North Carolina Newspapers

TUESDAY HOBMKG, Oct. M, 1855. udge Ituffin'M Addn st. We bate postponed various articles intended for to-dai's paper, to present to our readers at the earliest moment, lite admirable address of the Hon. Tmc. Rirrrin, delivered at the Fair Grounds in Raleigh, od Thursday the 18th inst., toabout 8.000 persons. It is a production which should be read by every North-Carolinian. ll was the first time we ever heard the venera hie speaker. Judge Ruffin if no orator in the common acerptatior. of that misused and much bused word, but he is what we regard as of more value: a profound thinker, and speaks with dis tinctness and to the point. H'S address is a care ful review of the various resources of our St-ttr, ads' contains argument in ber fu vor that muit a rouao the a.'umbering afTrctiops ol her own people, ad call particular attention to her m.mt ottroc- t9DS. This address is Valuable, not alone because it emanates from a great mind and a henrt that is .red with a pnasion for our noble old Sine and her improvement, but for its idoir. mid ia 'eel t'.gv of luve and vt neratinn i; iU excite in tha boson; of the reader far hi honi" and firc-ide. it '')ght to be rruJ, and catrrfully put r.vay as c leg- ;y ter ;j;e rtstng genr ration. t- i , r 1 here was a large numui r of r.-rsons in atten- durt- : tha F.or, and the great variety of ( kr"" ebji. on exhibition highly creditable. The fruits wou! j compart favorably wiih those to be seen at fb great fairs vi Baltimore and Philadelphia, and the carriages, buggirf. nnd other mechr.ic il spe rime MS, reflected much credit upon North aCaro lids manufacturer. Tht State Agricultural Society, we were glad to Iearn, is increasing in l umber, and consequent iy will b enabled to extend its geld of uefu!us. f'very individual in the State should j .in it, and feel a pride in advancing its progress. The Rail roads to the West jscjj be completed by ;he next tair, when we hope to see this teeming region fully represented. Address of Hon Thomas ItuUin OF 1I.IXA.NCS. Velirrjrd Ufvrr the Stule Agricultural Society of yd fh- Carolina, October 8i , 1 8 5. The duty Ins been assigned to me of making la this assembiago of our fellow -citizens the usual annual address on behalf id the Agricultural So eifty of North Carolina. heartily wish (or your interest as well a6 my own, thai it had been allot ted Ui 8 me other person more competent to in struct or eircrtain. But, though reluctantly, I have undertaken It, that I might, il no other good heu:d be d ne, show my concern in the welfare of the agriculture of North Carolina and its kindred art, and my x -al or their advancement and pros periiy, under a confident assurance, indeed, ot the and consideration of North Carolinians for the imperfections of one who, though long unused to I utiie speaking, is sincerely desirous, in any way he em, of magnifying to North Carolinians their eaief cal'ing and ofHce, and endeavoring to make them sitii-fied with their situation here. r. the first place tt is fit, that to all here, thanks fjr their attendance and a hearty welcome should be tend e red. Tlio yin puca ut tUc Qm;ieiy uu-J ihn ai.ides of erTeciiog them, are generally known ; and we invite the co operation of all in the good work. Join in our association. Lh every one add what he can to the general fund of agricul tural knowledge. Enter into ihe competition for improving tillage, perfecting and increasing the productions of the grains, the grasses, the vegeta bles, and the fruits of the earth, our animals and our implements of husbandry, and other manu factures ; and exhibit here at our Fairs such thiols as you have. Indeed, those who bring only themselves are very welcome ; for, after all. our men and women arc our best productions, and il can only raise a just pride to see them gathered father to extend acquaintance, form friendships, gem and impart knowledge, honor agriculture, and thereby become tne more content with our lot l eing cast in North Carolina. Next, the Agricultural Society owes, and we sk the agricultural community to join in making, acknowledgements to the General Assembly for lie pecuniary aid extended to the Society. Its usefulness depends chiefly on its ability to oflVr and pay premiums to exhibitors to such an amount as may stimulate competition and multiply exhibi tions. A proper amount of premiums was lareer B 111 - a - 1 - uses. I he. . appropriation, il not lultv adequate to -r, j i ' i i i and claims ot a people ns ngncu tura r m v ,- 1 . , K ' he wants i uiuH ui .iorm arouna, is yet oi great oeuent m mm. j k: m . I in many respects, and chiefly as permanently I atub!i,Sin. -he S...., RJ P.... :. ' not be supposed that the farmers nnd mechanics I mmA f,...,-e .kii fi u j ,. B ...w ww..j .w . i nun a .1 , ...... - vi i vj ivr i ui n I their duty and interest as to let them fail for wan. ! rf contrihutton. on their part to an equal amount. in. . . r -in , 1 . s ... f u,k;-k .v.- il,. i. , ..... ... ' " --mm ..v .wv!-. S s 1 1 VB I I I'J V' f IJJ I lVJl)t laa- -... J i ot acitnowjeagii.g tins legisluttve bounty, and we tstn much pride and pleasure in doing so Nuvs.it ny be. asked U the agriculture of North Caroline vaorthy pi this public patronage, and of the eJ&rU ef some of hrr eitisene to pro mole and improve 111 I anwr, Taw rysja. North Carolina is entitled to all. that every one of fees peopfo can do to promote heMrpr.oiperity acd rkvate her character ; irtjd her'soas UI-Im amply eemuoerared for their-efiirts for her advuntage and Iheir own. Our occupations are rsamottali agri- cultural, and embrace all its variety ol puretle planting, farming, breeding of live stock, and the culture of fruits. Until very recently they w.