ART. I.-HOW THE SOUTH IS AFFECTED BY HER SLAVE

INSTITUTIONS.

SLAVERY AT THE SOUTH-WHAT ELEMENTS OF CHARACTER AND CIVILIZATION IT DEVELOPES, ON BRITISH AUTHORITY, AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH THOSE OF THE NORTH.

If there is one subject, (says Mr. Mackay, of the Middle Temple,) "If there is one subject on which, more than another, misconception prevails in this country, and on which prejudice overrides the judgment, and philanthropy discards from its consideration every notion of practicability, it is that of slavery in the United States. On most questions connected with America, there is a disposition in many quarters to jump at unfavorable conclusions; but on no subject so much as on this, is decisions so independent of previous examination into the circumstances of the case. European prejudice fastens eagerly upon slavery, as a welcome crime to charge upon the American republic; and philanthropy, in the headlong pursuit of its end, defeats its own purpose, by stumbling over the difficulties to which it is wilfully blind." "Few understand the merits of the case, because few can examine into them. In the general cry against American slavery there is some justice, but more of prejudice and mistaken zeal."

Thus speaks Alex. Mackay, Esq., Barrister-at-Law of the Middle Temple, and late traveler in the United States; and, no doubt, when he thus writes, honestly supposes himself entirely exempt from the overriding prejudice and misconceptions of which he speaks. He is, evidently, what is considered a liberal, intelligent gentleman, apparently desirous not to misrepresent, but to sustain himself above the vulgar prejudices of his country and times. But, notwithstanding, he, 24

VOL. I.