Page:The Barbarism of Slavery.djvu/42

 well I know that the conscience which speaks so powerfully to the solitary soul, is often silent in the corporate body, and that in all ages and countries, numbers, when gathered in communities and States, have sanctioned acts from which the individual revolts. And yet I know no surer way of judging a people than by its laws, especially where those Jaws have been long continued and openly maintained.

Whatever may be the eminence of individual virtue — and I would not so far disparage humanity as to suppose that the offenses which may be general where Slavery exists are universal — it is not reasonable or logical to infer that the masses of Slave-masters are better than the Law of Slavery. And since the Law itself degrades the slave to be a chattel, and submits him to their irresponsible control — with power to bind and to scourge; to usurp the fruits of another's labor; to pollute the body; and to outrage all ties of family, making marriage impossible — we must conclude that such enormities are sanctioned by Slave-masters; while the exclusion of testimony, and prohibition of instruction — by supplementary law — complete the evidence of their complicity. And this conclusion must stand unquestioned, just so long as the Law of Slavery exists unrepealed. Cease, then, to blazon the humanity of Slave-masters. Tell me not of the lenity with which this cruel Code is tempered to its unhappy subjects. Tell me not of the sympathy which overflows from the mansion of the master to the cabin of the slave. In vain you assert such “happy accidents." In vain you show that there are individuals who do not exert the wickedness of the law. The Barbarism still endures, solemnly, legislatively, judicially attested in the very, and proclaims constantly the character of its authors. And this is the first article in the evidence against Slave-masters.

(2.) I am next brought to Slave-masters in their relations with Slaves; and here the argument is founded upon facts, and upon presumptions irresistible as facts. Only lately has inquiry burst into that gloomy world of bondage, and disclosed its secrets, But enough is already known to arouse the indignant condemnation of mankind. For instance, here is a simple advertiseraent — one of thousands — from the Georgia Messenger:

"Run Away — My man Fountain; has holes in his ears, a scar on the right side