-e almost exclusively agricultural, as there er na tural obitacles to foreign eommero', difficult to awecome, and but few manulnc'uring establish es among us. In both th-se respects progress hae been made and is making; and there is good i ground ol hope, thai oeiore long fleets ol our own merchantmen will sail from our shores, richly la den wub our productions for sale or exchange in the p-rts of our sister Slates and foreign countries; wbiie factories of various kinds, now ectatdished ab iitTeret.: parte of the State, will be mu.'r.phcd bo man couia oe contulently counted on at all times i low our usual abundance ; but we need never from the fluctuating and uncertain contribu'ions of I fear a (amine here while we work. Indeed, that annua! subscribers and visitors at the Fair ; and, calamity can hardly befall a country where maize mce our last annua! meeting, the Society pre- which we call Indian corn grows to perfec ented to the Legislature a memorial praying such ti ;p. There is no recoid of a dearth, approach assistance from the Pqblic "penury as that body ' ing famine, where the principal crop was maize, might deem requisite to tho advancement of ngn- J ait is here. Qur clinjate and soil nre so con culture and manufactures among us. I am happy gonial to the other cereals, that a failure pf that Is announce here, that, in cnmpliince with tho crop from no un propitious season i necessarily memorial, a permanent annual appropriation of perceived in time to provide the others, or some 91500 was made for the payment f premiums, ' of them, as a substitute. aubj-ei only to the reasonable nnd' H"? proviso. Such is North Carolina ! Here he is, nnd let that within the prccedmg twelve months, .he So. nv man say, who can, whether she be not in cety shall have raised the like sum lor the same cv,rv ih.n. mm .he h n,.w en held ,,n i.. h m yi'ijtl inv present calculation that can be mnde. nqt only for the. fhriction of the most useful im plement of wood, iron and other nv-fnl, bu for our supply of ihos fabrics out of the gr"t South- frn staple, ctton, wnich have become inuispensa hie. Manuhicurers are already, without douM, material hel to agriculture, by diversifying em ploy meat, increasing the consumption at home of our crops ands'ock. and supply trig on the spot and without delay many aricle oeedlul to the planter and farmer. In time they will become a more distinct, productive, and influential item in our p'li'ir;i economy; nut never, j think, as the rival or foe of our Hgriculiure, bill as a faithful friend and servant. A however, the cultivation of the earth is the great and productive baiaa of North Carolina. It has made ut hitherto a thriving and happy rural perple. Ave are still so; and it will i alo In profit Vv have heard for som years make us still more so, ms it becomes improved and j past, that the era ol improvement h d begun in more productive. Why should n t the agriculture i the great and wealthy coiirrv ol ISlgecombe; and of North Carolina be as improvable and improved, j I learn Irom u nqu -at toi.a bie source, that the and her sons, engaged in it, as prosperous and intf-lligetii and entei prising pl iniers of that coun hapy as ibne ol any rther par's of our country ? j 'V have heen rewarded bv signal success. I do Wo reason of weight can be giv-n in the negative, I not propose to enter irto a detail ol their system if we will bu' Strive for improvement, hvery thing is in mir lavr, il we will m-ke the fTort and ue ihe proper means ; anil ol thai every one may be satisfied if he will observe and relict on what is around him. The profits and the cm.forts of agriculture de pend mainly on c.!im te, soil, labor, and lite facili ties ir disponing if surplus' s ol production. IV : two jrt clim.it 1 o (j t lla-l nni stiii, s 1 1 iu i i i7 V i i" products requisite for the sustenance ol "tiie bus baudoian hims'-lf. and in ik'mand fr others who cannot produce lor iheinel n. In both points North Ca.-oiina im highly blessed. In her position on the globe she occupies that temperate and happy mean, which i conducive to health and tlie vigorous exeni'n of the faculties and energies 1 C t J I ' - I ... J..... in ijouy anu oiu:u, iu rmuiuviuru'i ituuiiik mir . ;, , , ' , . , ill. ill nil uiiiri . ... Of. iivviii'Miimk. ...... X......I... - I lile and ihe other virtues of the heart, and which constitutef i convtiiulrs a climate, that, in unison with her fertile soil, yields abuallv Jo ihe dilig- nt tiller nearly all the necessaries and many of ihe luxu ries required by mm. We do not work barely pa maintain life ; but, beyond that, to realise gains that m-y be employed in tje adjiiion ol oiher things productive' of ihe elevation and refinement of riviliz d mn. ,0ur w inters, by their duratum and rigor, do no; C"nfine us long within doors, nor cause u to consume the productions ot our labor during ihe other pans of the year ; but we are able to prosecute our field operations and comfor tably pursue our productive employments th tough out the tout aeasons. Tiiougli not of such extent of latitude as thereby to create much variety of climne, and conequenily of production ; yet, the dimensions ol North Carolina, east and west sup pjy that deficiency in a remarkable degree. The proximity to ihe ocean of her eastern coast, and the difference in elevation between that and the moun'ains of the west, with the gradations in the intermediate regions, produces a diversity ol genial climate which gives t North Carolina, in herself, the advantages of many countries coi.j milly. Dy nature, too, her soil was as diversified anil as ex- cellent as her climate. Tho rich alluvial ol the j that it was "old and worn out." H.ppily, soioe east, tho extended and extremely fertile valleys of i thought its conditions not so hopeless, and, cher the many long streams the Roanoke, the Tar, j i-'hing their attachmnnl for the spots of their na tho Neuse, the Cape F.ar, the Yank