The MSW Book-Recom #53(and half)

; Or, 'Sold for the highest bidder !',  and, 'These schocking statistics' 

“..., and we might believe that the entire island was originally a forest of palms and wild lime, and orange trees. These last, which have a small fruit, are probably anterior to the arrival of Europeans, who carried the agrumi [x1] of the gardens, which rarely exceed ten or fifteen feet in height.

The lime and the orange do not usually grow together, and when the new settlers clear the land they distinguish the quality of the soil according as it bears one or other of these social plants; and the soil that bears the orange is preferred to that which produces the small lime. In a country where the operations of the sugar plantations have not been so well perfected that they need no other fuel than the bagass [x1], this progressive destruction of the small clumps of wood is a real calamity. The arid nature of the soil is increased in proportion as its stripped of the trees which serve to shield it from the hot rays of the sun, and whose leaves radiating their caloric against the ever clear sky, cause a precipitation of the watery vapor from the cooled air.”

(Humboldt), ...on 'Political essay on The Island of Cuba' ; f.p. 1826 - 1st engl. Transl. 1829, 2^nd (this) from 1856. ...here cited recommmended mod. repr. (: p. 98-99.)

;  
“...It might be more difficult to overthrow the Andes than an anthill, but it can be no more impossible to annihilate the matter of the one than the matter of the other. A man may jump ten feet with less difficulty than he can jump twenty, but the impossibility of his leaping to the moon is not a whit less than that of his leaping to the dog-star.

 ...on account of such suppositious idea, infinity itself, are plainly engaged in demonstrating one impossible thing to be possible by showing how it is that some one other thing is impossible too. This, it will be said, is nonsense, and perhaps it is. Indeed I think it very capital nonsense, but forego all claim to it as nonsense of mine.” ; (E.A.Poe, [x2]), from 'Eureka. An Essay on the Material and Spiritual Universe' (1848. From Hesperus 2002 repr.; p. 17.)

;
 “But on what principle Mr. Burke could defend American independence, I cannot conceive; for the whole tenor of his plausible arguments settles slavery on an everlasting foundation. Allowing his servile reverence for antiquity, and prudent attention to self-interest, to have the force which he insists on, the slave trade ought never be abolished; and, because our ignorant forefathers, not understanding the native diginity of man, sanctioned a traffic that outrages every suggestion of reason and religion, we are to submit to the inhuman custom, and term an atrocious insult to humanity the love of our country, and a proper submission to the laws by which our property is secured. ...

Fully sensible as you [...means (Edmund) Burke, to whom W. addressed his 'letter.] must be of the baneful consequences that inevitably follow this notorious infringement on the dearest rights of men, and that it is an infernal blot on the very face of our immaculate constitution, I cannot avoid expressing my surprise that when you recommend our form of government as a model, you did not caution the French against arbitrary customs of pressing men for the sea service. You should have hinted to them, that property in England is much more secure than liberty, and not have concealed that liberty of an honest mechanic – his all – is often sacrificed to secure the property of the rich. For it is a farce to pretend that a man fights for his country, his hearth, or his altars, when he has neither liberty nor property. ...“

(Mary Wollstonecraft), ...on 'A Vindication on the Rights of Men' (',...in a letter to the Right Honourable Edmund Burke; Occasioned by his Reflections on the Revolution in France') - f.p. 1791. - cite of 1995 repr. (; p. 13-14. : Italics Wollstonecraft's.)

The Recom:

; [ Recommendations III / 2017] 
; ...Series of the view-points on Commonwealth(s), pt. X
 

Political Essay on the Island of Cuba

('Essai politique sur I'ile de Cuba')

By Alexander von Humboldt

: Orig. p. 1826. ; Eng. Transl. 1856 (John Sidney Thrasher) 
[; Read via mod. Repr. The Island of Cuba ; 280 p. (2001, Princeton),

- Since it also features chapter 'The Nature of Slavery', omitted at the 1856-transl.]

-----------------------

This '.and half'-post, like usual to these, meant only for additions to our former presented recom, and (partly) resembling of the 'topic'. (Or, from similar 'themes', than what it also was devoted on, mostly.) Due that former recom, lot centered on the US slavery-debate by 1830s-50s, this then was meant have to more it's concern the Caribbean region(s), or 'the tropical Americas'. ...Where a chattel-slavery usually seems noted been - not only more brutal and inhuman - but also, like was noted on priorly, lasted several decades later on that 1800s. ; ...But, such as said, turned out that those materials I read in the meanwhile felt so overwhelming, this now resultantly (mosly) comprises of quoting variety books viewed. And likewise resultant, mainly goes 'by the hunch' – ie 'skip a few stones, turn a few sticks', not from any too specific intentions. (And not to forget of mention, lot's from what caught my eye – some of it irrelevant, but perhaps interesting – then is on the Notes, to the ends of this.)

'Abominable traffick' ; ...Having then also considered from whether us would've offered the rarer privilege on these 'reviews' of ours from a more than singular book recommend to Mary Wollstonecraft – Reasons to, ao, that I perhaps might've slight misinterpreted the nature or 'purposes' of her 'Letters written during short residency...' (1793), here former presented to the recom no 43. ...Meaning that I may have interpreted her letters on that to the privately written correspondences, while actually them, acc. the periods custom, were wrote for a reading public. For the book, or perhaps it was serialised priorly. (No big deal, cons. our any observances, though...) And would've not been the sole reason to, Wollstonecraft's (W.) writings quite as interesting cons. many aspects of that period them make commentary, reflect on (The period from 'early romantic' cultures and nearby the turn of the century.)

; ...And also, (quite as much) considered whether we'd selected instead here that astonishing novel, William Wells Brown's Clotel (p. 1853). Mainly due because book raises aforth, several levels, themes/aspects that were lot in the main on that preceded recom. (Or the 'main recom', this being principally the 'and half'-addit.) ; Acc. the Kennedy (2011), 'No review of...fictions of 1850s (...fictions on/relating for the South and slavery, ie) would be compatible without consideration of Willliam Wells Brown's Clotel.' And I considerably agree on that. Then, from just the same reasons, felt the book not so keenly would've fit to this 'addit recom'. But, soforth, few sentences more on it at note[x13] ; Also to mention our former recom on Humboldt (recom nro 36), though (it) merely contained the remarks on Humboldt's persona and on his widely read travel-account. Not so much on the topics to this, hope so, briefer comprised description.

Generally, such as probably was said in the preceded recom, many European intellects by turn from 1800s, placed large hopes to development of the American republics. Them were seen to represent the 'progressive' hope from all mankind, or of the futures. (Aspects meaningful contained the modern democracy as the 'ideal', the human rights extended to concern all 'classes', etc.) ; So, to any such considerations, the slavery's existence. (Most 'visible' at the maintained colonial possessions, ao the 'sugar-isles' foremost, and consistent on many American modern republics too), proved to the most controversial and embarrassing question. As the result, such as expectable, topic seems present itself on number of works by  then renown thinkers, or 'reformers'. For example, Wollstonecraft at her better known AVoRW.(A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.; p. 1792), along the former cited AVoRM, at many places compares situation by women for what at then present societies was the slavery's 'curse', it's inhuman bondage. ...Notable on, fx, from her notices about an effect from then (strongly) sensualized attitudes towards woman, or in short, it's influence on 'degraded' moral character the feminity waas viewed at (then present) society. 

 ; ...In many places she, of course, remarks about Rousseau's wide-spread influence for that. Smtgh which for sometime seems been/was to most consistent cited from her views on various many modern feminist critiques. (...Actually to the level that I well prior reading these texts by hers, had got well bored to those 'commentaries', most usual 'echoing' her views...And not from very original elseways.) ; ...And just for the mention, the following not from the most usual example about Wollstonecraft's thinkin'/text. Actually the slavery more often, or equally often, from presented by her, is referred just as an example of the needs to moral improvement at (then) existed society, and those (then) wide and persistent sex-discriminate attitudes, legislature. (Alongside that she strongly of course condemns it's economic base, to that 'abominable traffick' - like the word she uses some place on text. )

; Anyway, her opinioning, often educative by the intention, contain also notices from the 'strong inclination for external ornaments'. ; ...Which, (acc. to her) even in the most 'barbarous state' from society has lead the women, as well as men, to decorate themselves. Soforth, concluding of that, she notices that from reflect at least some equality (and, 'one step in civilization...'), then to the following writes; “...The attention to dress, therefore, which has been thought a sexual propensity, I think natural to mankind. But I ought to express myself with more precision. ...

So far is this first inclination carried, that even the hellish yoke of slavery cannot stifle the savage desire of admiration which the black heroes[...?] inherit from both their parents, for all the hardly earned savings of a slave are commonly expended in a little tawdry finery. And I have seldom known a good male or female servant that was not particularly fond of dress. Their clothes were their riches, and, I argue from analogy, that the fondness for dress, so extravagant in females, arises from the same cause – want of cultivation of mind. ...” (AVoRW, chpt 13, sect III. ; -95 repr., p. 284, 285.)

