NEW SERIES. NO. 25-Vol. IV.] BALTIMORE, AUGUST 14, 1819. [No. 25—Vol. XVT. WHOLE No. 415.

THE PAST THE PRESENT-FOR THE FUTURE.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. NILES, AT $5 PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE,

TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.-Every printer can ac-, count for the common errors of the press-some that do and others which do not affect the sense. But there are others that occur, so much out of rule as to make us

gape and stare,

“And wonder how, the mischief, they got there."

pends upon certain women equal to one fifth of its number, to give it the above mentioned increase. These appear to be reasonable assumptions, and we shall use them as accepted facts.

The present amount of slaves in the United States we suppose to be about 1,800,000-nearly all In part of the impression of our last number, in located south of the state of Delaware-of this number one fifth, or 360,000, are child-bearing wothe first page, when speaking of the loss from want of employ in certain cities, the estimate runs thus-men, each of whom must be the cause of giving *12,500 dollars per day, 75,000 per week, two mil-five persons to the generation and living at the end of Hions per month!" Four times 75,000, we guess, is it, to keep the stock stationary-and ten persons as aforesaid, to maintain the above ratio of increase. only 300,000. Those who are curious in preserv- To keep the population stationary, it is necessar ing files of the REGISTER, (as the editor thinks that the article in which this error exists is of some inte-ry to remove 12,000 girls every year, during the gerest) will please to make the needful correction neration proposed to be acted upon-taking 15 years as the equated time in which they and their children would add to the population, if they remained to form a part of it. Now, we apprehend that if this process could be carried on for one generation only, the check would be so great as to quiet future apprehension on account of the slaves, if it should not lead to their total emancipation, with the extinction of their color,-which, by adventitious mixtures, is always retiring; and in the contingencies stated, would retire more rapidly.

with a pen.

RELATIONS WITH SPAIN.-In the present state of Suspense, we must expect various rumors about our relations with Spain, and enough of them are afloat. It is understood, that the president convened the heads of departments on Monday last, and that the despatches from our minister at Madrid were the principal subject of consideration-but nothing is known of their contents, or of the determination of the president, though it is reported that the Hornet will immediately return to Cadiz.

Mitigation of Slavery-No. 7.

PROPOSITION THE THIRD-CONTINUED.

But as a sufficiency of girls of the proper age to act directly in favor of the system proposed, could not probably be had either for money or in a desire to accelerate the work of reformation, perhaps 15,000 might be required. The "ways and means" The scheme suggested in our last paper, to re-to obtain these, we leave to other calculators. But duce the number of our slaves or keep their popu- if this system could be persevered in for two genefation in check-with a view also, possibly, to era-rations only, we should be wholly relieved of our dicate their color itself in a few generations, may fears on account of the negroes, and slavery in genehave pleased some by its novelty, whilst others ral would gradually be abolished in the United have thought it absurd, and a third party shook States--an object desired, we believe,by every man their heads doubtingly as to its practical results: in this country, provided it shall appear possible albut having carefully reviewed it, and "compared so, by eradicating the offensive color, to do away things with things," it appears to us to be the only the distinctions in society which it causes. The project, incompatible with acts of wonton cruelty most enthusiastic advocate that we have for the and ruthless barbarism, by which the great objects blacks, will not agree that his children shall interproposed can be effected, if ever to be accomplish-marry with the proscribed race. ed at all, and we shall give up some other notions we designed to offer, to a further consideration of it. It seems to be the something that we desired to have, when speaking of colonization we advised the people to look at home. Vol. XIII p. 82.

At the end of 60 years, if the population be unchecked, the slaves in the United States will amount to 7,200,000!!!

object of desire, as property.