in and I .dee, : Hviy, within these few years since the time ol the Catawba, nnd other rivers, which appear upon i river navigation and railroads began set about our map, besides those, of small-r streams, almost j repairing the ravages of former days. Do you numb rless, nil, at a mod-rate expense of c ire and j ?!'Ppose they vere content with less crops, and labor, return large ields of nearly every grain j therefore that they cultivated less land than be- and other production fit fr food. Rice, maize, wheat, rye, barley, ons, the pea, the potatoe of each kind, besides an endless Vari- ty of other sorts, vegetables, and fruiis, are found abundantly there, in; while higher up the country, in addition, the grasses grow so readily and luxuriantly as to af ford not little plots on the nns bottoms of brooks, but extensive pastures and magnificent meadows to the mountain lops. Then, there are ihe great o.tiUca of lii uni uud moacco, so extensively used and in such great ai;d increasing demand to one or ihe other of which the greater part ol ihe State is eminently suited. Of fruiis, melons of every kind and ol the best qualities, apples, peaches, pears, cherries, nectarines and apricots, flourish almost everywhere, as do also the smaller, but mst valuable kinds, as the strawberry, the rasp berry, gooseberry, currants, and above all, our native grapes, the sweet and pure Scupper noog and the rich Catawba, which mature well, besides some of foreign power. When to these are added the fish, with which our eastern waters abound through the year, but are alive in the spring our naval tores nnd lumber.our marls, our minerals, gold, silver, copper, and especially tho extensive I and rich deposits of iron ore, and the coals, one j may confidently ask, is there any other Country I which contains or produces more or a greater diversity ol things to sustain life or to bring money ? And ihen let mo enquire ol you, North Carolinians, what belter country dnou want than your own? I hold it is good enough too good, I am tempted to say, for sinful man. It r-auirea onlv to be dtessed and tilled la givo nearly nil we want on earth, and much for our fellow man less happily situated. 1 here inav at some time be a stint be- , , , . . ' hvtl fhy should any leave her? I trust the , t . . , . , , period of hrr people s deserting her and seekini? ,.,u . .w ,- i . . whul ,he nver found . better place, is near i j .u... . mai incj win c-euve 10 ner anu ex alt her by Dohiag iu an effort to render her, by lncreMii-rl f.-r'llou -1 morj, laumii-ov m I. - Vt increased f i . ' . t " Jr r I T """"T nuraD e 8,13 1 , " ,'"b'1" rdens and l.w. w.tfa sub- r M ft If a I farm hoiiKfii. u-ilh nrrh'i rH. nr,A t,r, I ... L. . I I..L l :. j ii S'Mlll f IIOM t I J th'ig 'hatcan make her beau'itui in our eyes :ind fasten our affections on her. I rue, ihe soil is not what it once was, und our task is not merely to preserve fertility, but in a great degree to res tore that which has beeu mote or less exhausted. We must not blame our ancestors too hastily or too severely, for the system 'under which the rich vegetable loam they found here was so used up. Th labors and hardships of settling a wild c. un try leave but little opportunity for more than pre paring lor cultiVdiioii mid cropping such pms of the land as are abstdutelj necessary lor mam taimng the colony. Land was plenty timber an incumbrance, and labor scarce and costly ; so '.hat, in realuv, it was cheaper, and the sounder economy io ihem to bring new fields with their ex ceed'ng superficial fertility ini cu'iure, rather baa manure iho-e which they had reduced bv imperb cl triage and scourging cropping. Throughout America the land suffered bv the ex haii-im'g opera. ions of the tet'h-ra and iheir des cesd.inis lor severtl vearralKMta ; but that can only go on to a certain . xterjt. and then it m .st s'op. When geiimg to be so r duct-d as Hot t( pay for culriv .lion, ii--cessi.y forbids a fur h-r re duction Ol the son. nid in- u ilie D'ocess ol a. n.. r b ... . - ation brains. At lirai it pioceeds w'y ; but every degree of improvement furnishes means lr still grittier, and accordingly it increnes its puce, and by improved culture, manure, rot lioo of crop, and the like, it ends in a productiveness t beyond i;s original capacity II not to the lowest, c Majjiiy to a very low, j condition, much ol Ifra J.nd jp the Stale hed been flroovli ; ;infj the tirce enme, when, it improve ment was ever to te made, it would be commenc ed. I use the expression, '-the time came" Mislead of hts com-," because it is a joyful fact, th;it some persons in y;i nous parts of ihe b'ate, many in some pirt.-, have improved, and continue 10 improve iheir lands and increase their crops profiling much therefrom in their fortunes and letting the r.-st ol us examples by which we otiaht S , . T . W ' 111 further than to say, that it Consists chi fly in j draining by ditch's nd embankments. making ana applying composts, the use ol euano and plaster o Paris, and ihe field pea as an amelior ating crop, as well as food for s'ock. 1 advise every one, however, who has the opportunity, by minute enquiries to obiain from those who have put this sye'ejn in'o use, detailed information res pecting it ; Mild I feel no hesitation in preferring a p queM to the planters ol Edgecombe, as public r pi riled gentlemen, :o (mniuuica'e through our agricultural periodicals, the history of their im provcmci.ti, nnd their experiments at weti those in which they failed as those in which they suc ceeded, wiih all other matters which may be use ful to their brethren in oilier sections. In other parts of' the country, wph which I am more iutinnately acquainted, much improvement has been mde, to my own knowledge. Ol the cnunlies ranging along our northern border, from Warren to Stokes, inclusive, I