The State of the Country [pp. 132-146]

THiE STATE OF TIHE COUNTRY.
ism of another race in juxta-position, we are justified in the
opinion that the true policy is the removal of the blacks. We'
do not propose to have this undertaken immediately-the present condition of the country justifies delay. It may be objected
that this scheme of colonizing the blacks is imnpracticable. We
admit the difficulty of removing four millions of blacks at once.
The plan we suggest is to remove them gradually. Let all of
both sexes be removed as they arrive at the age of puberty.
This would be very little over one hundred thousand for the
first year, and in a few years this number would be much
lessened. The number arriving at puberty would, after a few
years, rapidly diminish, and be constantly decreasing. By pursuing this plan, in fifty years the African race would pass off
the stage, without the trouble of removing the old people. It
may be said this colonization would cost something. Undoubtedly it would, but the advantages of it would be incalculable.
WVe are satisfied the increased productiveness of the South,
as the ingress of the whites took the place of the colonized
blacks, would more than pay the expenses of removal. As
regards the place to which the blacks should be taken, we
would prefer some place outside of the United States, so they
could be entirely to themselves. All things considered, Cuba
seems to us the best place for them. Slavery must soon die
out in Cuba, and being no longer profitable, Spain will be
willing to sell. The island of Cuba would suit the blacks
admirably. It is immensely productive and salubrious. Its
proximity to the United States is another great advantage. If
Cuba could not be obtained, then any good country not too
remote. Any place rather than Africa, which is too remote and
pestilential. This colony should be under the protection of
the United States, and every kindness and generosity should
be extended to them. If they worked out their mission successfutlly, all humanity would rejoice. If they failed, it would
be but another link to the chain of preceding facts, proving
that the black race cannot maintain itself when left alone.
A few words on the effects of Export Duties, and we will
draw to a close our observations, already too extended. The
fathers of the Republic expressly denied to Congress the power
of laying export duties. The chief reason of this was, they
were afraid such duties might be used oppressively to particular sections. There was great wisdom in their distrust on
this point. Suppose an export duty were laid on ice. Ice
being essentially a northern product, the South would of course
be exempt. Let us see the effect of an export duty on cotton.
It is proposed by some to levy 10 cents per lb. on cotton.
Suppose cotton is selling at 30 cents per lb., unless cotton rises
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