And of the white persons, duplicated in 25 years, to 30,000,000. Let us examine the operation and attempt to cal- But if the former were kept stationary for that culate the consequences of the adoption of our pro-period, they would amount only to 1,800,000, and jecttheir aggregate be lost in the mighty number of the It must be admitted that a constant drain of fe-white people; and they would mainly cease to be an males from any country, or district of a country, will bring about its rapid depopulation, and without But to shew the state of the colored population at acts offensive to humanity-it being admitted that the termination of this period of 60 years, calculate such depopulation is needful to the public good, as the effect of adventitious mixtures, and estimate we esteem it to be in the case before us. The re- the moral check to population by the transfer of moval of one woman is more important to this than feniales from one section of our country where it is that of many men. The reason of this is too obvi- a merit to bear children, to another wherein it would ous to require elucidation. But the moral effect of generally be a reproach, is beyond our skill. But such removal is worthy of deep reflection, whe-of this we are convinced, that the mixtures would ther we regard its force upon the objects of our so-not be half so numerous, as at the first glance might licitude, or upon the white population, whose wel-be expected; and that in time, three or four gene, fare and happiness necessarily demands our first at-rations, perhaps, if the ingress of black males were tention-elf-preservation being the first law.

We have assumed as datum that the slaves will double their population in 30 years-that the like peri od is a generation of slaves-that the stock deVor. XVI-27.

forbidden, the color might be nearly extinguished. This is reasonable-the skillful observer of nature has only to select the most desirable of his common stock of young horses and cattle to raise up a bred

We have now arrived at the place wherein we intended to speak of the proceedings in congress about the admission of slaves, into the vast region beyond the Mississippi.

in a few years remarkable for any property which present suicide-policy of encouraging foreign and he wishes them to possess-hence come full blooded discouraging home industry, cannot be expected to or dray horses, "Bakewell cattle," the Lincoln last, and then there will be room enough to employ sheep and other desired kinds,small boned and short them to profit It may be further observed, that limbed hogs, &c. &c. That these principles apply | women are more tractable than men-more sober, to the human family, we not only know by daily discreet, temperate and virtuous-the transferred experience, but from the "most illustrious" exam- female negro would, therefore, the sooner learn to ples-else how is it, that among all the old royal fit herself for a state of freedom, and those she families in Europe, wherein attention has been paid chiefly had communication with, the females of the to a supposed dignity of birth rather than to the qua- family, would daily and hourly impress upon her lifications of persons as men and women, that every mind a sense of right and wrong-in which is the ancient and unsuspected breed of princes is a line of moral force that constitutes the great strength of the fools or ideots. We do not believe there is a solitary United States; a force more powerful than was exception to the principle here contended for. Look to be found in Draco's famous code of laws. at the Guelphs and the Bourbons of France, Spain, Naples and Portugal, though the king of the latter is a bastard branch! Take from them that same sort of mechanical knowledge with the meanest field negro shews in managing his hoe, and in what are they On the great leading point involved in this subhis intellectual superiors? They are, considering the ject-the right of congress to prohibit the introadvantages which they have had, the most stupid duction of slaves into the new state or states to be of mankind. The reported grand father and father formed in the vast territory referred to-we do not of Alexander of Russia, were as great fools as the wish to say much at this time; frankly confessing Guelphs or Bourbons; but his grand mother (the that we have not yet made up a decided opinion infamous Kate, and his mother, were happily for upon it. The landmarks that belong to it are not him in this respect, not of royal blood. Nor is this clearly laid down, and seem to depend more than operation of nature peculiar to kings-I have fre- could be wished for, on the feelings or interests of quently heard it noticed that a certain family in a persons, than the written law. It is agreed, that the neighboring state, which boasts of its unmixed blood constitution admits all the original states to hold for several generations, abounds with fools, and has slaves if they please, and recognizes them as promany members who are nearly, if not quite, ideots.perty; and the treaty for the purchase of Louisiana It is not worth while to enquire why these things provides that the inhabitants of the ceded territory are-it is sufficient that they do operate; and will shall be incorporated into the union according to operate to effect what we desire, if persevered in. the principles of the constitution, &c.-but the dis But though friendly to the emigration of females cretionary power granted to admit new states into from the slave holding to the non slave holding states, the union, by simply saying, "new states may be we are unfavorable to such transfers of the blacks admitted," necessarily supposes a right in congress as lately took place in consequence of the emanci- to designate the conditions of admission, as in evepation of nearly 500 of them by a Mr. Gess, of Vir-ry such case has been done, in one way or another! ginia, who were driven like cattle from that state and Ohio, Indiana and Illinois were expressly subto Ohio, to settle upon a body of land which his jected to that of prohibiting slavery, though sevesense of justice had caused him to provide for them ral other states were admitted without such con-the laws of Virginia being opposed to the conti- dition, expressed or implied. The 9th section of nuance of emancipated negroes therein, and as we 1st article, says, "the migration or importation of such think of necessity, which will be the subject of a persons as any of the states NOW EXISTING, think subsequent number, What are these iniserable proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the concreatures to do? Are they to become citizens of gress prior to the year 1808." It is perfectly unthe fine state of Ohio-to take care of themselves,derstood that slaves were here referred to, though and be invested with the rights of self-manage-the word slave is carefully kept out of the constiment? By no means--if one in ten of them is capa-tution, as if it would be a blot upon it; and this secble of taking care of himself, at this time, it is as tion strongly indicates a right in congress to erect much as can be expected-the rest as well as their progeny, must be an incumbrance on the people of Ohio, unless they can be dispersed. They are just as unfitted for the existing state of society as our OWN ANCESTORS would be, if they could come back to us as they were a few centuries ago. We have no hesitation in saying, that an injury is inflicted upon Ohio, by this ill-judged though well-intended proceeding of Mr. Gess-unless he has made provision, also, for taking care of them until the degrading properties of slavery are eradicated from the objects of his solicitude.