have had for about fifty years considerable knowl-dg". That was ihe principal region of the. tobacco culture. Ac cording to the course of that culture, wherever it prevailed in our early annals, the counlry was cut down rapidly, cropp-d mer$ils!y with a view to quantity rather than quality, ihen put into corn, and exhau-ted quickly and almost entirely. Vv hen I first knew it, and for a long lime after wards, there were abounding evidences of former fertility, and existing and sorrowful sterility. Corn and tobacco and oa'S were almost the only crops. But little wheat and no cultivated grasses were to be seen in ihe country, barren and Granville bought the liitle flour they used Irom Orange wagons. Large tracts were disfigured by galls and I rightful gullies, turned out as ''old fields," with hroomstraw and nUJ field pines for 'heir only vesture, instead of their stately primi tive fopeafu, or rich crops for the use of man. This is a sad picure. But it is a true one ; and there was more (act than figure in the saying by many, whose work of destruction rendered that region so desolate, and who then abandoned it, fore, h aving a larger area to natural recovery by rest ? Thai was not their course They did not give up the cuhiire ol tobacco, hut grently increased it, and com aiso ; and they nd'b d to their rotation, wheat, when so much more easily and cheaply carried to market. Hut they greatly increased the collection and application of manures from the stables, nnd the catile yards, with considerable additions of ihe concentrated m.nures ott;iined trom abroad, and protected the bind Irom washing by judicious InllsiHe trenching and more thorough plowing. The result has been, ih.t many old fields have been reclaimed and Lrpught into culii vntion, Ihe lands generally much increased in feitilny, and '.f course, m actual and market value in the like proportion, while the production has probably, doubled in quantity and value in all the range of counties mentioned. Such examples are honorable to those who set them, and useful to others, who desire to improve. For rh it reason 1 have thought it proper thus to sign liz- th- m, as I would gladly do others, which may, and I hope do exist, were J Hs well awaro ol them ; content ing myself with adding onl , thnt I think 1 see ihe dawn of a better day in the county of my own residence nnd those contiguous. For our present purpose, it is sufficient that we o.n h'-nce learn that the effects of the mot injudicious and destruc tive cropping may be repaired by good husbandry, in the use of fertilizers saved on the farm, and others, which are becoming better known and more attainable thnn formerly ; and thus all the outlay will be more than reimbursed at a short day by the increase of products, besides enhancing iiiu .time in rem esiaie. i nus will our agriculture be rendered as pleasing and as profitable as that of the most favored portions of the earth. Then let me say once more to you, men of Notth Carolina, stick to her, and make her what she can bo and 'ought to he. For you and vour sons she will yield a rie.'i harvest : to some "thirty fold, some six'y fold, and some an hundred fold," according to ihe skill nnd diligence with which the tillage of the good ground is done. The nature of the labor employed in our agri culture is the next subject for our consideration. It is a most important element in the cost, amount, and value of production. J very frankly avow the opinion, (hat oqr mix- d labor of free whi'e men o! European origin and of slaves of the African race, is as well adapt-d. to the public and private ends of our griptij;ure as any other could be making our cubivaijon IV'I less thorough, pfionp, and productive than it would be, if carried on by ihe whites alone, and far more so than the blacks by themselves would make it-; and, therefore, that it has a beneficial iuftuence.on the prosperity of the country, and tr, physical and moral state of both races, rendering both better and happier than either would be here, without the other. Of course, am not about entering into that contro versy w hich has connecied itself with the conten tions of sectional factions, struggling for political powtr. It is unnecessary thai 1 should; forevery one is aware, I believe, u I the nature ol the con troversy and the motives of the parlies to it. Ii is one of the conservaiive effectsof slavery to"im press on us deep conviction of the inestimable value of the Damn, and a profound reverence lor the Constitution which Created it; and h-nce we habitually cherish a good feeling, :ls of brethren, towards our fellow citizens of every Slate, and any deed or w rd Fending to impair the oero -tuiiy ol the Union and the efficiency of ihe (Jntitaion and the taws pissed in accordance with it, or to alienate ihe aff. cti ms id the people of the iliff- reii' States from each Oilier, is seen with impatience and frowned on with indignmion. Indeed, n there were nny tiling ii slavery or ihe mterrsis con nected with i: incompatible with 'hat fundamental l-iwv I dijubt not that ..or p opl- would willingly abidf by thai sacr-'1 inst rnmeiu . ibuwjeh it should Ctl' olf a fight hand H plu.