Bonds of Citizenship. Hoang Gia Phan

cannot deprive him of it. This is certainly a considerable step towards the abolishing [of] absolute slavery. As soon as the slave is able to purchase another working day, the master is obliged to sell it to him at a proportional price, viz. 1–fifth part of his original cost: and so likewise the remaining 4 days at the same rate, as soon as the slave is able to redeem them, after which he is absolutely free. This is such an encouragement to industry, that even the most indolent are tempted to exert themselves. Men who have thus worked out their freedom are inured to the labour of the country, and are certainly the most useful subjects that a colony can acquire. Regulations might be formed upon the same plan to encourage the industry of slaves that are already imported into the colonies, which would teach them how to maintain themselves and be as useful, as well as less expensive to the planter. They would by such means become members of society, and have an interest in the welfare of the community, which would greatly add to the security of the colony; whereas, at present, many of the planters are in continual danger of being cut off by their slaves—A fate which they but too justly deserve!⁷⁹