; Perhaps notable, that the Wollstonecraft's views on reasons from women's 'degraded state', by the time, in compared to that of the slaves, don't so much relate on what presented at the following.– Yet, of that just mentioned, since she from constant, several places, pays attentions on the said resemblances ('...there were'; fx, lack of proper education, the social customs, the marriage laws, otherways discriminative legislatures – That practically favored man and his relatives, for the level of leaving female 'penniless' in case of death by her husband. And likewise the divorce-laws were inequalizing, etc.) ; ...Did write also a few paragraphs worth, from bit similar manner, to my estimates on de Staël and Humboldt, cons. these 'views' (As any subject of thought by them, from the more generally.) – But decided left that aside. Not very ascertained, not too  interesting even... (From her many 'objections' W. seems more revealing and informative cons. that debate on the European 'morals and customs', during her times.)

; And, just to make sure, also read that Burke too. Albeit, some parts of it quite cursorily, only.

---------------------------------

; So, for more relevant at this view, we move on to discuss the book itself (Humboldt's observations...)

To (the following) only a short citing of the Humboldt' text on 'Political Essay' (/The Island of Cuba; p. 259-260 – ie of that chpt 'The Nature of Slavery'). Humboldt's expressions/observance on elsewhere are on a more general level. Or, from other aspects, it also not too necessary of any compare for the writing by Wollstonecraft, fx, means to say. (Them, anyways treat rather different topics, rather different manner from.) But, from some resemblances by, on one part of his text H. makes the aspect from the civilization then assumed future developments to a source for politic-futuristic concern and expectations, remarking – notably sharp-sighted, as he often does – the following; 
 

“(If) ...our civilization...would shift it's center, and, in the aftermath of the major and lamentable European upheavals, America, stretching from Cape Hatteras to Missouri, were to became the main center of enlightened Christianity, what a view this center of civilization would have to offer! Amidst the sanctuary of freedom one would attend an auction of Negroes...and hear...the sobbing of the parents as they are separated from their children! ...Let us maintain the prospect that the power of public opinion, the progress made by the Enlightenment, ...and the both significant and happy event of the recognition of Haiti by the French government (whether motivated by caution and fear or more noble and selfless factors), will have a positive influence...in the rest of the Antilles, in North and South Carolina (USA) and in the Guianas and Brazil. ...etc...]” 
 ; Of Humboldt's notices/views to his contemporary times, also then see fx remark on differences at forms of slavery during his contemporary times/era, ie between the house-servants and those enchained chattel-slavery at plantations of South, and at 'sugar-colonies'. ...On the few quotates before the notes-part. (See at the ends of this text.))

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“classic; a book which can be praised without being read and quoted instead of being read; a king who may now be deserted, but who cannot now be dethroned.” ; (Chesterton), acc. 'The Universe According to G.K. Chesterton. A dictionary of the Mad, Mundane and Metaphysical. (ed. Ahlqvist, 2011) ; p. 19.

 

[...Obtained a bunch from, or some 'pocket-fuls' books by some the authors noted or discussed on this post - As the good pocket-edition of any good texts always useful to have on hands. (All these not quite pocketable, though. Merely easier from carried in the bag, in case I need to.) But pretty useful good books concerning the period at this discussed.]
 
Probably it not too necessary from relate much from the backgrounds to Humboldt's essay. Nor from the singular aspects and description of journey from Cuban part more specific. All that quite much presented on the book I read the essay. (Some that I also acquired for muself, btw, on pic beside.). Text itself of course some classic by it's own merit. The (main) reasons to this recom are noted (on following, somewhat explained) from the curious fates by this his particular text. And Humboldt himself certainly a figure worth an interest from otherways too. ; Actually, the Wikiped.-entry on Humboldt seems have the backgrounds more neatly, not very detaily, but adequote well on those few lines (below);

(Humboldt) “...is considered to be 'the second discoverer of Cuba' due to all the scientific and social research he conducted on this Spanish colony. During an initial three-month at Havana, his first tasks were to properly survey that city and the nearby towns of Guanabacoa, Regla and Bejucal. He befriended Cuban landowner and thinker Francisco Arango y Parreno; together they visited the Guineas area in South Havana, the valleys of Matanzas Province and the Valley of the Sugar Mills in Trinidad. Those three areas were, at the time, the first frontier of sugar production in the island. ...[H.] collected statistical information on Cuba's population, production, technology and trade, and with Arango, made suggestions for enhancing them. He predicted that the agricultural and commercial potential of Cuba was huge and could be vastly improved with proper leadership in the future. After traveling to the United States, (H.) returned to Cuba for a second, shorter stay in April 1804. During this time...conducted mineralogical surveys and finished his vast collection of the island's flora and fauna. ...”

The text here recommended, has the region (Cuba) discussed fx of it's geography and then in relevance for that, adjoined in text, also is parts on/chaprters from fx climate, the population, commerce – And from it's major importance by the time sugar cultivation discussed, then agriculture, from general somewhat, etc... ; Seems that by it's earliest essay already had appeared on 1826 as a chapter on 'Relation historique. Paris: 1825-1831', ...Such as said at that The Island of Cuba ('Introduction'; by Martinez-Fernandez, p. 5.). And also, the essay itself was only the (separate, but adjoined) closing part on a more widely read and renown volumes of Humboldt's 'Personal Narrative....' (published btw 1805-1831[x3] ; Since of Cuba (at 1800s) we've not any too clear remarkable knowledges, from and about...So let's just cite to this briefly from that Martinez's 'Introduction' too– Just for the reason it seems provide the cultural background, in addition for above said;

“[Given the circumstances former described] ...Humboldt ventured to predict that Cuba would embark on a peaceful and gradual transition toward abolition and political freedom, following a path that combined the best of the outcomes of say Venezuela and Haiti. Sugar and slaves, however, remained a volatile ingredients within the explosive mix and [H.] also hinted that Cuba could join Haiti in an 'African Confederation of free States of the Antilles.[x4]' ...

If much about Cuba had changed during the first quarter of the nineteenth century, much more changed during the following three decades. [ie, on the decades precedent, and following the Thrasher's corrupted translation of text] Many of the social and economic transformation that Humboldt had observed intensified during the 1830s, 1840s, and 1850s: King sugar and its capricious demands... ...rate of slave importations surpassed that of earlier periods in spite of the trade's legal abolition and mounting international pressure: ...the increasing political influence of the United States forced the European naval powers to coalesce defensively to keep Cuba from falling into North American hands. ...

Sugar production increased dramatically during the second quarter of the nineteenth century, in great measure as a result of intensifying demand. The number of mills in Cuba grew from 1,000 in 1827 to 1,500 in 1855. ... By that time, sugar and its byproducts accounted for 84 percent of Cuba's exports; ... ...The application of the latest technology, including steam engines, vacuum pans, and railroads, helped proper sugar production to dizzying heights but also sank Creole planters deeper into debt and aggravated the exploitation suffered by the slaves.

The dominance of the United States as Cuba's principal trading partner was firmly established during the middle decades of nineteenth century. ...“ (; p. 11-12, on that 'Island of Cuba')

; But this only for the 'main lines' from Cuban economy, and situation by the time from Humboldts journey. (And after, on the 19^th century.) A bit enshortened comprises...as the general purpose to these writes only is from give some idea of Thrasher's 1856-translation. (Or, about it's political connections.) After all, anyone can read the book for the details, from more particular.

[...the post features these pics, here and there, of the ships, from various comics (; This from a Manara-Pratt 1980s creations, a brutal violent but, likely, historically quite realistic a story.) - Simply because the ships on comics so finely drawn. ...But I've actually also looked for reads a good book about a history of ships, cultural or overall, to this period of the Sails. (Or, alternately from that time of change of the sails for the steam-ships.) ...Any suggestions warmly received.] 

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“Sugar plantations were like factories for producing yellow fever.” ; of 1493. (2011 ; p. 143) by Mann, Charles C.

'King Sugar' ; From the central role of the sugar-cane farming, Humboldt's text fx also contained lots of the statistics. (Due because that was much relevant concerning the development and pasts histories of the manufacture, trade, and also what (then) was actuelt of the sugar cultivation. Esp. the slave-trade accompanying, of course.) ; In fact, that amount of stats awokes some idea from the influence by the 'Malthusianism'[x5] for social sciences, as recognizable at his text too...Or, at least 'clues' us that some of the then prevailed socio-historic methods may had influence on it, by somewhat. Not that H. would've had favored the Malthusian view, or at least text doesn't show any evidence of that kind, but Humboldt's 'manner' by representing his collected data seems from typically to resemble what maybe was then quite novel and favored on 'social sciences' - due Malthus' vast influence. Whatever the 'social sciences', by then. ; And, possibly, nowhere else on Humboldt's writing it so much prevails or apparent than at the essay on island of Cuba. (Which automatically then arised me also from think whether it partly/how much on that also only traceable to Thrasher's omissions and selection...)

Yet, ...from most our remarks to this said, largely, only from 'by and by', considered for this provide also a few/(-some) notices on the wider histories of yellow fever, that has been noted, (in the past) to have had lot of the connection w. the sugar-cane's cultivation. (The vaccination on that disease was invented by 1930s, so everafter it's notorius 'fame' having lot declined. - Maybe also the reason why that connection to the plantations agriculture on tropics by rather late from it's 'discovery', on any research.) ; Actually, did concept, a few paragraphs worth, on those close-related histories by sugar-cane production, slavery and yellow fever (et other diseases), mainly on the Spanish conquered Atlantic isles (later from 1600s by other European powers too, etc...), etc...; But, on this I just mention the few sources I've only by very general familiarized about that history; Of the early sugar-manufacture/expansion of its trade – read mostly via that Mann's book (1493.; mainly the p. 369-82), and also of Standage (The edible human history, p. 2010?, ...don't recall the pages...But that mentioned esp. of the description on the manufacture, tools and practices, not to mention the considerable level to injurious risks the workers involved in sugar-manufacture were subject for. ; And alongside, at this Humboldt's essay (mainly the p. 155-169, Chpt VIII, 'Sugar culture') also still feel rather informative about. – Plus of course the parts devoted on slavery and sugar-trade. (All on that, of course, mostly described via Cuban production, at the time.)