-U out a right eye. Bui there yyill be no .ice. -ion for a display of our loyalty m th.l respect, since ihe UnnatMsjlHW : cie t.v recognizes our slavery, susiaius Ihe rights ol ownership, and enforces the duty of service ; and I am persuaded, that the obligation of those provisions and their execution will be ultimately pronounced and carried out by those on, whom the Constitution itself coolers the authority. My pur pose now, however, is merely to maintain that slavery here is favorable to the interests of agri culture in puint ol economy and profit, and not unwholesome to ihe moral and social condition of each race. Iu support ol the first part of the proposition, a decisive argument is furnished by the fact that i he amount and value of the produc- ' ions of slave labor In ihis country exceeds those ot similar productions, nay, of all other agricul tural productions, of an equal number of men in any other country, as far as they can be ascer tained. In some localities, indeed, and in respect to some articles ol great value, the production would ceHse or nearly cease, wiih slavery ; since the blacks by the constitutions inherited from iheir African ancestors, can labor, without detriment, under degrees of heat, moisture, and exposure, which are found to be fatal to the whites, whose sj stems ajv better adapted to different conditions oi the atmosphere. In truth, if the Iree men in those Soles in which slavery prevails be allowed credit for common sense und the capacity to un derstand iheir own wants and interests, ihe utility of the employment ol slave labor and i s produc tiveness are established beyond controversy, simply by the lact, that il is done. Men who are thoroughly versed iu the practical operation of nny institution, certainly will not, to their own prejudice, uphold it from generation to generation, ami cling i lie closer to it as by its natural exten sion it becomes more nd more destructive. If it be said that the continuance of slavery does not prove its utility to the Commonwealth, because it was continued of necessity and would have been, however impolitic it might be found, we must ow n some' force in ihe suggestion by itself, since at all tims nfier its in'roduc'.ion it would have been difficult to get rid of it, and that difficulty has been continually increasing. It was much easier for those who now condemn so strenuously our lo'era tion ol slavery, to capture and enslave the helpless Aincnns and bring them hero, ihan for ls, with out crime yet more heinous, tc renounce our do minion over ihem nnd turn them loose to their own discretion and self destrupiion. Their fate would soon be that of our native savages or the enfranchised blacks ol'the West Indies, the misera ble victims ol idleness, want, drunkenness, and o'her debaucheries. But the argument goes only to show that we would have done right even though enforced thereto by the necessity spoken of in stilt holding those people in bondage. It is far from showing that slavery would not have been and ought not to have been maintained, though there had been no such hypothetical neces sity for doing so. Furthermore, there are numer our facta to prove a clear opinion to the contrary in every class of our population. When did any man, for example, leave North Carolina in order to get clear of his slaves or of slavery ? We have, indeed, a respectable and peaceful religious society !css numerous than formerly who are forbid den by an article in their creed from holding men in slavery. Kven they never warred or contended against this institution here, nor sought to seduce or spirit away their neighbor's slaves ; but like the quiet and Christian men they professed to be, they left us and immigrated chiefly to the States of the North-West, in which slavery did not exist. With that slight exception, the public sep.iment is so generally satisfied with the existence of slavery and its propriety here, that it may properly be called universal. Some men have emancipated some or ail of their slaves by sending them to other States, But I know not of an instance in whiL'h the former owner went with ihem, or left North Carolina because other owners would not follow their example. On the contrary, when our slaveholders remove, they carry iheir slaves with them further south, where slavery is, if possible, more firmly fixed than here, because they expect 'fe labor of ihe slaves to be more productive. Besides, there nre many inhabitants of this State who do not hold slaves, some from choice and seme f.'om inability lo purchase ihem, nnd never theless, they are content to nbide among us ami our slaves. And it is also true, that even when those men migrate, much the latger part ol them likewise go to the south of us in the thick of slavery, because they hope to make a greater profit from their own exertions. These (nets-. which cannot be denied, will bnr reflection, and furnish evidence sufficient lo satisfy nny fair mind thai there is an unanimous conviction ol our people that slavery, ns it exists here, is neither unprofita ble, nor impolitic, nor unwholesome. For cer tainly, though slaveholders, we may claim to possess as clear understandings and as clear con sciences as generally fa to the lot of other men- But ihe interest of the owner is noi the only se curity to the slave foriumane treatment ; there is a stronger tie between them. Oiten horn on the same plantation, and bred together, they have a perfect knowledge of each other, and a mutual at tachment. Protection and provision are the offi ceg of the master, nnd in return the slave yields devoted obedience and fidelity of service ; so ;hal ihey seldom part but from necessity. The com fort, cheerfulness, and happiness of the slave should be, and generally is, the study of the mas ter; and every Christian mr.ster rejoices over the soul of his slave saved, ns of a brother, and al lows of his attendance on the ministry of God's word and sacraments, in any church of his vicin ily. The condition qf u slave denies to him, in deed, oppoi (unities of education sufficient for searching tie Scriptures for hirrisell, and working thereout his own converson ; bu: God forbid that should be necessary to salvation ! It is not ; for to ihe poor and the unleiterod the Christian graces are promised and given in an especial manner, because they have less pride of intellect, more simplicity ol faith, and more singleness of heart; I and among the slaves of this country thure are many exemplary