15
WAGES, OR THE WHIP?
Even the Earth itself, which teems'profusion under the cultivating hand
of the free-born labourer, shrinks into barrenness from the contaminating
sweat of a Slave.-MosNTESQUIEU.
(To the Editor of the 1Morlning Clhronicle.)
SIRi,-In an elaborate article which appeared in your paper of
the 15tl instant, copied from the Colonial Gazette, the writer has
undertaken to advocate the recognition of Texas as an independent
State by the Government of this country, on grounds which, while
they reflect great credit on his honesty and candour, reflect none
whatever on his judgment and principles.
With the philosophy of this writer on tle subject of " free trade,"
I lhave nothing to do: I leave him to the full glory of having
demolished the great authorities, both living and dead, to which
he, has referred, and whose theories he has denounced, and as he
imagines, refuted! But, perhaps, I may be permitted to offer
a few remarks on his theory in its application to Texas, whose
"affectionate overtures," it appears, have hitherto been " scornfuilly
rejected" by this country, and whom he pronounces to have been
"injured and deeply insulted by the nation which has the greatest
interest in cultivating her good-will."
The philosophy of this writer is comprehended in certain opinions,
which he conceives to be truths, and these he endeavours to sustain
by certain statements, which he thinks to be facts; but, as are his
statements, such are his opinions, valueless, because they are unsupported
by experience, and are at variance with all history.
1. His opinions: IIe says, " So long as land remains extremely
cheap in Texas, or any where else, there it will be impossible to
obtain a sufficient supply of labour for lire, or to raise much surplus
produce for exchange, except by means of slavery." And adds,
The " crime "of slavery "will, probably, be repeated over and