...Not quite strictly (/necessary) related on this, or these views, but fx Mann remarking (; on p. 127-8) about the early periods of slavery at southern states (Carolina) to, 'a place where the slave ships arrived from Africa, ...captives hustled to auction' – And, despite that, actually during it's earliest decades the colony was; '...mainly a slave exporter - the place from where captive indians were sent to the Caribbean, Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts. Data ...are scarce...because colonists...kept a few records. (The big slaving companies in Europe didn't have this choice.) [Yet, Gallay having] ...estimated that Carolina merchants bought between thirty and fifty thousand captive indians between 1670 and 1720. Most...must have been exported, since the much lower number found by Charleston census. ' ...which then also feels rather interesting form notice, alongside. Since from despite the fact that slavery, esp. that plantation system ('chattel-slavery'), by the time, or it's origins on US-colonies seem usually connected for questions about the land ('free for all'), and the work-force (generally 'expensive', from hence the slavery) – Yet the slavery, no doubt, had by it's origins significant a role for the manner the colonization advancing/way the colonists did extend any “ownership” to the lands and their treatment from the original (native) populace. (However, as anything about goes mostly aside these remarks, my few views on/from the aspect, in overall at note[X12].)

------------------------------

For a standard cited words from Humboldt at his essay, seems it – no doubt – for the most characteristic statement his notice about the slavery for 'the greatest evil' - So I cite that too, to the beginnings. ; Since there also is plentiful else noticeable on text...the following mainly takes to its aim provide few readable, informative quotes of it – And I explain the content as little as I choose to, not acquainted (very much) on most, not too specifically from anything at least. ; So, the following informative quote for some 'picks', only;

“... No means now exist to arrive at a knowledge of the population of Cuba, or Haiti, in the time of Columbus; but how can we admit what some, in other respect judicious historians, state, that when the island of Cuba was conquered in 1511, it contained a million inhabitants, of whom 14,000 only remained in 1517? [...H. refers for Las Casas, then mentions Luis Bertrain, who by time predicted 'the 200,000 Indians now in the Island of Cuba, will perish, victims to the cruelty of the Europeans' ] ...Yet according to Gomara (such is the conclusion of the historians of that time), there was not one Indian in Cuba after 1553.

...Supposing Gomara to be correct in stating that there were no indians fifteen years later, when Diego de Majaripos was governor (1554-1564), we must suppose that those who escaped to Florida in their pirogues, believing, as tradition tells us, that they were returning to the land of their ancestors, must have comprised a very considerable remnant of the population. The mortality observed among the negro slaves in the Antilles, in our days, may throw some light on these contradictory statements. ...even in a country where the people are treated like slaves, exposed to brutal masters, to excessive labor, ill-fed, and subject to the ravages of small pox, forty-two years are not sufficient that the land should retain only the memory of their misfortunes. ...” (; The Political Essay on the Island of Cuba' ; 2001 ed., 146-8.)

;

“As the forests of Cuba have disappeared, through excessive clearing of the land, the sugar plantations have begun to experience the want of fuel. In former times, a small portion of bagass (the crushed cane), had been used to enliven the boiling fires, under the old kettles, but it is only since the immigrants of St.Domingo introduced the reverberating furnace that the attempt to abandon the wood, and burn only bagass has been made. In the old form of furnaces and kettles, a load of wood, of 160 cubic feet, is consumed to make five arrobes of sugar, so that for one hundred kilogrammes of raw sugar, 178 cubic feet of lemon and orange wood are required. ...

[...]There is no doubt that the cultivation of the sugar cane is one the most powerful stimulants of the slave-trade, but a very plain calculations proves, that the mass of slaves in the Antilles is three times greater than the number employed on the sugar plantantions. Ten years since I stated, that if the 200,000 boxes of sugar, which Cuba exported in 1812, were made on the larger plantations, 30,000 slaves would suffice for that branch of industry.“ (; The Political Essay on the Island of Cuba ; 2001 ed., p. 167-8)

; ...It to (some) additional view-point/of interest, too, that Humboldt fx someplace (; on p.158. Chpt VIII, 'Sugar culture') then mentions on his conclusions from the decline on exported sugar from St.Domingo (later Haiti), which, on his times (1820s) had fallen from; “The present export from St. Domingo is very insignificant. In 1788 it amounted to 80,360,000 kilogrammes, and in 1799 it was still estimated to reach twenty million kilogrammes.” ...And (on following that); “...Brazil, Guiana, and Cuba together, with their 2,526,000 slaves,... The great increase of product in Brazil, Demarara, and Cuba, has replaced the loss of Haiti, and made the destruction of the sugar industry of that island less sensible.” - Which only from reminder that while sugar-cane production to it's (early) history best known from these said tropical (Caribbean/Atlantic) isles, by this timing it already prospered on the S. American mainlands too. - Don't recall to this moment, whether I might've read about (that) from more specific on the few sources referred. (...I mean, I care not to check for this. But the modern history and later by-product from the 'sugarines' manufacture also, maybe gives some idea from and about too...) ; Also it, somewhat, permits establish the idea from/about how large was the 'holy combination', and it's generated wealth, of the sugar, slavery and accompanied other colonial merchandises, during that 1800s. (...Not excluding the disastrous co-effects, esp. cons the ecology, esp. from sugar-cane production[x6].) Yet, guess no further remarks on that possible to our notices. An interested easily finds plenty elsewhere said, no doubt.

; All these – fx the advances at sugar-production, slavery (even that Atlantic trade, illegalized from after that 1807, though.[x7]), the emergence from modern S.American states (Some already existant, but fx Cuba still a colonial possession by the Spanish Empire) - also were actuelt, on-going, from parallel developing processes when Humboldt was writing. Ie, it was not yet 'stabilized' to any resolved, established history, as it now has reached for any present 'look' to these historical pasts.
 

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“The most hidden place is under the light.” (Chesterton)

; ....often cited comment. (At some place of his Father Brown novels.)

...On below (following), then also a few quotes from Thrasher's additions for (Humboldt's) original text, (ie to that 1856-transl., as Humboldt's original was written on the 1820s). – Mainly rerpresented due because of reason it seemed for easiest way explain/give the idea about his (Thrasher's) intentions and purposes on translation. (From those aspects more in particular, or from more detailed, advisable also view note[x8], from Walls's book on Humboldt, actually the place where I first read of this described counterfeit by Thrasher's making.)

; ...The first excerpt of Thrasher's lenghtier preword ('Preliminary essay') prior Humboldt's text, merely here to give some idea of how considerably (Humboldt's) originally humane themes and 'tone', indeed, was tried on that, by purposeful forfeit. - ...There also is, along the usual defenses from then existant slavery, particular revealing words used. Ie, the 'standard phrases', such as (fx) lack of 'moral condition', and (our) need to 'respect for laws' ; 'the material prosperity' ; plus, of course, threats of a 'pauperism (the usual common on any that sort speech, even today...), and also the more pointed; '...great crimes...lower classes'. (Plus, then is, of course, the usual 'imaginations' on that 'shared and harmonius', or 'unified', wish of the sort system by master and his 'trustee servants' ...The latter naturally seen/depicted on that of lesser intelligence, automatically from less by any (human) value, and from the actual worth.) ; Then, he (fx) provides some references on threats from fail to 'develop' (in the blacks) a 'religious sentiment', which is accompanied to fears of a heathenism, ...plus noted how abolitionism shall/would have a degrading effect cons. all those, alongside with the similar impact to the social condition. - Ie, it's demands from 'proper morality' maintained, perhaps more typical target the 1800s public's preferences, some characteristic beliefs of the age. (...Which can be interpreted, fx, from the widely shared suspicion, and contempt, towards any 'colored' races and the anglo-saxon race from having the (important) role to defend the “christian values”. Whatever was meant by that - many cases was very 'freely' interpreted, indeed.)

; ...And, additionally (the shorter passage of added notes added to chpt VI ;'Slavery'), just for to underline how characteristically race-based – also very typically prejudiced - his public-wooin' expressions/views turn out to be, as read by this day. ; ...But it also to show that as on (several) places there already were examples of the colonies where slaves were fx replaced from after abolition w. the imported work-force (such as at the Briton owned Mauritius), that too was felt yet another cause of anxiety by the southerners, by the time. (...From hence the Thrasher's schematizations and 'warnings' about the 'expectable' followings and the 'degraded condition' of society, the 'inevitable consequences' from an unsatisfactory 'amalgamation' by races separate. All very 1800ian, and all notably racistic to any modern finding.)