Uhnsuans. Indeed, slavery in America has not only done more for the civil jz:i tiotijaud enjoyments ol I he African rnce than all -otj.e realises, but it has brpught more of them into the Christian fold than all the missions to that be'nigbtcd continent from the advent to this day have -or, probably, those for centuries to come would, excepting only ihe recent Colonies of blacks on the western coast ol Africa, by which one may hope and believe that under divine direction the lights of civilization and the knowledge of the true God may be reflected back on that whole land. Such are some of the beneficial effi-cis on that race of tlp-ir connexion with ns. Upon the slave- holder Hie impressions nre not less distinctly dur- abie, nor less beneficial. He is habitually a man ! ol employment. As in military life, he must train his troop to their duties, lay out their work, n,l superintend its execu'ion ; und by a mild and just, though firm discipline, reward and punish ac cording to iheir deserH : an I he must never fail iu sympathy wi'h them in regard to innocent en jjovmetits at proper times, and ihiir needs in sick j ness and in heaiih. Sometimes matters, very I trivial in themg. lyes, havxceedingl v great effect j m improving the slave and uniting him to his own er. I know a gentleman one ol the mo?.; sue- cess'ul planter', who produced a marked chanre lor ihe better imi.iig his slaves, t.y the small boon o a cheap iooking glass or each of their quar er-. Another hound his people to him bv a devoted af. I" ciion, by joining with solemnity in their proces sions pi the bjria! of their dead, in a grave yard, which he had protected by a plain post and plapk enclosure. It is a great error in those who do not know our slavery, to confound authority in the private relations, though it be that of a slaveowner, with the absolute power of a prince on a throne. A political despot is separated from his su j-cts.- llf knows th. m not, nor loves them. He sympa thises with none ol them, but their positions and I'ee'.ings ne in constant hostility. But authority in domestic life, though not necessarily, is natur ally considerate, mild, easy to be entreated, and tends to an elevation in sentiment in the superior which generates a humane tenderness or those in his pow. r, and rendeis hiui regard bd alike of the duty and the dignity of his position. It is only when the authority is disputed and resisted, that a conflict occurs 4 and the slaves, if kept to them selves, unprompte d from w ithoyt, will seldom give occasion in that way for rigor. Why should 'his propitious stale of things be changed ? Why should any wish a change ? Especially, why should persons who have no concern in it, who nre not of us, and Know not what they do, officiously interfere in a relation so entirely domosiic and delicnte ? We know thnt our slaves are generally humble, obedient, quiet, and a contented and cheerful race of laborers. Scattered over the plantations in rural occupations, they are never riotous or dangerous, as the same number of un. educated working men have often beep in other parts of our country. Slaves are no part of the State, with no political power, and seek i)n violent or sudden changes in the law or policy of the country; and where slavery exists labor and cap. i la I never comes in conflicT, because they are in the same hands, and operate in harmony. It is not, then, a blot upon our laws, nor a stain on our morals, nor a blight upon our land. A signal in stance of its beneficial political influence just oc curs to me, to which I cannot refrain from asking your attention. The snd fate of ihe Indinn tribes in (lie territories, now forming the United States, is familiar to every one. With the exception of a few small remnants, seated among the whites, as a degraded caste, jn one or two of the northern Stntes, all belonging to that region are extinct. They had no separate property, and therefore they never engaged in the pursuits of civil life, and could not be civilized. They were killed up in wars with the whites, or at their instigation, with each other, deprived of their Jnnd, nnd consequent ly, with retjuped supplies of food by the diminu tion of game, and brutalised by intemperance, they wasted away while they were yet savages. The same fate befell most of those at the South, and from the same causes. But there are ex ceptions wonhy of grave consideration. There were five large tribes on this side of the Rfissis sippi the Cherokees, the Creeks, the Chicka saws, Choctaws, and the Seminoles. The two former were nearer to us, and, indeed, part of their territory was w ithin our borders. Therefore we are more familiar with them, nnd I will speak only of them, though I believe the same is true of all of them. The Cherokees and Creeks suffered losses of land nnd people like the other tribes ; but they differed from them in one circumstance, and only one, from which, however, most im portant consequences resulted. It so happened, that, while yet respectable in strength, they got in some way by capture or purchase some negro slaves. Immediately there was a change in their whole polity, which preserved their existence, and increased iheir numbers and their wealth. The acquisition of slaves gave them the idea of property in individuals, and in order to make the labor of the slaves beneficial, n qualified property in the lands occupied bv each Indian, and worked bv bis slaves. Wits recognised bv the nation, nnd the pursuits and arts of civilized life wre established among them; fnrrn- were extended, dwellings erected, tp ffie prnc ised. clothes worn aft-r the fashsion of ihe whites schools nnd ehnrches opened, and the r- d uv.in became ns the whit' man in his occupations, property, education, nnd re ligion. And now those tribes form intelligent and thriving people