new states subject to such checks upon the "migration for importation of persons" as that body may please to prescribe. We shall, however, leave this subject "for further consideration," after remarking that from the proceedings of congress on the question, as they leaked out through the newspapers, the debate seems to have been very intemperate and indiscreet, on the part of some opposed to the prohibition of slavery in the projected state of Missouri. Language appears to have been used that might have suited the "Hartford Convention," but which never should be tolerated in the capitol of the United States.†

The transfer of women on the principles we have projected, is not liable to the opposition that right- On the expediency of this prohibition, whether on fully belongs to the proceeding just alluded to the score of humanity or for the prosperity of Mis the admission of one female laborer into an indus-souri, we have no sort of doubt. The final abolition trious and enlightened family, so far from being dis advantageous to either must be beneficial to both, as to improvement of mind in the former, and production of property for the latter, on a general scale. It is true, that the eastern and middle states to which we look chiefly to aid our scheme, do not now stand in need of additional laborers-but the

*Art. 4 and 2. constitution U.S.

We shall not notice any thing which has ap peared in the newspapers on this subject-but much highly objectionable matter has been pub lished. Let us remember, that truth is a victor without violence.”

Imported Glass Wares.

The notice of some handsome articles of American glass ware, presented to the editor on behalf of the New England glass manufacturing company, with our remarks upon the propriety of protecting the home product, has induced a gentleman who appears to be well acquainted with the subject, to give us information, in substance as stated below,→ to shew the difficulties which the American manufacturer has to contend against,

