On the contrary, there had been an increase, and not a diminution of crop.

(Hear.) But, then, it was said that quiet could not be expected after slavery in its most complete and abject form had so long reigned paramount, and that any sudden emancipation must endanger the peace of the islands.

The experience of the first of August at once scattered to the winds that most fallacious prophecy.
Then it was said, only wait till Christmas, for that is a period when, by all who have any practical knowledge of the negro character, a rebellion on their part is most to be apprehended.

We did wait for this dreaded Christmas; and what was the result?
I will go for it to Antigua, for it is the strongest case, there being there no indentured apprentices--no preparatory state--no transition--the chains being at once knocked off, and the negroes made at once free.

For the first time within the last thirty years, at the Christmas of the year 1834, martial law was not proclaimed in the island of Antigua.