beyond the Mississippi, with en larged knowledge, properly, and power; ivj-h n prin'ed statue book, wi'h n legislative body, nnd regular tribunal of justice. Such works hath American slavery wrought upon those trihe ! Is that a reproach to it ? And is if not marvellous that, still, it should tie pursued hv persons having no knowledge of its practical operation, under a phrensy against slavery in the abstract, fatally bent on its restriction and destruction, though they thereby should desolate our fields, dpsecrate our altars, and cause the blood of both races of our people to flow in rivers ? Such philanthropy is both fanciful and ferocious, and must gall "and irritate, nnd may. to a certain extent, alarm some Bu. I believe we need not apprehend much danger to our personal r:hts or poli-ical instiijions" Occasionally demagogues mny sway popular or legislative majorities against us. But it cnn only ne ior a senson, ami a short season. F- or. in every pnrf of our beloved count rv there are men, nnd, I trust, many men, of sound heads and sonrd hearts, who are ns able as we to understand and explain the constitution, nnd calculate Ihe value of the Union as justly. Such men must have great influence in society, however it may he con stituted, nnd will assuredly intruct. persuade, and lead back th masses lo a due regard for the Constitutional rights of their fellow-cifizeng not less their fellow-cifizens because living; far anart for multitudes, proverbaliy prone to change, tvyer do so more readily, than when, under the guidance of wise and good men. they can retreat from an extreme Wrong, and escape from the domination of thnso who dishonestly led them into it. The very excess of the error ensures its speedy perception, and a more perfect reaction. I believe we shall be one people again in good feeling; and therefore I cherish the spirit of brotherhood even towards those who may now seem lo hold it in the least respect; and in that I only sympathise, I am sure, with the great hulk of my fellow-citizens at home. It would, indeed, be otherwise, if it were true, as supposed or set forth by some, that slavery degrades free labor, and, consequently, that our population are too proud or too lazy to work, and become, es pecially slave owners, dissolute and profligate in mo rals, as well as atrocious tyrants. But that is not true not at all true ; and there never was a greater mistako than to suppose it true. It cannot but ex cite a smile in us, who know the contrary so well when we are told that white men do not work here and that they do not because it is considered dis graceful. Why, there is not a country on earth in which honest labor and diligence in business in all classes ana conditions is considered more respecta ,le' or niore resrted. We, like everv nllia. peopie, nave the idle and the vicious amongst us but they are chiefly those who have the least con nexion with slaves, and particularly those employed in agriculture, and are to be found, without means lounging about cities and villages. Many moat in dependent farmer, who own slaves, but not enough to make their .superintendence full employment, work, they and their sons, with their slaves ; and it is sure, that no one here ever treated them or thought of them. a.s disgraced by it. Indeed, every one, who by intelligence, integrity, and industry provides for himself and his household, either in the field or at the forge, or any other mechanical pur suit is as highly respected here as in every other well ordered community ; and many of them are of great and useful influence in society It is a mistake, too, equally notable, that slave holders are above or exempt from tho cares and the , i , . . ' business of life : and it is .1 err cm iiiln.... . sent them as the ruthless and relentless tyr-inT whom some persons delight to draw over-cL f and .exaggerated caricfttures. Although uUlUt of a .large slaveholder is not manual, yet jt js the less engrossing and onerous; and the fee)1101 between masters and their slaves, in the great tl it of our population, is kindly on the part of the f mer, and affectionately .faithful on the part of T latter. Slavery, indeed, is not a pure and una ! rrrtnA Nir is atlV till II c that i hitman T! gv. y men?. incfnnflc of erll.il a n rl rlavdlcli mnotn..-. , . 8 Ml. UUIVV'I V. V.. MV. M..V. v. . ....7U UIH.1 VCI O, rtHQ (jj bnlent and refractory slaves, who cannot l. tur- - - j j ... . L trolled and brought into subjection but by extrao" dinary severity. But these are exceptions anj exceptions. vjrrvM severity m masters is aj rtln.l ujijvbcu vj nut; u'iii 3 oi uui jrovi-in.- " IO me emu' ment of the age, and, indeed, to the interest of u master. Moderation in the punishment of deDeru dents is founded in nature; and unjust, exeeasn and barbarous cruelty is not to be presumed b ' quite the contrary. The meek man who led the I raelites through the wilderness, and legislated fo them by inspiration, understood this better ti those who paint us so frightfully, without know ing much about us. In treating of the different le grees of homicide, he had regard to the knowa mo tives of the human heart, and thereon founded the presumption that the slaying of a slave bv the raa ter, is by misadventure, ''because he is his tuonev " unle'ss it should be rebuked by such excess in til,, degree or duration of the infliction as to make hini 'die under his hand," and thus evince that disci pline was a pretence, and the killing of designed malignity or wanton brutality. I appeal to evm one, if our experience is not in accordance with tho divine statute. The same motive induces the mas ter to b.e observant 0f the health and morals of his slaves ; to care for them aijd provide for them ; to restrain them trom baneful excesses, and employ them in moderate, though steady labor. That this