prevention of destitution among a labouring class was to be found in slavery; that there was always an abundance of food in the Slave States, and hinted that it might yet be necessary, as a security against famine, to extend slavery over the present Free States. This article is still being copied by the Southern papers, as testimony of an unwilling witness to the benevolence and necessity of the eternal slavery of working people.
The extracts following, from Southern papers, will show what has occurred in the slave country in the meanwhile:
"For several weeks past, we have noticed accounts of distress among
the poor in some sections of the South, for the want of bread, particularly
in Western Georgia, East and Middle Alabama. Over in Coosa, corn-cribs
are lifted nightly; and one poor fellow (corn thief) lately got caught
between the logs, and killed! It is said there are many grain-hoarders in
the destitute regions, awaiting higher prices! The L—d pity the poor,
for his brother man will not have any mercy upon his brother."—Pickens Republican, Carrolton, Ala., June 5, 1855.
"We regret that we are unable to publish the letter of Governor Winston, accompanied by a memorial to him from the citizens of a portion of Randolph county, showing a great destitution of breadstuffs in that section, and calling loudly for relief.
"The Claiborne Southerner says, also, that great destitution in regard to provisions of all kinds, especially corn, prevails in some portions of Perry county."—Sunny South, Jacksonville, Ala., May 26, 1855.
"As for wheat, the yield in Talladega, Tallapoosa, Chambers, and Macon, is better even than was anticipated. Flour is still high, but a fortnight will lower the price very materially. We think that wheat is bound to go down to $1.25 to $1.50 per bushel, though a fine article commands now $2.25.
"Having escaped famine—as we hope we have—we trust the planting community of Alabama will never again suffer themselves to be brought so closely in view of it. Their want of thrift and foresight has come remarkably near placing the whole country in an awful condition. It is only to a kind Providence that we owe a deliverance from a great calamity, which would have been clearly the result of man's short-sightedness."—Montgomery Mail, copied in Savannah Georgian, June 25, 1855.
"Wheat crops, however, are coming in good, above an average; but oats are entirely cut off. I am issuing commissary, this week for the