(; But the quoted);

“The two unmixed races exist in Cuba, under a social organization in which the inferior is subject to the superior race, to the manifest and moral advantage of both. […]

The moral condition of the slave is also benefited by his relation with his master. Every individual is brough into an intimate connection with a better society, ...and the faculty of imitation, which is much stronger in the negro than that of origination, stimulates him to imitate his superior, rather than his equal. At the same time the exercise of the control of a superior intelligence over his social intercourse, and moral deportment, are productive of a state of morals which will compare most favorably with that of the lower classes under a different social organization. A respect for the laws, and for the rights of others is thereby inculcated, and the religious sentiment is developed to a degree never found in the free negro, and seldom in the same relative class in other communities. The pauperism never exists among slaves, and great crimes are much more rare among them than among the lower classes in free States.

It is under this social organization, that Cuba has risen to that condition of material prosperity which she exhibits to the world, and that is so clearly set forth in the following work of Baron Humboldt. ... ” ; ...of Thrasher's preword to the 'Political essay...' (1856) ; 'The Island of Cuba', (2001 ed., p. 44-5)

; ...Then considered a few paragraphs of the place where he (Thrasher) represents and comments on views to some (his) contemporary opponent, an abolitionist writing at Briton newspaper (Westminster review). - But since it felt excessive, and, I've not too much particulars to the arguments – and additionally, from no way to estimate if he perhaps, or not, even cites that from any authentity (so was left that aside.) ; Interesting that those remarks might've shown, though...Considering that, yet, even of this shortly noted, it's then also quite descriptive (cons. these few chapters) to notice the few things Thrasher and his Briton abolitionist oppose seem 'agree' at that 'converse'. ...Namely, (that) on their assumed prospects from the postward development after by then (already) illegalized slave trade from close to its final and permanent ends, both use as terms to it's likely replacing 'alternative', the 'slave-breeding' on then US southern states. Indeed, gives the idea from that the slavery, or slaves not only were treated as cattles, but also were viewed as the cattle, often on that era('s conceptions about) ; Even though, such as said, I can't estimate from how strictly unmodified Thrasher's picks of that article by his 'Briton philanthrophist' oppose.

; “Another element has been introduced in the population of Cuba, by the importation of several thousands of Chinese, who are contracted to labor on the sugar estates for a period of years, at prices far below the usual value of labor in the island. The class of persons contracted with is usually the lowest of the low in the crowded sea-ports[x9] of China. No females are brought, and they are thus forced to amalgamate with the slave population, to whom they bring neither honest nor good morals. No one who for a moment contemplates the inevitable consequences of this resort of English philanthropy to remedy its social errors, can doubt the its results; the amalgamation of unequal and dissonant races of men in their most degraded condition, can only be productive of the greatest moral and social evils to the community upon which it is forced. ” ; ...of Thrasher's added note (...on that 2001 ed. ; p. 145.)

...Guess' (we) need not offer to this more exemplary cites of this kind. – As such, it quite surprising/striking plain open distortion to its kind, but not perhaps even unique or so exceptional, by the times it appeared. Today, most any similar sort, can't usually, precisely, hope from have quite any similar influence for peoples views, opinions. (But basically resembling political misuse and distortment, still time to time, tends surface.)

 

-------------------------------------- 

[...Such as perhaps notable on the 'view' below, at this post the presented 'element' (I've no better term for...), is FiRe ; ...Elements by an ancient and mystic from origin - Or difficult to 'limit' for anything (strictly) 'physical' - Fire the most unpredictable, most uncontrollable amongst. (They say, fx, 'You don't play w. fire' - So I don't, and no further remarks/explanations about/from.) Yet, fire for an element in Natures has the role to many important aspect, processes...But once 'set loose' it very destructive, such as we all would know...) 

 “ 'You are a noble man, Peregrinus Tyss.', continued the voice, after the sound of throat-clearing. ...If I wanted, I could talk big and say that I am one of the mightiest of all kings, and rule over many, many millions. ... You see, the nation which I have the honour to lead lives under a republican constitution. The business of government is performed by a senate which is limited to 45,999 members, for an ease of voting, and since the leader of this senate must have attained mastery in all things, he bears the title of Master. ...” ; (Hoffman) ; of 'The Master Flea', short-novella written 1822.

'By and Large' ; ...Furthermore, what comes to the prior presented views on British abolitionism, or precisely what said at our some former notes (previous post), not meant from establish any too overall negative a view. (Or solely of that. Fx from what was noted about the 'slowness' the process about overall abolition seems advanced.) 
 

Few aspects at least seem point from the contrary proof. Fx that the said development once achieved (the ban on slave trade), ao, seems have the significant importance by its times - Despite it's various contradictions, such as the political hypocracy (In the decisions by an early century, on which Humboldt fx remarks on; See the note[x7]), and that the illegal trade did well long after that continue. ; Then, of similarly ambiguent, but yet notable – I think – that, by the time, Britain was already well on it's way for emerge to it's 'World Empire'. Also, part the reason/accompanying w. that, it was generally lot viewed to oculturally 'ahead' from most other countries, the European or elsewhere. Perhaps also (part) resulted of the success by its military victories, and partly of other inventions that guaranteed it's to the 1800s (and still existant, the 'English-speaking' world) vast influence from emerge – To the noted followings, the (renown) negative consequences are, of course, far more usual recognized, possibly, from nowadays or by the present day. (And from good reasons, no question about. Yet, all of that neither for not quite direct 'recuperable from', not for direct 'consequences to', what maybe from similarly notable.) ; But in short, I think to a certain level, from some view-points, the general modernisation accompanied the Briton Empire's emergence...And concerning that (Briton) abolitionism as the main p-o-w, within that the idea about (or the views towards the slavery) must've been increasing adjoined the system for the past aged and 'barbaristic'. (The same modernisation, then of course, also had a lot of 'push' on the colonial ventures for to transform that for more advanced, and unquestionably of globally more harmfull developments and followings - ie the era by imperialism, on 1800s, as we know it.) ; In time, it became from to be known to smtgh like a 'curse of the Empire', not the least from the hypocracy on the maintenance of the colonies, and the 'force-politics' adjoining. (...as by the 1900s many liberal-minded Briton writers already repent the 'Empire', and talk from it's dissolution as an unavoidable prospect.)

Travel and journeys for distant places also, during the time, were becoming more common. Emigrants also numerically vastly increased. (In brief, 'suppose the era from ecologically can be seen to just as disastrous from it's long-term consequences, than the period we're now living on, but some of the cultural 'advances' also had their origins on it, I think.)

; And...But as I don't think that (the whole of it) so easily could be comprised on a few sentences, let that be. ...Actually I (recent) read fx what on these few brief sentences below, and think that from quite sufficiently to explain anything else I'd from say on that, in addit.;

“[The Victorians] ...were moderns wandering into the medieval, or even the biblical ages when they went abroad. At no other time in history was the discrepancy in technology between cultures so evident. The Victorians not only claimed to be God's chosen ones, they knew it, and it was a matter few other nations would dare to dispute. The growing empire held opportunities for every class of Victorian society. Criminals were transported to it, the poor emigrated there, the middle classes were employed in administration or civilizing, and the upper echelon accepted appointments of a regal nature.

[...]

In addition to offering members of the British middle class employment in trade or administration, the Empire held the temptation of exploration. ...” (Gately: Tobacco. The Story of How Tobacco Seduced the World, 2001 ;198-9, 200.)

(...I ain't too sure whether I'd agree w. the claim of 'opportunities' allotted on 'every class'. Neither from what the proper view on any actual level employment for middle-class it brought, anycase the poor were “sent away” as the solution for any 'over-population'.) I mean, it of course necessary mention also the high costs a development and modernisation had on this early period of a modern 'net-worked 'world' (Ecologic as well, as we've in the preceding, few times, noted about that Britain had already by this time destroyed it's own forest on building it's 'invincible' navy. ; By the late 1800s, '...Sherwood and the less famous woods were gone', as I read about. No wonder the world then started to seem inviting and a place for the most fictitious imaginations...) - Some travelers notes and writings by the mid 1800s, already, seem from had understood some these contradictions at the periods 'morality' from considerably well. (Such as fx Fuller, on her 'European period' letters/-articles. While not Briton, but American – And she neither fx saves her own contemporary 'citizens' of noting from their considerable arrogance and indifference as tourists. While it not exactly the most typical (example) of/for the travel-writing.) Not very surprising that the general impression of the described kind 'moral superiority' a prevalent attitude to many Briton travellers writings, too;  
But, in short, (,and despite these few remarks), I think the cited to generally quite well comprised about that period, the latter part 1800s.

; In general we can only notice that the growth, emergence and then (from resultant) unavoidable fall of a 'Briton world dominance' left after many traces, which still existant in the everyday world. (Probably, possibly, the slavery and 'ancient world' would've remained to more lasting without it's emergence, along the transtion/early birth of a 'modern world', in during that 1800s.)

--------------------------------------

“Emerson said that language is fossil poetry.” ; (Borges), ...on Atlas.

Lost in the...'translation' ; On any views about to the 1800s typical, similar distortments from text that I've encountered, I recall not any other to that open and significant shameless as the Thrasher's translate (,which on prior was a bit examined too.). ; Yet, only by my rather recent emerged interest and of relative casual readings from centurys thought and writers seems sufficient to bring a list of (slight) comparable examples from where there been some amount enshortening, or editing to otherways 'diminished'-versions from – most cases via that editing having concerned the author's left-after legacy (iefollowed postafter their deaths.) Most usual, perhaps, of the descendants to have re-arranged some literary 'remains' by any passed author, to their liking/or acc. the preferences. ...And usually via that 'scissors and omissions'-method maintained. (From cases, occasional, even w. the 'paste-method'. ; ...Only to a few examples, which, also weren't anyhow purposefully seeked – and I've most read fiction, soforth most the belles lettres-authors- Fx brings the following in mind: Irving - Only to some exception, so mentioned first – though probably not any rarity of such. (Ie, from example of a self-censure. Which was noted at the previous bk-recom-post.) ; De Stael – ...Although, from Considerations... (1818), which this mainly concerns, it also seems noted that only the first parts of the book were been 'proof-read' by herself, before her death. Which, in brief, actually makes level of the 'corrections', while likeliest diminute, little difficult from estimate, by exacta. (But, anycase, read of that there fx seem from exist several copies of her original text/manuscript(s) – Which not appears any rarity either, of course.) Anycase, smgth similar concerns also some other her latter day writings, and fx that Corinne, or Italy (novel) – But, as we've noted of that, acc. a view I acquired, those possibly containing only minor changes, not significant. 

  

[Pic;  ...Of Herzog's 1982-film 'Fitzcarraldo', starred by Klaus Kinski and Claudia Cardinale. ; ...a view-point about the films name (also the name of the main character Kinski acts on that), that a name-sake Fitzcarraldo on during the 1880s 'rubber-boom' '...forced thousands indians to work at the cauche circuit'.  (; acc. Mann, p. 328) - Not that I'd any knowledge of it's sources from/inspirations to, and in the film Kinsky plays an erratic, passionate opera-enthusiasted, colonial 'venturer', but not a criminal person, or type...Yet it fx situates for the time/period.]

; Fuller – ...Perhaps that not then much surprises, that it said her brother Arthur chosen to publish, by the time, 'corrupt' versions from some her texts (From published postward Fuller's death, of course.) ; Also, many her original manuscripts said 'dismembered' on the posthumous collection, 'Memoirs of Margaret Fuller Ossoli.' (f.p. 1852) , by it's editors (Emerson, Clarke, Channing). The relatives(/Arthur) decision to omit some parts of the 'thinly veiled' autobiographical material seems to me rather common-place typical examples to - But then it seems also said that the editors to said collection from been suspected (...on the 1980s, ie to the latter findings this 'masking' probably must've been from confirmed, or to more considerably researched.), to have (slight) edited away materials selected for published – That maybe more interesting, on my eyes at least. Means (that, it) mentioned of the 'differences' between (Fuller's) made notes on her diary and what on the published version of (her, some) writings (ie, some originally unpublished.) ...Precisely, concerns the 'Autobiographical Romance'. ...As said acc. 'The Essential M.F.', -92 ; Steele's note, p. 239.) A glance on it, or particularly the remarks about what 'missing' (,possibly?) gives some idea of the reasons from (possible) editing. - Although, Fuller's ending notes (on autobiography, fx; '...wait for me'. 'I will return' ; p. 21.) seems from favor that she perhaps might've left it intentionally without closing before traveling for the Europes. (However, cons. how abruptly the written text seems end feels to me, likeliest, there some/lot posthumous editing. ...Since I don't either to this instance remember whether (smght, anything) there was said about that on Marshall's bio I read, don't think I need assert anything of it from too confirmed.). ; But then ...also the fact, that Emerson mentioned among the editors to, then of course, reminded about our former wonderings - some posts earlier – whether there (might've been) some editing to Thoreau's post mortem written/published writing. ...Leaving that too for some level from assumption, but reminded me then also of the fact that – as we've noted to these notes here – even translating often can affect for the content by the text. In short, simply on the level by emphasizes, ao, and for the 'tone' from. - And I'm not even too sure how much anything like – from this case – (might've) concern some (those) modern editions I've happened to read. ; Not that I'd noted anything beyond the usual smght...Such as; the tone, terms, emphasizes. (Generally, mostly, minor details,.) ; Jameson – ; '...only some personal details and information has been left aside' (Such as said on the 19^th century contemporary post-humous edition. Indeed, any from that not has a real influence cons. the text itself, yet, still...) 
 

; Fenimore Cooper – As I noticed, (many) Cooper's novels in their early 1900s editions seem been enshortened versions. As such it not, precisely, not feels from any direct resemblancce to the prior confiscations made from the authentity of the text, or from exact said any purposefull 'omissions'. (...As long as that was mentioned in the editions.) Concerning many other authors too, seem that relative usual edit texts on some 'suitable' youths reading-series. But, it's at least notable that concerning the extremely one-sided conception from Cooper for an author, it must've lot influenced to that, from resultantly. ; And while it's probably quite correct notice Cooper's creations itself to bear much 'seeds' to that, (also them pretty much schematized the form any 'indian-fictions' already on his times, likewise his popularity), the editing to those 'easy readings' mustn't be seen from complete non-significance in the process. (Editing always selective.)

...Perhaps it - for the best comparison to – fx, from think some modern films/movie-series, such as fx; Miami vice – the original version by most level racistic (common openly, as I think from remember that) and “romantic”, the 're-make' then showed from perhaps bit less racistic (at least maybe less openly), and from lacking any romantice – that cast aside merely to the main (standard) of the violence, and fashionable 'realism' on description. (I mean fx on the colors, incidents, not the drug-scene merely.). ; Or, Galactica – That humoristic, of course very youthful early 1980s scifistic (standard) adventurist serie. But the pilots 'companionship' had – as I remember – some sort from 'idealism', and presented to venerated human heroes fighting the machines. (Ideas/influenced lot from the Star Trek, though.) And the 'remake' produced for some 'adults' stuff - this case, the opposite transformation, maybe more common nowadays (than from the 'serious fiction' to 'youths' adventures) - where the usual (scifistic/cyborgian) theme of a machine-humane 'conflict' loans the (usual) ambiguencies of an androgyne identity, plot from only significant bad, and on film nothing much worth mention. ...And for it's main 'contents' the standard 'heroism', adverted, of course, the patriotism about the air-planes, pilots 'companionship'- In short, everything to the usual open militarism in the main. ; ...And a bunch of other examples – not all/most from the scifistic or 'detective', btw - there would be, but I care not to list. The point-of-view, simply, seems it so that which was good in the original had to be put away. (Not because of the 'modernizing' these creations, but because it was 'unproper'.) And what was bad – well, it remained bad in those re-creations. ; So, you have no Sonny Crocket and pastels (...Such as the major difference was on some place I read, of neatly estimated – Not that I'd ever cared watch the original, or I'd confess from to, at least...) ....But guns, and boats - and killings. So you had no Apollo, but engines, pilots, weaponry - and killings. (Even if it superficially set against the killing-machines.) No ideals, no real heroes, nothing to admire – except...Well guess the rest by yourself. ; ...But this noted merely from considering that Cooper's novels of quite similarly some adaptation when put through their editing. (Perhaps. In a manner; take away better parts, leave the violence, and most apparent from their schematism.) 

 

; Or, not from any level of similarity/not comparable to any of the preceded...but think about fx the difference between the Kenny Everett show and Benny Hill... (I think, saw that, sometime, described for a significant interesting example from/about changes in the cultural values during a rather short time, few years; From the homeless pranksters and other inhabitants of a 'gutter', from presented irritative (dirty) punks, w. the leather jackets and safety pins on cheek..To the naked ladies and 'cake to the face'-type jokes.) Of course nothing very remarkably important, itself, everyone's allowed watching what wishes...Also only reminded me of that, due because on Kenny Everett there was the hilarious figure by name, smght like the 'Thrasher Sid', I think. Not that I'd too sure from – lucky coincidence?.)

[Pic beside; ...Also of that Fitzcarraldo.]

; Stevenson – Actually, pretty much, Stevenson's some massively popular cherished creations seem conceal of sight and still leave 'on their shadow' variety of his other writings. And at least some (his) novels seem had (occasionally, somewhat) resembling treatment to the Fenimore Cooper's. At least in the begins of 1900s still, he was, - as the author – viewed for a writer from adventurist and 'youth fictions', not really to any serious texts. (And not therefore 'qualified' on the class from any among the 'up-lifted.[X10]) ; Rousseau – The “standard” edition of the Confessions (, on our book recoms, nro 39), actually, seems to considerable level of 'cut-outs' and some places enshortened. I always wondered why, ...but not having actually cared from to check about that. Or, some reason, it didn't particularly seem to bother while I read it, so I've not not happened to paid any attention, to this day. If that for any noteworthy importance, I'm actually quite unaware from. Which is also very usual, and common – From considered what the kind of influence this kind said policies tend have. (...Suppose you go an ask some 'youth' what were Galactica, Miami vice, or, perhaps even the Spiderman (The movie about, Peter Parker of course more lasting figure, I'd suppose...) soon after, maybe few years time from this – And they perhaps have not any idea. Bad is, usually, nothing but bad, however when made to some remakes about the pasts, it is even worse.)

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“pornography: a system of deliberate erotic stimulants – not a thing to be argued about with one's intellect but to be stamped on with one's heel.” ; (; Chesterton), definition from 'The Universe According...' (Likewise, the followed, on few sentences below.)

; ...Along the said, fx, the censure from pornographic authors doesn't nearly so surprise – 'Cause, in fact, ain't been much less common to any later period (Esp. those closer to our present ages.) ; But, fx authors like Cleland, or de Sade merely make the typical case examples – While being very opposite some. ; Besides, it then also is so, that often most notable 1800s exemplary cases to the pornographic 'scandal' and censorship often/occasional (on literatures) did seem gain almost resembling benefits via their 'negative' popularity (I think fx a Rachilde [x11] to some example...) ; But, supposin', this not anymore even relates, porn always been a suppressed medium. (And of different reasons from compared to the few above noted example.)

------------------------

"government: helping to rule the tribe ; an accidental and even abnormal, on acc. the necessity arising from the imperfection of life." 
 
; Also, everyone, basically is aware that resembling similar, the 'modified' or edited, or 'lost' in the translation happens all the time. Not by any intentioned manner even, in the regular conversation, I mean. Most usual cause fx (sometimes) to the differences by the opinion, and often source for some confusion too. Obviously the erraneous information - by accidentally created or w. purpose - then also have the considerable capability to remain as the prevailed conception(s) about many things. (Just as I noted on above paragraphs from some my own readings, people too often ain't persistent to go for the 'origins' of any story and check about themselves.) As well seems from taken to some ways more 'discreet' manner to sow some misinforming, therefore also is (relative) effective. - Typical examples on the various medias; newspapers, tv, internet today are easy to bring for the recollection from only beyond few years. We all also are quite accustomed from have heard, or noted cases from some resemblance to. (Not makes it any manner defensible, of course.)

; Common to our digitalized ages – are then perhaps also fx so called 'bad translations'. (The effect by that too, anycase, from how influential such can turn to be, matters most. I only suppose that been by recent lot discussed about. And matter-a-fact some words/terms/concepts essentially are non-translative, also.) ; ... But guess no-one, (...at this era from the advanced search engines, variety online-databases only so close as of a seconds awaiting...) could very easily hope from success by influencing peoples (/us or you) with (any) just the described sort attempts from opinions-forming and misinforming - Perhaps reflecting also some particularly racistic 'zeal' to its foremost purpose(s). The alternatives for possible sources and ways of knowing, some by the 'unflawed' informations are nowadays too many. I mean, where the – so called – democratic system and any 'free' media does exist. But, such as noted, can't say that smght like that wouldn't happen all the time, can't say they wouldn't try. It is, mostly, all cases more easy to remain unknowing, from not to check by yourself. (So; All heil for the interconnected, global-information-highway and this (cursed but praised) information-overload! Choose from your 'low-brow' and 'high-brow', of freely. - But care from to know smtgh too...) 
; W-G. 
(Signed by: Doktor Docto-power.)

------------- 
 

 

NOTES: (; 'A Caesar seemed great enough. I did not then know that such men impoverish the treasury to build a palace.' Or; '...Ladies Fair and Frail.'):

“Hitherto [...ie prior ca 1750s] most slaves imported to British colonies had gone to the Caribbean islands where the received wisdom was that it was better to work slaves to death than honouring them by allowing them to live to breed. For example, the slave population of Barbados increased by less than 25,000 in the first half of the eighteenth century, despite imports of more than 150,000. Slaves in the tobacco growing colonies were not considered intrinsically expendable to the same degree, and had the equivocal privilege of working with something with which they were familiar. The weed had been grown in west Africa prior to its introduction to Virginia, and although its cultivation was arduous, it was pleasant in comparison to the work of Caribbean slaves producing sugar, the new wonder crop.

.... The involuntary additions to its workforce enabled Virginia and its southern neighbours to increase their tobacco production significantly during the course of the eighteenth century. Slaves were often a tobacco grower's greatest investment, as land was cheap, if not free, and the tendency of tobacco to exhaust the soil after two or three crops meant that planters moved frequently, taking their capital, i.e. their slaves, to the new areas selected for cultivation.

...Tobacco was also the fruit of many Spanish settlements, though none relied upon it to the same extent as Virginia. The Spanish crown attempted as tight a control over tobacco as its colonial rivals... Some colonies were encouraged to produce the weed, while others were prevented. All tobacco production was subject to the royal monopoly, and all legal trade had to be conducted through the Tabacalera. ...”(Gately) ; Tobacco. The story of how Tobacco Seduced the World[X12] (2001 ; p.110-1, 113.)

“...'The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submission on the other. ...Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that cannot sleep for ever; that, considering numbers, nature, and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation, is among possible events, ...' ”; of Clotel, or the President's Daughter by William Wells Brown (; p. 80; on Dover repr., p. 2004.) [X13]

“...We must bear in mind, however, that gradations of suffering face these individuals. What a world of difference there is between a slave who serves in the house of a rich man in Havana or Kingston, Jamaica, or who works for himself and simply pays his master a daily sum and a slave laboring on a sugar plantation” ;

“.... ; genuine improvement of the servant class must extend to all physical and moral facets of the people involved.

The impetus to do so can come from European governments with a sense of human values who know that every injustice carries with it the seed of destruction. However this impetus will remain feeble unless absolutely all the proprietors and the colonial assemblies or legislatures share these views and collaborate according to a well conceived plan to achieve a complete end to slavery in the Antilles. As long as this is not the case, it can be required that a record of the whippings be made, that the number carried out at any one time be reduced, that there be witnesses present, and that protectors be appointed for the slaves. Nonetheless, all of these ordinances, however well-intentioned, are easy to circumvent. ...“ ; Humboldt, Political essay on island of Cuba. (...on the part 'Nature of Slavery' - ie of that closing chapter which was displaced of the txt by Thrasher's on his1856-transl.); p. 256, 257.

”...As for slavery, many assumed, like Humboldt, that when the twenty-year moratorium mandated by the Constitutional Convention expired in 1807, the U.S. Government would naturally begin the long and delicate process of emancipation. With abolitionism sweeping the British Empire and the Spanish government attempting reforms, it must have seemed, for a moment, possible, if not inevitable. But in the United States, slavery was in the ascendency. South Carolina had reopened the slave trade in 1803, and even after the federal ban on transatlantic slave trading passed in 1807, demand for the slaves grew as the markets for sugar, cotton and rice exploded. What swept the united states were not calls for equality but a growing need to rationalize inequality.“ ; Walls, The Passage to Cosmos. (; p. 173.)

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[X1] : ...It feels, and not a little, unnecessary and officious to go explanating these words... (I don't fx have any actual precise translation from provide about agrumi. And, since on these times any of you can probably more easy seek the word's translatation of (some) on-line dictionary, ...ao places to look for.) But as I didn't bother for take that trouble – And furthermore, didn't have any French language-books to this moment - at least I should perhaps offer for the view, that in this context /at text cited, 'supposedly it must translate as it's meaning to the general term from cultivation of lands maintained, agricultural practices, et sim...or anything close on that. ; ...From bagass I can be more helpful/precise, since it given entry on Cassell's (Concise English Dictionary, -94 ed.), and, acc. it; 'bagasse (pron.), n. the refuse products in sugar-making; cane-trash [Sp. bagazo, residue]' – And, well, that seems fit for the purpose (For the words explanation.)

[X2] : Poe [1809-49] actually dedicated his Eureka for (baron) Humboldt. ; The text was, some among his last works, it centered on topics of astronomy and, shall we say, from the 'physical cosmogony' (Whatever that should/could mean...Yet, as can also be noted, it's speculations and astronomic contemplates leave the impression from very modern, even 'advanced' views to this days – Indeed, some those observations seem comparable w. the later themes and (mathematical) speculates on the quantum physics and 'Einsteineria'. ...Whatever those might/should mean. (I've not a precise knowledge.) – But, Poe is very logical (, while occasionally tiring) to his argumentation, and, so one is then lead from assume much his influence must've originated of reading Humboldt. ; On that...Walls (; p. 256-260.)

[X3] : ...Actually, worth the mention; only after reading this essay recommended, did I recognize, that to occasional and not very concerned on my readings of Humboldt, I'd often confused this said essay w. the separate text. (Namely, to the former published 'Political Essay on the Kingdom of Spain', p. 1811-). ...Which, has the wider wider scope observations, geographical (and apparent of social, and historical) from these S.American regions, also (assumedly) that cons./has of similarly discussed the natures and economics, etc. , too. ; ...Walls of course writes on that and remarks it having appeared even before (Humboldt's) 'Personal Narrative...' (,of which this essay on Cuba, originally only part from). Also says that that text on kingdom of Spain actually established Humboldt's fame for the 'public' by his times. ; Noted since one easily confuses between these...

[X4] : ...Antilles part of the Caribbean (Isles). ; Seems contain fx the Hispaniola (ie later Haiti, and, the Dominican Republic.) ...From more precisely, the (greater) Antilles, seem to contain the major part from large islands and countries of that region. (...At least, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto rico, and Cuba.); However, interesting but Dominican Republic – if that still even the name by it, or a country by this day – Seems usually asided from these mentions, yet situates to the same geographical region; ie on same island w. the Haiti. ; ...These days would of course be proper easy check the details of the Google-maps, or smght like (But, didn't bother, for this...) ; Alongside the plentitude smaller isle(t)s in the Antillean 'pelagic', also is the (Caribbean) Trinidad (and Tobago) – Quite resemblingly, not particularly checked from its histories or anything else from.. Yet (it) another quite large 'islet', but from lot closer the coasts of South America than the prior mentioned. – And notable too from that one latter chapters at Humboldt's essay on Cuba, devoted on the place (As them w. Bonpland travel via the place.)

[X5] : ...Which at least shouldn't be anyhow surprising. Malthus's (Thomas 'Reverend', 1766-1834) influence – Or, of his renown 'Essay on population' (1798, w. its many later editions for until about 1830s) – was such unquestioned in the social and historical theory by early century that most western thinkers are expectable from have reflected the popularity and influence from his 'population economics'. Humboldt doesn't seem from adapted any Malthusian social theories, but seems from (quite self-evident, on) to represent most his 'finds' backed with and argumented by the amounts from stats. - Perhaps that understandable, also due because him wanted provide also an account on the population histories of the island, (then) to show their relevance for the developments on (his) present days. ; Likewise, –the 'range' to his interests is clearly more social-economic related than of 'historic-naturalist'. (Perhaps traceable to the circumstances of his stay too, and, to Humboldt's purposes, ie; whats central to arguments at the political essay.)

; ...Malthus' theory influenced variety of a 19^th-century social-historical writings (And actually, more frustratingly, still during much of the 1900s it was held for evidentual a theory, as such...As far as late from the 1900s, ' till 1970s, even.) – And to name only a few 1800s tinkers – fx, Mills (James, 1773-1836), Marx,...most all by the time seem (said) taken Malthus's views for (some) sources on their (own) views. ; ...While after some decades following Malthus' 'major' popularity – (apparently), as soon as from early decades of 1800s – seems declined, or his 'centrality' would have decreased, from the newer sociological view/theories replacing. Yet, for example, Darwin - that famous Charles Darwin, indeed yes - quite similarly not anyhow seems denied the validity by Malthus' population theory, the 'modern' society concerned. (...Only him remarking that the view/population statistics probably weren't exactly (direct) adjustable to the study from (human) evolution, or the early human history in concerned.) Furthermore, the increased interest on conditions and laws that might prevail in the 'civilization', brought the mass of study concerned on the poorest and 'lowest' classes. ...To the latter decades by the century, variety of writers and studies 'cultivating' such views and statistic study. (...As the sociological methodology, or study was also emerging, but for some examples only, fx...Spencer, Zola, Wells (to later day, some his 'non-fictions'), Henry Mayhew ('On London Poor, 1861-2' - b-t-w, (his) observances not nearly so hierarchial or strictly 'natural scientific' than this said 'company' would perhaps show.... Apparently, Mayhew was a journalist of background, and purposed to some 'Dickensian themes' marred w. the 'sociological method' on his 'concern' from the poors,...)

; In short, seems it then that few minds by the time of an early 1800s questioned the validity by 'Malthusian view' and his population economics – William Godwin (1756-1836), for some exception...plus a few others possibly. (From because of Godwin's isolation from any official 'intellect circle'/ neglected position as the 'ex'-Jacobist then, or just due his notable radicalism. – Apparently, seems his objections weren't widely read by time. That generally obliged him to, or he chose to, perhaps, from remain on the 'hide' on early 1800s. (Albeit, I also noticed of prewords on Godwin's at the time famous novel; 'Things as they are, or the adventures of Caleb Williams' (f.p. 1794), that he seems not wrote his 'answer' on Malthus's theories prior 1820.) ...Perhaps that because from by that time 'Malthusian view' had emerged from its influence to the most universal accepted amongts the 'elites'. (Anycase, for then sixth edition from 'Essay on population', published 1816, Malthus also had fx attacked more directly at the “reforms” by Robert Owen, a factory owner and social 'critic', whom Godwin also befriended.)

; ...Furthermore, what at least notable to this, appers that from his radicalism Godwin been in the post-after interpretations, by occasion, 'coined' as the originator to (political) anarchism - A view largerly disputed, then, of the fact that he never exactly wrote in favor of the dismantling of then existed society, or (strictly, from completely) against the existant social order, but merely on the necessary re-organization about its corrupted institution(s). Also, from the originality of his thinking – by the time – Godwin never was of particularly favored by comparable social reformators (by his contemporaries, or by the later communists, fx.) ; ...Which considered, is at least quite interesting notice that some my 'older' - ca the 1960s-1980s encyclopedies, et sim. - doesn't seem from contain even mention of Godwin. (Speaks perhaps 'volumes' about the level an official history-writing, or at least how much the popular history ('public'), of said decades, seems from purposefull omitted his place at history. -...A glance on the lenghtier list from the studies and research on Godwin, adjoined to that introduction for Caleb Williams' modern edition, seems give the same impression – The majority of it appears represent smtgh published postafter 1970. (W. a few exceptions though.) Yet, principally or 'generally' Godwin actually must've not been of completely forgotten and 'rediscovered', in the meanwhile. At least not exactly to any resemblance for, fx, some renown political figures, say...Troskyi in the stalist/post-stalinist Russia. (On/from Godwin's 'case' not similarly by any 'official' decision, or/and neither during just a few years, months, days.) ; Anyway, proves to these view-points how it is from effectively and influentially, in society, common possible to an inherited and maintained 'amnesia' of to exist, under the veil from 'uniform' prevailed scientific and political consensus; ...Concerning parts of history, or personnels, or the incidents of it's any past. Even for generations after another – Godwin's 'neglect', I only suppose', must've largely been due from how uncomfortable most his views (or, objections) both socialist and bourgeoise 'blocks' might've discovered cons. the 'shared' views about the 'principalities' from organization of state (/the government.), and the individual (to some levels, institutions from, not claiming to be too familiar on, from that any precise...) ; I only suppose', having to also admit that it very limited I've ever read anything by Godwin (The tone and style much (quite) bit tiring, in a manner from this days, I've thought...)

;

[X6] ; ..the ecological losses and other destruction caused by expansion of the European sugar-farming 'venture',  to the Atlantic/Caribbean tropical were considerable. (Esp. to it's early centuries. And from the sugar-cane esp. on the 'pelagic' colonies, that also were acquired by other countries, in addition to the Spain and Portugal, from ca 1600- onwards.). Then 'accompanying' that, the malaria and yellow fever also rather early emerged/followed the colonists (a usual claim is, most likely, within the slaves imported from the W. African regions) to those places, as the frequent 'companion' to settlers, and from constant outbreaks, the epidemics enslowing inhabitation of colonial possessions. ; From accompanying deforestation and the ecological disruption(s) caused, Madeira maybe is most renown example from, ...but most from early British colonial possession at W. Caribbean (,as much, or even more considerably than elsewhere) as well went through equally devastating ecologic losses. - And in fact, the effects were usually more serious or took place sooner, the smaller any islet considered was. ; From these ecologic consequences, fx, on Grove (-96; ...Which I tend to take from occasional a look to these specific histories from European colonies/'-isles'...In lack of any other similar specific information, easily to arms distance.), said;

“[From] ...enormous growth in consumption and demand for sugar, the tropical landscape was transformed in a few years. During the last few years of the 1640s, the immigration to Barbados of Portuguese Jews, who had been exiled from Brazil and were skilled in the production of high-quality sugar, along with the initiative with the local wealthy entrepreneurs, caused a revolution on islands agriculture. ...As a result, by 1665 only one small area of woodland, ...survived on Barbados. This was in spite of a number of efforts to control the removal of wood from unoccupied or common land.“(; p. 68-) ; Also: “...plantation woodlots were cut both for fuel and and to increase the acreage for cane. The critical year was 1665, ...No references to forest (other than to Turners Hall Wood) exist after this date, and a report of 1671 emphasizes the almost complete lack of woodland on the island, ... Supplies of wood, in fact, imported after the 1660s from New England and, more often, from neighbouring islands, particularly Tobago. ...When Tobago was eventually acquired by the British in 1763, its forests, already familiar to the Barbados colonists, were placed under strict protection, in part of the disastrous effects on the Caribbean Islands that had been colopnized in the preceding century. However, [...] The environmental history of Montserrat differs little from that of Barbados at this period. “ (;69-70.)

; ...a view on the McNeill's Mosquito Empires (bk Recom nro 40 here, btw) – permits us represent few paragraphs worth of the histories more concerned on Cuba, too; “Plantations sugar was the driving force behind both the new demography of the West Indies and the new landscapes: slave societies and creole ecologies. These social and biological revolutions happened first and most thoroughly on the small islands of the eastern Antilles – at least on those on which sugar became king – as on Madeira and Canary islands before them. On the larger islands such as Hispaniola and Jamaica, sugar's ecological transformation happened only after 1713 (and on Cuba only after 1740). As the smaller islands soils grew poorer and their fuelwood scarcer, planters gradually shifted investment to the bigger and more forested islands. [...] Nonetheless, in those parts of Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba where sugar reigned, it taxed the forest, When Riberta wrote of 'continuous forest' in Cuba [ie 1755, as said prior that], clearing was proceeding apace, much to the concern of authorities worried about timber supplies of Spain's naval arsenal. By the end of the eighteenth century, fuelwood requirements of the sugar boilers cleared nearly one square kilometer per year. ...Sugar's ecological transformation brought its share of indirect effects too, touching even flora and fauna of the sea. For example, the Caribbean had supported tens of millions Hawkbill and green turtles before the eighteenth century, but energetic harvesting nearly obliterated them, changing reef ecologies in fundamental ways. ... Slaves and poor whites ate turtle meat in the British West Indies, and by one account turtles provided most of the meat eaten in Jamaica around 1700-1730. Eventually, turtle meat became a delicacy in England, served at the finest tables, prized for it's taste and its alleged aphrodisiac qualities. By 1800, green turtles had grown scarce in parts of the Caribbean, notably in the Cayman islands, ....

