43 These are his congenial companions. To wear these to use them becomes a passion, almost a necessity. Nothing contributes to violence so much as the wearing of the instruments of violence, thus having them always at hand to obey the lawless instincts of the individual. barbarous standworld.
is
his pride
A
ard liar
is
established
a duel
is
to our Slave-masters,
shameful
not dishonorable
known
a contest pecu-
as a "street-fight," is not
and modern imitators of Cain have a mark
set
upon
them, not for reproach and condemnation, but for compliment and approval. I wish to keep within bounds but unanswerable facts, accmulating in fearful quantities, attest that the social
much vaunted by honorable Senators, and which we now asked to sanction and to extend, takes its character
system, so are
from this spirit, and with professions of Christianity on the lips, becomes Cain-like. And this is aggravated by the prevailing ignorance in the Slave States, where one in twelve of the adult white population is unable to read and write. The boldest they who least partake the light, As game-cocks in the dark are trained to fight.
Of course
there are exceptions, which
we
all
gladly recognize,
which predominates and gives the social law. And here mark an important difference. Elsewhere violence shows itself in spite of law, whether social or statute in the Slave States it is because of law both social and statute. Elsewhere it is pursued and condemned in the Slave States it is adopted and honored. Elsewhere it is hunted as a crime in but
it is
this spirit
the Slave States
it
takes
its
place
among
the honorable graces
of society. Let not these harsh statements stand on my authority. Listen to the testimony of two Governors of Slave States in their messages to the Legislatures
"We long to
see the day," said the Governor of Kentucky in 1S37, " when the assert its majesty, and stop the wanton destruction of life which almost Men slaughter each daily occurs within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. species of common law has grown up in other with almost perfect impunity. Kentucky, which, were it written down, would, in all civilized countries, cause it to
law
will
A
be rechristened, in derision, the land of blood."
Such was the
official
confession of a Slave-master Governor
of Kentucky. And here is the official confession same year by the Slave-master Governor of Alabama " We hear of homicides
in different parts of the State continually,
made
the
and yet have
