Before proceeding let me say that I think I have no prejudice against the
Southern people. They are just what we would be in their situation. If
slavery did not now exist among them, they would not introduce it. If it
did now exist among us, we should not instantly give it up. This I
believe of the masses North and South. Doubtless there are individuals on
both sides who would not hold slaves under any circumstances, and others
who would gladly introduce slavery anew if it were out of existence. We
know that some Southern men do free their slaves, go North and become
tip-top abolitionists, while some Northern ones go South and become most
cruel slave masters.
When Southern people tell us that they are no more responsible for the
origin of slavery than we are, I acknowledge the fact. When it is said
that the institution exists, and that it is very difficult to get rid of
it in any satisfactory way, I can understand and appreciate the saying. I
surely will not blame them for not doing what I should not know how to do
myself. If all earthly power were given me, I should not know what to do
as to the existing institution. My first impulse would be to free all the
slaves, and send them to Liberia, to their own native land.
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