282 
EEPEESENTATION TO THE Kiyo OF SPAIN. 
nations of Europe, who boast of their civilization, have 
regardea. as incontrovertible; that, for instance, without 
slaves there could be no colonies. We declare, on the con- 
traiy, that without slaves, and even without blacks, colonies 
nnglit liave existed, and that the whole difference would have 
been comprised in more or less profit, b3' the more or less 
rapid increase of the products. But such being our firm 
persuasion, we ought also to remind your Majestv, that a 
social organization into which slavery lias beeii introduced 
as an element, cannot be changed witli inconsiderate preci- 
pitation. U e are far from denying that it was an evil con- 
trary to all moral principles, to drag slaves from one conti- 
nent to anotlier; tliat it was a political error not to have 
bstened to the remonstrances of Ovando, the governor of 
Eispanmla, wlio complained of the introduction and accumu- 
lation of 80 many slaves in proximity witli a small number of 
Iree men ; but, these evils being now inveterate, we ought 
to avoid rendering our position and tliat of our slaves worse, 
by the employment of violent means. What we ask of your 
Majesty, is conformable to the wish proclaimed by one of 
the most ardent protectors of the rights of humanity, by the 
most determined enemy of slavery ; we desire, like him; that 
the civil laws should deliver us at the same time fi.-om abuses 
and dangers.” 
T solution of this problem depends, in the West India 
Islands only, and exclusive of tlie republic of llayti, the secu- 
rity of 8/0, 000 free men (whites and men of colour)* and the 
mitigation of tlie sufferings of 1,150,000 slaves. It is evident 
that these objects can never be attained by peaceful means, 
without the concurrence of the local authorities, either colo- 
nial assemblies, or meetings of proprietors designated by less 
dreaded names, by the old parent state. The direct ‘influ- 
ence of the authorities is indispensible ; and it is a fiital 
error to believe “ that we may leave it to time to act,” Time 
will act simultaneously on the slaves, on the relations be- 
tween the nslands and the inhabitants of the continent, and 
on events which cannot be controlled, when they have been 
waited lor with the inaction of apathy. Wherever slavery is 
•■ 1 * whites, of which 342,000 are in the two Spanish 
islands (Cuba and Porto Rico), and 423,000 free men of colour, mulattoes, 
and blackii. ' 
