A Virgina Man on Effects of Slavery Upon the White Population

Here are extracts from a speech  in the Legislature of Virginia, by Mr. T. Marshall of Fauquier County.  “Slavery is ruinous to whites … roots out the industrious population … an evil that admits not remedy … it is increasing and will continue to increase until the whole country will be inundated with one black wave, covering its whole extent … master has no capital except what is invested in human flesh… no diversity of occupation … no incentive to enterprise … Labor is disreputable, because performed mostly by slaves … towns are stationery … villages declining … public improvements neglected …”   (Liberator, July 14, 1832)