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Editorial
March 24, 1790
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Excerpt quoting Abbe Raynal's vehement condemnation of slavery as a violation of universal justice, refusing to defend it and arraigning governments that tolerate it, while noting Montesquieu's reluctance to treat the subject seriously.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
The Abbe Raynal, that celebrated Philosopher
and friend to mankind, says, on the subject of
slavery, " I will not disgrace myself by adding
one to the list of venal writers, who have prostituted
their pens in defence of a trade so abhorrent
from the laws of universal justice. No principles
of policy can justify the breach of her sacred laws.
In so enlightened an age, an age where so many
errors are boldly laid open, it would be shameful
to conceal any truth that is interesting to humanity.
We will first prove that no reason of State
can authorize slavery. In doing this we shall not
hesitate to arraign, before the tribunal of eternal
light and justice, all those governments; who
tolerate the cruel practice, or are not ashamed to
make it the basis of their power. The great
Montesquieu could not prevail upon himself to
treat the question concerning slavery, in a serious
light. In reality it is degrading to reason
to employ it, I will not say in defending, but even
in refuting an abuse so repugnant to it ; whoever
justifies so odious a system deserves the utmost
contempt."
and friend to mankind, says, on the subject of
slavery, " I will not disgrace myself by adding
one to the list of venal writers, who have prostituted
their pens in defence of a trade so abhorrent
from the laws of universal justice. No principles
of policy can justify the breach of her sacred laws.
In so enlightened an age, an age where so many
errors are boldly laid open, it would be shameful
to conceal any truth that is interesting to humanity.
We will first prove that no reason of State
can authorize slavery. In doing this we shall not
hesitate to arraign, before the tribunal of eternal
light and justice, all those governments; who
tolerate the cruel practice, or are not ashamed to
make it the basis of their power. The great
Montesquieu could not prevail upon himself to
treat the question concerning slavery, in a serious
light. In reality it is degrading to reason
to employ it, I will not say in defending, but even
in refuting an abuse so repugnant to it ; whoever
justifies so odious a system deserves the utmost
contempt."
What sub-type of article is it?
Slavery Abolition
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Slavery
Abolition
Raynal
Montesquieu
Universal Justice
Governments
Enlightened Age
What entities or persons were involved?
Abbe Raynal
Montesquieu
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Condemnation Of Slavery
Stance / Tone
Strongly Anti Slavery
Key Figures
Abbe Raynal
Montesquieu
Key Arguments
Refusal To Defend Slavery As It Disgraces The Writer
No Policy Or Reason Of State Can Justify Slavery
Shameful To Conceal Truths About Slavery In An Enlightened Age
Governments Tolerating Slavery Should Be Arraigned Before Eternal Justice
Even Refuting Slavery Degrades Reason; Justifying It Deserves Contempt