how far is it adopted by the members as individuals? What objection would there be to giving up the use of articles obtained by slave labor?

There are in Pennsylvania four societies for promoting the use of articles obtained by the labor of freemen. The first was organized in 1827, the second in 1828, the third and fourth in 1831. The recent establishment of the two last evinces the growing interest that it felt; and it is ardently to be desired that they may continue to multiply, until the total extinction of slavery shall preclude the necessity of their existence.

The first Free Produce Society has about two hundred members; the second, near one hundred; the third, five hundred; and the fourth, about thirty-five.

There being such a scarcity of articles manufactured from cotton, raised by freemen, and these only of a very coarse texture, (to say nothing of groceries) for so large a number to adopt, as a society, the 'principle of total abstinence,' would be to attempt an impossibility. This is a gloomy picture; yet it is nevertheless true, that with a population rising twelve millions, it would be impossible for eight hundred persons to abstain entirely from the use of articles obtained at the price of blood. It may be that there is a considerable quantity of free produce thrown into the market among slave produce; and as an inducement to those at the south, who do not keep slaves, to cultivate their land exclusively by the labor of freemen, and keep their produce separate from that which is polluted with the blood of our fellows, I would propose that the Free Produce Societies should offer a premium for such articles at present. Even the paper used in advocating the cause of the slaves, is obtained through the same impure channel as the garments on our forms and the food on our tables.

I believe the members, generally, give a decided preference to, and frequently a premium for free produce. Many of them, also,—some who are not members,—abstain from the productions of slave labor, with the exception of paper and specie. I should not suppose that any one who admits that slavery is unjust, would have any 'objections to giving up the use of articles obtained by slave labor.' As far as I know, the only barrier to the general use of free articles is the difficulty of obtaining them; and it is earnestly desired that the day may not be distant, when it will be possible for all to free themselves from the imputation of the guilt of abetting men-stealers in their iniquitous trade; and the greater the difficulty, the more impressive are the calls upon us to double our diligence—to omit no effort in our power to make—to consider no sacrifice too great, until the barrier is entirely removed, until the sight of an article manufactured by slaves, shall elicit the exclamation of 'Whence is it? How came it here?'

As free cotton is in great demand at this time, I would request 'S.T.U.' if he knows where any can be obtained, to inform us through the medium of the Liberator.

V.W.X.
PHILADELPHIA, 2d mo. 21st, 1832: