The census report of 1850 shows this important fact: that of the white men in the slave States over twenty-one years of age, there is about one in every twelve that cannot read and write; while in the free States there is only one out of every forty-five.
Tompkins cites the 1850 census to highlight the literacy disparity between white men in slave states and free states.
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It was dangerous to liberty then; no man now apprehends any danger to liberty, unless from the same source.
It is daily threatened by men who are interested in slavery.
There can be no other reason than the one given by George Mason eighty years ago: slavery produces a most pernicious effect upon manners.
When the entire abolition of slavery takes place, it will be an event which must be most pleasing to every generous mind, and to every friend of human nature.
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