is the course the established habit of the slave holding portion of the country, is plainly to be de duced from an increase in the numbers of our slave population beyond the ratio of natural increase in the population of any other nation ; which cook! only arise from the abundant supply of the neces saries and comforts of life, and a contented state yf mind. On the remaining point, on which the interests of agriculture, and indeed of all other employment depend namely, the facility of transportation, I have to offer to all North-Carolinians heart-felt con gratulations. The carriage of bulky and cheap ar ticles long distances, in wagons, over bad roads, was a great draw-back on the profits of capital and labor for a long time here. Some relief in particular parts of the State was derived from even the imperfect improvement made in the navigation for boats on a fevy of our rivers. But it was far bolow tho wants and demands of the people ; and afterwards r&sott was had to rail-roads. The wonders worked by steam and railways are indeed astonishing through out the world- In no part of it can they be more requisite or beneficial than in this Sttite, the extent of which, and the want of navigable waters at only a short distance from the sea, rendered them indis pensable. Every one, therefore, ought to commend, the legislative policy in provi ling them, and in ex tending them from time to time as the funds of tho State may be found adequate. It will uot, I trust, be going out of the way, while on this subject, to say a word in honor of the memory of a great and good man, who first presented the utility and con struction of rail-roads to the notice and patronage of this State. I allude to the Rev. Dr. Joseph Cald well, the late eminent and zealous president of thti University. Upwards of thirty years ago he visited Europe, on the business of the College, and there saw such roads in use ; and soon after his return, I remember, he published a series of essays under the signature of "Carlton," in a newspaper printed in this city, explaining the practicability of their con struction, and earnestly urging a central one from Buncombe to Beaufort. The novelty of the subject and the dread of the expense, operating upon timid counsels, prevented his suggestion from being then adopted. But it is honorable to his sagacity, that at the late session of the legislature chiufers were granted for completing a line of rail road on the very route recommended by him, when probably it was unknown or had been forgotten by the acting generation of legislators, that he had ever advoca ed the measure. I shall be pardoned for desiring to rescue from oblivion for a brief space longer his eany service in a cause now so generally and justly advocate I, and of such surpassing importance. I have thus endeavored to lay before you the re sources and advantages enjoyed by North Carolina, and her capacity to supply the wants of man and satisfy his reasonable desires for accumulation and the higher enjoyments of both laboring and educa ted and more refined men. It has been done with out setting up any claim for her, which I dp not be lieve to be well founded, or any statement in which I do not expect your concurrence. In truth I have said nothing new; and I have not sought so much to impart information as to excite reflection on what you already know ; for we take no note of things that we see every day ; and it is a more common fault not to make a proper use of knowledge, than it is not to possess it; to fail in duty, not because we are ignorant of it, but because we are ifidiffcrent to it My purpose has been to present to you'. ivith much plainness of speech, things that none can deny, and are fully known among us. You know that all these things are true. If they la?, let thorn make their impress on our minds and heart, that we may be duly sensible of, and thankful for, tho goodly bounties of health, competence, and wealth, which may be derived from the agriculture and other occupations of North Carolina. I am quite sensible that I have performed most defectively the task set for myself. After the lap' of more than thirty years since I epgaged in public discussion, I ought not to have undertaken if, and regret that I did so, especially as this addrecs has been hastily prepared under many disadvantages. I beseech your forgiveness, and will mke the best reparation now in my pow er, by promising not tq offend in the same way arrain. And as J have very nearly arrived at the scriptural limit of man's life, I think I may, in conclusion, safely make the pro mise. I cannot close, however, without asking you once more to cleave to North Carolina. Stay in her, fertilize her, till her, cherish her rising manufactures, extend her rail-ways, encourage and endow her schools and colleges, sustain her institutions, devel ope her resources, promote knowledge, virtue, and religion throughout her borders, stimulate State pride, and exalt her to renown : And may the blessing of Almighty God be upon each one of you, and on all North Carolina, and make her good name and fair fame endless. THE large new Hole I home now in curse of construction, within a few yard of ihe D' pots of the North Carolina Central, and the Charlotte and South Carolina Rail-Roads, in the town of Charlotte. i for rent, possesion fo h given the first ot J inu-iry next. The building is three stories high, wiih a large number ol rooms, nnd ifce most of them with fire places. Tho whole building ho be-n arranged for a first clas hotel of the inot convenient and comfortable kind. The advantageous position ol this hotel, for large and profitable business, must be apparent to il who may view it. Persons desiring lo go into the hotel business will m ike application to the subscriber, in Charlotte. O. T. CR AN FORD. Oct. 30, 1855. lj