Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Articles, Letters to the Editors, etc. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Products of Slavery Description An account of the resource For the Liberator.<xsl-text></xsl-text> PRODUCTS OF SLAVERY. MR. EDITOR— I have long felt a deep and painful interest in the condition of our unfortunate fellow beings, whose cause you have so warmly espoused, and whose rights you have so strenously advocated. I have hoped that the 'Liberator' would do much good in our community by attracting public attention to the evils of slavery; affording information to many who were ignorant of the nature and extent of its horrors, and awakening a benevolent sympathy for its wretched victims. Though I have always pitied the slaves, and thought them an unhappy and injured race, and that those who held them in bondage were unjust, tyrannical and wicked for so doing, I had never supposed the extent of misery on the one side, or of injustice and cruelty on the other, so extreme, as I now perceive it to be. I considered it, (as many others still do) an irremediable evil, which might be meliorated by the increasing extension of philanthropy, and especially by the progress of christianity; but I had formed no estimate of a probability that the whole system might be annihilated. I now feel convinced that it may, and ought to be entirely abolished; that the oppressed slaves may be emancipated, and their oppressors taught to know and feel the injustice and criminality of retaining them in bondage. I am convinced that no human being has a right to exact the unwilling and uncompensated labor of his fellow mortals; to deprive them of liberty, or obstruct their advancement in knowledge and virtue. I doubt not this conviction will ultimately prevail in every community, where the obligations of religion and philanthropy are acknowledged; though the process may be slow; having to contend with much ignorance prejudice and error. This conviction, however, is but the first step towards a result so desirable as the total abolition of slavery. Every long established custom acquires a strong hold on the feelings of those who are habituated to its control; we know that its power in many cases is almost unconquerable; and this is especially the case, where a custom, however injurious in its tendencies, is a source of pecuniary emolument, or worldly aggrandizement to those interested in its continuance. It therefore becomes necessary for the attainment of this great and good object— the universal emancipation of our colored brethren— the complete overthrow of this abominable traffic in human flesh— to investigate the whole subject fairly and calmly; to discuss it fully and freely; to ascertain, as far as possible, what are the best means and methods for the accomplishment of this great end. On this point, I find there is great diversity of opinion. Men of equal talents, equal piety, and equal benevolence, take different and almost opposite views of the whole subject: my mind has been much perplexed, by hearing what seemed to me very strong arguments on both sides of the question. With regard to the main subject, universal emancipation, as I before remarked, I have no doubt. I think it may, and it ought to be accomplished; but with regard to the means of its accomplishment, I do not feel so decided. I wish very earnestly to obtain more light, to understand more clearly how the measures which have been suggested can operate to produce the desired effect. In the Liberator of February 19th, I noticed an article on 'Free and Slave Labor;' containing several questions, respecting the practicability of measures which have been recommended. I have been hoping these questions would receive plain demonstrative answers from some one well acquainted with the subject; and that my own doubts might thereby be solved. I should not then have troubled you with this communication. If it can be proved that abstinence from the products of slave labor will tend, in any considerable degree, to effect the desired object, many friends who are interested in the cause, would unite with me in adopting the practice, immediately, without hesitation. We have been assured by one party, that such a practice would certainly produce this effect; but have not yet been told how. We have been assured by others, that this measure could do no good, and might even injure those whom we are seeking to benefit. We do not feel satisfied either, with their theory. I will briefly relate some of their arguments. They say, 'that if we refuse to purchase the products of free labor, and thereby lessen the demand for those articles, the planters will send them to Europe, or elsewhere; they will retaliate on us, by refusing to purchase our articles, and obstructing our foreign trade; this operation will only shift the difficulty, without removing it wholly. Our own manufacturers will suffer, by losing a ready market for their commodities; thus our own means will be diminished; the southerners will be irritated, without being reformed, by our coercive measures; and the poor slaves will remain in the same unhappy condition, notwithstanding all our efforts to relieve them.' This is a melancholy consideration indeed; I shall be thankful if it can be proved unfounded. If a fair and distinct reply can be given to the queries before stated, and I can be convinced of the utility of the plan which induced them; I shall be rejoiced to aid the good cause, in that way, and also in any other wherein I have ability. Positive assertions, violent declamation and bitter denunciations against the offending party, prove nothing to my mind. I have heard much of this rhetoric on many occasions; and pardon me, if I say, on this particular subject, I have been pained several times by reading articles in the 'Liberator,' which manifested an unchristian spirit. It is undoubtedly the duty of christians to hear their testimony against the vices of the age; and any one whose office or situation entitles him to repaire, admonish or exhort his brethern, would speak freely, and even boldly, if occasion require it. But those who wish to follow the example of their divine Master, or the teachings of his apostles, will temper indignation with mildness, being <xsl-text></xsl-text>grieved <xsl-text></xsl-text>at the hardness of men's hearts; they will instruct with meekness such as oppose themselves, even to the dictates of humanity; and feel some compassion for the sinner, while condemning his sin. They will at least refrain from such sarcasms and invectives as will have a tendency to rouse the evil passions, without awakening the consciences of those whom they censure. I will not, however, enlarge here; perhaps I have already said too much. Hoping you will answer the questions proposed, or refer your correspondents to some publication in which the subject has been fully stated and explained, I close this communication with sincere wishes that the right cause will prevail and prosper. A.O. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource A.O. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Liberator Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4.23.1831