Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/104

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and unable to work, the conſequence will be, declining health, a broken ſpirit, and an early end.[1]

There is no country in which either a negligent, or capricious management, an imprudent change, or a relaxation of diſcipline are attended with more certain expence, of ruinous conſequence than in the Iſland of Jamaica. Negroes ſhould be directed by a ſteady hand; and a regular ſyſtem ſhould be obſerved upon a plantation. If they are to-receive the benefits of religion, why not the privileges of ſociety? if they are to be inſtructed in morals, let them profit from their introduction; and let them leave by will the little property their labour or their prudence has amaſſed.

I know not any thing in the Weſt Indies ſo ſhocking to humanity, and ſo diſguſting to individuals, as the ſavage and indecent manner in which the trial of ſlaves is conducted. Some tenderneſs at leaſt, if not dignity of conduct, ſhould be obſerved in the arraignment of a man who ſtands a priſoner,

  1. Of this ſpecies of miſmanagement I have been unfortunately a witneſs myſelf, and can therefore ſpeak of its effects with confidence.
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