of slavery, the hope of every reflecting man in the ces and their courts a trait of characteria the Ame union, materially depends on confining the limits of rican people, highly honorable to our institutions country within which slaves may be held. This and habits of thinking--a pride of virtue and a selfis manifest-else like hogs, they will be raised for respect superior to any thing that king's can confer, market. If the market is full, there will not be any and which they never can take away. desire to increase the breed, and checks to it will be presented of necessity. Certainly, there is room enough yet and for a long while to come, for the Slaves and their progeny, in such climates and on such soils as they are supposed best qualified for; and no one can seriously desire that the principle of slavery should be extended to the Pacific, embracing a portion of country in which there is no excuse for it, save that of avarice and a desire of living on the labor of others. As to Missouri, the moment that the right to hold slaves is acknowledged in her Constitution, she will lose that inestimable body of emigrants which is now flocking to her-they will "We have," says he, "nominally a duty of 20 per stop short of the Mississippi; and instead of possess-cent. on plain flint glass, but the English governing a numerous, hardy and high-souled populationment by its bounty on the export, pays more than of freemen, her territory will be thinly settled with all our duties and other charges, as a few facts will Masters and slaves. The great possessors of slaves will demonstrate." chiefly proceed to the south, where the industry of In England there is an excise of 98s sterling per such persons is more productive than it can be in 100lb. of the articles when manufactured (not on Missouri; and the laboring white man, the bone the material when melted in the pots, as hereto. and sinew of every society, will avoid it, to be spar- fore)-but to encourage the exportation and mained the humiliation which common prejudice tells tain a successful competition, when a quantity of him must be his lot, if subjected to associate with glass in on ship-board for export, the 988 per 10 lbs and to labor by the side of a slave. "The northern weight is not only withdrawn, but a bounty of 258 hive," the New England states, will furnish few in- per 100lbs. given. This is not all-the bounty habitants to the new state, and the European emi-opens a door for the manufacturers to deceive the grant we know, nine times in ten if a farmer, seeks the country in which he expects to be treated like a man. Much might be said on this subject, and when it is necessary to speak upon it, we may take it up again.

National Character.

drawn for large quantities of glass as exported, which is not exported at all. The amount of the drawback and bounty is greater than the whole value of the glass in any country.

government to a great extent, the products of which constitute a part of their profits. There are abun dant proofs of this-the temptation is great, and the risk of being exchequered a few hundred pounds (though they have occasionally been brought in for as many thousands) is fearlessly encountered, so many ways are there of managing the matter. The laws are very severe against bribing An incident that occurred on board the Franklin an officer of the excise or revenue-the officers are 74, while com. Stewart was receiving a visit from allowed to take bribes on giving information therethe emperor of Austria and king of Naples, is calcu-of-still it is so that the drawback and bounty is fated to have a pleasing effect on our national character abroad. The chamberlain of the empress fell down the main hatch-way and broke his leg➡he was immediately attended to by the surgeon of the ship, Dr. Salter, and every thing was done that sci- Our correspondent says, that he has often imence and skill could do for the unfortunate Austri-ported invoices of common glass to the amount of an. The next day," says the author of a commu-3 or 4004. sterling, and that the bounty of 25s thereon nicati on on this subject in the National Messenger, exceeded the whole cost of freight, charges and "the emperor sent Dr. Salter a purse containing one duties paid here, by 70 or 80 dollars, on fair trans hundred doubloons, (fifteen hundred dollars) which actions. The British government thus paid the however, was promptly returned by that gentle-whole cost of landing the glass in the United States. man, with a note stating his reasons for so doing: which were, simply, that "he was an American of ficer, and had done nothing but his duty." The astonishment of the emperor at this unlooked for return, was excessive; but he could not but openly express his admiration of the independence of character displayed by the American surgeon. His courtiers, however, were thunderstruck-To return the present af an emperor, Sunta Maria! and 100 doubloons too! And they held up their hands in admiration of an act which they had never heard of before, and which they felt they could not imitate." Dr. Salter is a gentleman, and doubtless would hot barter the feelings of a man upon an occasion like this, for 100 doubloons; and to relieve himself of being thought too delicate on the subject, it is probable that he plead the provision in our constitution which forbids the acceptance of a present by an officer of the United States, from any king, prince or foreign state,

The affair is most aptly fitted to show these prin

It is believed that our ad valorem duty of 20 per cent. is calculated upon the invoices after the bounty is taken off, which renders such invoices one third less than its proper value.

