It will
be then observed that in such a state of things the interests of the
planter, in default of any other motive, promotes the advancement
and well-being of the slave. Certainly, we believe it possible still
to ameliorate their condition. It is with that view, even, that the
South has labored for so long a time to prepare them for a higher
civilization.
'In no part, perhaps, of the continent, regard being had to the
population, do there exist men more eminent and gifted, with nobler
or more generous sentiments, than in the Southern States. No country
possesses lovelier, kinder hearted, and more distinguished women. To
commence with the immortal Washington, the list of statesmen who
have taken part in the government of the United States shows that
all those who have shed a lustre on the country, and won the
admiration of Europe, owed their being to that much abused South.
'Is it true that so much distinction, talent, and grandeur of soul
could have sprung from all the vices, from the cruelty and
corruption which one would fain attribute now to the Southern
people? The laws of inflexible logic refute these false imputations.
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