IN THE SHADOW
"That is why I am here, in England, at Oxford," continued Dessalines. "In Paris one may learn, but for some reason my countrymen return from there demoralized, to the injury of the country and the destruction of their souls." He stared thoughtfully across the delightful prospect which he scarcely seemed to see. His eyes were unfocused, resting on the distance.
"Slavery was a necessity for my race," he resumed, as if talking to himself, "it has lived for so long in the shadow that when given light too suddenly the result is to dazzle the eyes. To-day I am a believer in slavery for my entire race; it is a necessary step to civilization; it is kinder to the negro to lead him to civilization through the valley of the shadow than to knock off his fetters and leave him the victim of his own weaknesses, at the mercy of his own desires. The condition of the slave should be the care of the State; he must be protected from abuse. In my own country slavery no longer exists, in theory, but is it strange, my friends, that a strong, primitive people should be unable to support the extreme degree of a republic—a vote, in the place of leg irons? I ask you, is it not so?"
The note of appeal in the rich voice stirred his listeners. There was a moment's pause.
"But what is the alternative?" asked Lady Maltby.
"A monarchy … for a certain number of years. The autocracy of a wise and honest ruler of the same race. Through a monarchy a people might pass from slavery to democracy without the epoch of utter demoralization one sees in the Hayti of to-day."
Giles looked away; he had an uncomfortable sense of having heard this argument on the lips of Dessalines
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