1836.
"During the last month I have visited the country in almost every direction, with the express object of paying a strict attention to all branches of agricultural operations at that period progressing.
The result of my observations is decidedly favorable, as regards proprietors and laborers.

The manufacture of sugar has advanced as far as the long and continued want of rain will admit; the lands, generally, appear to be in a forward state of preparation for the ensuing crop, and the laborers seem to work with more steadiness and satisfaction to themselves and their employers, than they have manifested for some length of time past, and their work is much more correctly performed.
Complaints are, for the most part, adduced by the employers against the laborers, and principally consist, (as hitherto,) of breaches of contract; but I am happy to observe, that a diminution of dissatisfaction on this head even, has taken place, as will be seen by the accompanying general return of offences reported.
Your honor's most obedient, humble servant, _Richard S.Wickham, Superintendent of police_." NINTH PROPOSITION .-- The negroes are _more easily managed_ as freemen than they were when slaves.
On this point as well as on every other connected with the system of slavery, public opinion in Antigua has undergone an entire revolution, since 1834.

It was then a common maxim that the peculiar characteristics of the negro absolutely required a government of terror and brute force.
The Governor said, "The negroes are as a race remarkable for _docility_; they are very easily controlled by kind influence.

It is only necessary to gain their confidence, and you can sway them as you please." "Before emancipation took place, I dreaded the consequence of abolishing the power of compelling labor, but I have since found by experience that forbearance and kindness are sufficient for all purposes of authority.

I have seldom had any trouble in managing my people.