The Camden Weekly Journal

CONDITION OF SLAVES.—We notice by the last Charleston papers, that the good people of that city have become alarmed at the increasing prospect of injury to the slave population, arising from the illegal traffic with a certain class of shop keepers. What is more, the city authorities seem resolved to punish the offenders, if they cannot eradicate the evil. During the months of July and August alone, fines to the amount of $1,795 were imposed upon offenders. The name and residence of the offenders are published, as well as the offence and the amount of fine imposed. Would it not be well for the city authorities of Savannah to learn by the experience of others? It would be impossible to estimate the damage done to the negro property of our city by a certain class of our traders. Scores and hundreds of our negroes are congregated every Sunday, and almost every night, in some of these dens of iniquity. They are not only debauched and degraded, but not unfrequently hurried to untimely graves. It is time that the owners of slaves should take this matter in hand, and exterminate the evil. The man who fires a house is punished capitally. It seems to be no crime, however, to destroy both life and property, provided the property is a negro, and the winking at the crime is necessary to secure votes for worthless officials.

These remarks are not applicable to all the persons at present holding office in this city but that they are true of many of them we have not a shadow of doubt.—Savannah Courier.