Glass is now most commonly exported to the U. States by the English manufacturer, consigned to English agents and merchants in this country, who travel about to sell their goods by samples furnished for the purpose, or obtain orders for the largest amounts that they can. When by these orders the wants of the market are ascertained, the agents order out duplicates of them, and so injure the regular dealers by supplying their customers.

The bounty is the same on common as on fine glass-but as the plain glass is the bulk of the quar tity made in the United States, the only way to protect the home-made article, if protection is de signed, seems to be by a specific duty of 8 or 10 cents per lb. which is the usual mode of selling glass in Europe-The invoices are made out by tale for convenience of entry at the custom house, &c.

10 or 12 years ago, and there must be some cause why it now excites so much sensibility. It is the prodigality of the people, created and until lately sustained by the paper system, that causes these groanings. Hitherto the people of the west were called upon only to pay for their wants, and this they could easily do they now have to pay for extrava gance, their money-shops shut up, and specie quite their country like a person flies from the plague.

The gentleman to whom we are indebted for the preceding facts, says "I have in my hands a letter directed to a dealer in glass in this place (Boston), from a large exporter of it, complaining of the non receipt of orders and soliciting them, with an assurance that every article would be delivered in the U. S. cheaper than they could be made therein. The house begging for business has an agent in Boston, who has advertised to sell glass for 25 per cent. less than is asked for it at the neighboring fac- Unparalleled impudence! We lately noticed an tories-and is understood to have asserted that a article stating that the directors of the bank of fund of 8 or 10,000 guineas has been raised to put North Carolina had required a test oath of persons down these establishments.-But we do not fear presenting their bills for payment, as on the face nor despair of ultimate success; we want nothing of them it is promised they shall be paid-see page more than a fair profit, and that, we trust, the go-359. We did not credit this report at the time, but vernment will secure to us, by an amendment of not hearing it contradicted in the North Carolina the tariff. The present duty, does very little for papers, are now inclined to believe it. But the New the support of government, and as a protection to York Evening Post publishes the following, as an home industry, has no effect." extract of a letter from Darien, Geo-if the facts The following information of the state of the glass stated are true, the directors of this money-making manufacturing companies at Boston, is interesting: factory must have the credit of having reached "the The "New England" company's works were cap sheaf" of impudence. "Persons making de. started about 4 years ago, on a scale to carry them mands on the bank of Darien must swear before a on to advantage; but so it was that by delays and justice of the peace in bank, to each and every bill losses, glass enough was not made to cover the ex-presented, that it is his own; that he is not agent penses until 15 months ago, and the real estate for any other person; and that oath must be made and experiments had cost $70,000, before any glass in the presence of at least 5 directors and the cashwas made. These works constantly employ 84 per-ier; it also makes the persons so demanding specie sons, of whom 18 are apprentices; the rest are men, all intelligent and worthy persons, who generally have families, and earn from 364 to 1000 dollars a year-the foreman receiving 1500. Besides these, mahy are employed in making moulds, castorframes, brass trimmings for lamps, &c. &c. The materials for making the glass are abundant in the neighborhood, and the quality of the window glass made, every body knows, is superior to any imported, even to the famous Scotch glass. These works are in full operation, as yet-but the "South Boston" company, we are sorry to learn, has nearly stopped business, owing to the pressure of the times and the interference of the foreign supply. From 30 to 40 men that were supported thereby, are now without employ, and their families, of course, in a destitute condition.

subject to a charge of $1 37 1-2 on each bill, which must be paid on the spot, and unless you find five directors and the cashier together, you cannot make a demand.”

