Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/82

 to new mould at once the cuſtoms of life, would be more than an Herculean labour, it would be but little ſhort of impoſſibility. Innovations are always dangerous; reforms (particularly in a plan of ſuch extenſive magnitude as the preſent) ſhould be well matured before a ſingle ſtep is made towards their introduction. It ſhould be conſidered whether the negroes will gain in happineſs, or we a gratification to our feelings, by a haſty and indiſcriminate change. The man who gives a ſlave unconditional liberty, beſtows upon him a curſe; he is thrown at once into the world, unprotected, unprovided, and muſt ultimately ſtarve, or gain his bread by thoſe means, which have brought many unhappy wretches of this deſcription to the gallows. If a portion of land, or a houſe upon the property be given to him, the other negroes will not always let him work the firſt, nor the overſeer inhabit the laſt; as a ſlave emancipated is at all times a troubleſome, often times a dangerous viſitor upon a plantation. If an annual ſtipend be allowed him, he will conſume it in riot and debauchery; and not being accountable to any