Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. II.djvu/367

Rh robbed her of her all? Even of that last little girl, that youngest, dearest, only child!

This pagan institution of slavery, leads to transactions so inconsistent, so inhuman, that sometimes in this country, this Christian, liberal America, it is a difficult thing for me to believe them possible, difficult to comprehend how they can be reality and not a dream! It is so difficult for me to realise them.

The topic of interest at this moment in St. Louis is the return of Senator Benton from Washington, and his great speech in the State's house, to give an account of his conduct in Congress, as regards the great and momentous question between the Northern and the Southern States. Such speeches, explanatory or in justification of their line of conduct, are customary in all the States on the return of the senators to the State which they represent in Congress. I read Colonel Benton's speech last evening. The bold representative of the Slave State, who alike openly vindicated its rights as such, while he condemned slavery, is here also like himself, bold, candid, unabashed, half man and half beast of prey, rending to pieces with beak and claws, and full of enjoyment in so doing.

I remember the last words of his speech, which are really manly and excellent.

“I value a good popularity, that is to say, the applause of good men. That of all others I shall ever disregard; and I shall welcome censure which is hurled at me by the illiberal and the mean.”

Missouri as well as Arkansas has a deal of heathenism, find a deal of wild, uncultivated land still. Civilisation is a t s yet at its commencement in these States. And slavery retards its progress as with strong fetters. Fights and bloody duels are of frequent occurrence among the white population. Bowie knives and pistols belong to the wardrobe of a man, especially when travelling in the State.