Is it possible that this can be true? Can it be that the people will bear with such an arrogant assumption? What manner of a man must he be who would require such an oath, what a mean thing is he that would take it! The bills are payable to bearer with out condition, and there is no doubt in my mind but that the directors of either of those banks, (if the things said of them are true) might be indicted, prosecuted and punished for a conspiracy. Would that some honest man within striking distance of them, would do his duty to his country, by resisting such abominable pretensions! An industrious pa triot, with a few thousand dollars at command, opeThere are establishments at Pittsburg and other rating against either of those institutions, would soon places claiming our regard as much as those at humble the pride of the rag-barons, assuming the Boston--the encouragement of productive industry, right of passing ex post facto laws. If they will caninternal improvement, and individual happiness, is didly say that they cannot pay their debts, let them just as much an object to the editor of the REGISTER proclaim their bankruptcy and be done with it— in one part of the United States as in an another; Nay, if that can pay, yet will not pay, there may for being long accustomed to endeavor to regard be the merit of open assurance to bear them himself as a citizen of the republic, he has consider-through, and the people will know what to depend ably divested himself of local partialities-but if upon-But the procedure said to be adopted has ne any thing that he has said will put those to thinking palliative-it is insolence supreme. Well may it whose business it is to act, so that these 30 or 40 said that "corporations have no soul," men at Boston may be reinstated in their employ, "High-handed villainy.”—The Goshen Patriot and furnish the means of a comfortable subsis-tells us about a pair of rascals who rented a store in tence to their families, at a time like this,-(which Bloomingsburg, N. Y. apparently received a conin itself involves a rightful protection of the whole siderable quantity of goods-and who, having ef. manufacture), he will ever believe that he has not fected an insurance on the property, set fire to the lived in vain, and remember the circumstance with house. But the people collected, and though warn the pride of a conqueror of a victor over preju-ed by one of them that there was much gunpowder dice by the power of truth. But will not, on that in the building, they succeeded in extinguishing the account, abate an honest zeal, that other and more flames, and found the packages of goods to contain generally important branches of domestic industry, nothing but dirt and straw! may receive the support of a wise administration of the concerns of our beloved country-"the land of the free."

Banks and Banking.

The western papers lament the departure of their specie. We did not hear any Jeremiads about it

How pointedly does this case apply to some of our bank folks, in every particular! They open shop, pretend to have capital, insure the public confidence by acts of incorporation and prepare to rea lize their gains-but the people discovering something wrong press for a payment of their claims, and then the fellows call upon the public saying, that if the bank blows up the people will be destroyed!

To be serious, fellow citizens, nothing can save Some resulting good. In the draft of a constitution us now but hearty prayers to Heaven to cause hofor the new state, (that is to be) of Alabama, there nest industry to be fashionable. Buy nothing but is a provision for the establishment of a state bank domestic; indulge one another as long as possible. with branches-not more than one bank or branch-for, I repeat, we are mortgaged to those little in. to be established in a year; no bank to be established except the state takes two fifths of its stock, and has a proportionate weight in the appointment of directors; no bank to go into operation until the whole amount of stock subscribed is actually paid in gold and silver, which cannot be less than 100,000 dollars; stockholders to be liable in their individual capacities for the debts of the bank.

Bank of the United States. The stock of this bank seems to be still rising-in the papers. Sales are said to have been effected at Philadelphia at 97.

Branch bank at Richmond. The president of this branch has failed for a large amount. Several commercial houses of the first standing are also said to have stopped payment in this city.

We have enormous reports about what has happened in Richmond; if half be true, Baltimore will not stand alone in-speculation!

The past and the present. Twenty or thirty years ago, if a man failed for 100,000 dollars, the people talked as fearfully of it as at about that time the old women did of the fulfilment of 'Love's prophecies,' who had determined that the world should come to an end before the close of the last century. But now, through the blessings of the "paper system" -the facilities which it afforded, and the speculations that it nourished, it is not decent for a man to break for less than 100,000 dollars; and if a person would be thought a respectable bankrupt, he ought to owe 2 or 3 hundred thousand, or more. If with this extent of credit it should appear that he had not been worth one cent for twenty years, and was not entitled to be trusted for a pair of shoes, so much the better!—it is an evidence of his qualities as a financier!—And if, out of other people's money, he has given his wife 50 or 60,000, it shews his pru dence in providing for his family." Qui capit ille facit.