54 



humboldt's cuba. 



the contrary, the relation of master and slave is one 

 of mutual dependence, and creates ties between 

 them which do not exist in countries where the two 

 races live in a state of civil equality. The feelings 

 of affection incident to an intimate and continued 

 intercourse from the cradle to the grave, are not 

 interfered with or broken by the existence of sepa- 

 rate interests. Though the slave is bound to reside 

 with and labor for his master, this does not infer that 

 his whole time and strength is consumed in bringing 

 profit to his owner. It is true the general direction 

 of his labors lies with his master, yet the slave in 

 America is able to devote a much larger portion of 

 his time and strength, to his own individual comfort 

 and pleasure, than is the manufacturing or agricul- 

 tural laborer, who is not a freeholder, in those com- 

 munities where slavery does not exist. Not only are 

 his present wants supplied, in return for his labor, 

 but he has no future of age and poverty to provide 

 for, or to fear. His material condition is thus one 

 of comparative happines, (and all happiness is com- 

 parative), and this is further improved by the insti- 

 gations of interest with his master, and by that 

 friendly sentiment toward all who are dependent 

 upon us, or upon whom we have conferred a favor, 

 which is innate to the human heart. The possession 

 of power, or control by the slaveholder, over the 



