CHAPTER
XIV.
CONCLUSION. THERE are some exceptions to the description we i have given in the preceding chapter of the condition : and treatment of the apprentices. There are some \ resident proprietors, some attorneys and overseers, j whose conduct to the negros under their cliarge is in i striking contrast with the general management. Our pages bear witness of our anxiety to do justice to those with whom we became acquainted, who merit j this honorable distinction. Such individuals have | uniformly experienced the industry and good-will, j with which, the negro renders, what becomes under j such a yoke, almost a voluntary service, and his rea足 diness to work for reasonable wages in his own time. The willingness and even anxiety of the apprentices to labor for pecuniary remuneration, have been fully demonstrated wherever they have been fairly put to i the test ; and the circumstance is important when view- j ed in connection with the prospective results of eman- \ cipation, should the change in the social system, which has been so inauspiciously begun, be carried out j to its desirable completion. It would be almost idle to speculate on the agricultural prospects of the colonies under present circumstances. Those prospects are clouded by the Apprenticeship, which threatens, if not the ruin of the island, or the disorganization of the i community, partial or complete loss of property, to i K K