It is not too much to say that it was a grand cheat--a national imposture at the expense of the poor victims of oppression, whom, with benevolent pretences, it offered up a sacrifice to cupidity and power.
PRACTICAL OPERATION OF THE APPRENTICESHIP .-- It cannot be denied that this system is in some respects far better than slavery.

Many restraints are imposed upon the master, and many important privileges are secured to the apprentice.

Being released from the arbitrary power of the master, is regarded by the latter as a vast stride towards entire liberty.

We once asked an apprentice; if he thought apprenticeship was better than slavery.

"O yes," said he, "great deal better, sir; when we was slaves, our masters git mad wid us, and give us _plenty of licks_; but now, thank God, they can't touch us." But the actual enjoyment of these advantages by the apprentices depends upon so many contingencies, such as the disposition of the master, and the faithfulness of the special magistrate, that it is left after all exceedingly precarious.