; ...In the Caribbean, the plantation economy and the influx of tens of thousands of people brought far reaching changes – but at variable speeds. On the small islands, the ecological transformation of sugar and plantations...thorough and fast. In the Caribbean,...thorough and slow. Forest clearances for sugar (and other) plantations continued into the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, at least on the bigger island of Hispaniola and Cuba. ...” (; p.30-31; 32) ...Which seems to offer a comparable (,but yet in comparison diminute so) from the causes on modern forest destruction, some notoriously observed as resulted from increases to cultivated (present) major 'fuel' -crops/foodplants, such as the Soya, Palm-oil, Maize, etc. (;And, then alongside, to lesset noted, but from additionally amounts from some 'older' cultivables, like the coffee, cocoa, rubbers, the timbers 'harvested'.) ; And, of course Sugar too, still accomp. these 'lesser' majors on its 'royal descendence'...And, this oversized human 'economy', w. nowadays more global harms generated, (poss.) more exponential in magnitude too, ...at least cons. from what to already our days has realized.

– The 'influx' of population increase, ecologic destruction along sugar plantations established and then repeating appeared yellow fever-epidemies (between 1790-1805), all that would provide interesting anecdotes in addition to this (As the book lot focused to those topics)...But suppose these already go (slight) 'in addition' to our any main interest on this. (; ...on page 165; there a mention from the Briton army of resultant to the large mortality by its soldiers in tropics, to had established several brigades of black soldiers, about postward the pandemics by 1791-1805. ...ie, noticed that those Buffalo soldiers, 'immortalized' in the famous Bob Marley-song, in fact principally not, by the timing, originated on the (US) civil war period, but - as much else, common often - had had the precedent on these troops to Briton army.) ; Another noteworth mention cons. the yellow fever-mortality, that the said famous epidemies then also influenced (enough) some fictionalists to write some (later) appreciated novels by early 19^th century - perhaps most renown Mary Shelley's written The Last Man (1828), and, Charles Brockden Brown's (1771-1810) Arthur Mervyn(; or, the tale of the 1793.) - wrote ca 1800, about.

[X7] ; ...on the African trade (/the slave shipments), someplace – Don't recall where exactly (perhaps it on that 'The Nature of Slavery', closing chapter omitted by Thrasher, but added on that 2001 ed.) - We seem learn of a political 'camouflaging' by the time, and of the then treaties achieved, via Humboldt writing followingly; “The Spanish Empire has reserved itself a privilege [...on continued slave trade, ie] by the 1814-convention.” ; ...I don't mean to say that I'd have any very precise idea on these by the historical situations, ...since until this day I've not happened/bothered from to read of that anyhow particularly. Yet, I think it at least feels from notably concidential that the opening of the 'free trade' (from the slaves, slave trade) to the Cuban part (and elsewhere the region discussed) seems time for the 'height' to this period most remembered to the time of it's restless and fragmentation from the Napoleonic wars. (And more generally seems tell from how significant part the slave trade, consisted on the global merchandise and as part of the 'global colonial trade' by that period...Such as is renown, of course.)

[X8] : The Passage to Cosmos. Alexander von Humboldt and the Shaping of America (2009) ; ...Namely, (for the interested,) Walls's describing about the Thrasher's manner from 'interpreting' and editing Humboldt's text to (his) political, and, pro-slavery purposes – not excluding of mention that he omitted the concluding chapter 'The Nature of Slavery' of the 1856-translation – reads, ao, followingly; “How ferociously ironic, then, that Humboldt was silenced in the very country that most needed to hear what he had to say. His essay on Cuba was banned in Havana, of course, but he expected that. What he didn't expect was that it would face still worse fate in the United States... In 1856, ...Thrasher engineered an extraordinary propaganda coup by appropriating Humboldt's most important antislavery work, and by clever editing twistes it...under the title The Island of Cuba by Alexander von Humboldt. [...]

Thrasher presented his book as nothing more than a modest updating of Humboldt's original, which he called 'the best that has been written on the subject'. There was indeed much to update: in the three decades since humboldt wrote, Cuba's sugar economy had exploded, the United States had become its major trading partner, and the slaves were being imported at the rate of nearly eleven thousand a year. ...

In 1848, president Polk had tried to buy Cuba; when Spain rejected the offer, the conspiracies that had embroiled Thrasher erupted. In 1854 President Pierce renewed the purchase offer, which Spain again rejected. In retaliation, Pierce ordered the U.S. ambassadors to France, England, and Spain to devise Cuba by force. ...it cause a firestorm of controversy. ...and Humboldt called it 'the most outrageous political document ever published,' a 'savage' policy; ...

[cons. the translation...] ... From the start Thrasher proceeded to recast Humboldt's argument by reframing it , distorting and undercutting it, and censoring it. To reframe it, Thrasher prefaced Humboldt's work in the long 'Preliminary Essay' showing that abolition would not be America's salvation but would, in fact, lead to the destruction of American civilization. ... [...on his rather usual, typical sounding – say characteristic – racistic language and 'scheming', via remarks such as “the 'mutual 'dependence' between master and slave creates a tie of 'affection' unknown where the two races live in a state of civil equality.” ; ...Along w., fx, raising Haiti, and esp. Jamaica – it said, and indeed notable on that Thrasher's counterfeit are the many 'forewarnings' from and about examples (of) 'the bloodthirsty teachings of European philanthtropy.' (- By what meant, typically, the 'barbarism, heathenism, social collapse' on any places, from followingly.)

; Also, to his translating... “...Thrasher did more than reframe Humboldt's text with his own racistic prognostications; ...For example, Williams's [Eng. transl. around the time from Humboldt's text was first published, ie 1820s, about...'supposedly.] phrase 'the troubles of St. Domingo,' became 'the disasters of St. Domingo.' He scissored out Humboldt's moralistic punch lines and relocated sentences to change their contexts. ...Thrasher's running commentary at several points actively undercut it [ie, means Humboldt's moral argument], most notably when Humboldt projected his vision of a 'free, intelligent, and agricultural' Cuban population. Thrasher let Humboldt's words stand, but chided him for the 'error' of such foolish social theory, as proved 'by the sad experience of Jamaica.' ...

...up to this point, Thrasher had left enough of Humboldt's argument intact that... (a reader, could be) ...able to hear Humboldt's voice over Thrasher's static – could have detected the inefficiency and even moral bankruptcy of slavery. ...What Thrasher censored out was the conclusion, Humboldt's passionate moral peroration in which he stepped back from detached analysis to take on the more personal voice of the witness. ...” (; p. 201-2; 202-, & 203. ...a few pages after (Walls, p 205.) seems, ao, then also remark that Thrasher's counterfeit was crude enough for to annoy Humboldt so much, that; 'Eighteen months later [he] was still steaming'....etc. ; To this case, on the cited, my plentysome enshortenings and 'scissoring' :), at some sentences, ...Since this here just for the purpose of offering some (clear) idea about what the level and how text was edited by Thrasher on his translated, mutilated 1856-version.

[X9] ; ...In fact, Thrasher's notes (on this case) aren't that completely biased. (Or, not quite completely so distorted by his racistic views.) While of course 'flawed' cons his assured conceptions of some self-evident, natural existant form of a (racial) hierarchy, such as also are his generalisations of the – so called - 'lower races' and the simultaneous fears about their 'amalgamation', postafter the abolition. - But from the reasons to this note in the following explained:

Since the sea-ports were by the timing, periods given, were some 'transition'-centers, them were also 'crowded' by many sorts peoples of reasons whatsoever ended up on those corners. (Populace combining from most 'ranks', nationalities, 'fates'.) (; Additionally, by that time, (a period of the Sails...and later still, at least until early part still 1800s.), the British navy, for example, esp. maintained the compulsory recruitment at many city-ports. The unlucky some were then obliged take the pest at some warships for several years at seas, and along w. the considerable risk to their lives, and fair payment (/any payment, pension) to them at the time from release of service was never too certain. ...Ao, a reason to M.Wollstonecraft from noting that for '...arbitrary customs of pressing men to the sea service.' ; In short the sea service was rarely actually any romantic adventure, in the manner it usually presented to the 'latter memoir'. The hard discipline and frequent whippings made the sufferings by sea recruits actually quite comparable to those of the slaves, at least in the worst cases. But only so much of the histories for his Majesty's honorable'an'invincible navy, at it's 'high time'.)

; Yet, said 'crowded' ports of course usually 'from magnetically' attracted all kinds from opportunistic adventurers, and occasionally people – such as Melville prior his career as author – actually enlisted to sea service of voluntary (fx from to flee the depressing debts, or morals at lands.) Of course, there were also various kind ships, many for the merchandise, and where the conditions weren't quite that kind (Albeit malnutrition and scurvy fx, were on ships frequent 'common companions' to any lenghtier sea-encounter.) ;.And at least one among Melville's books describes/based (loosely?) his experiences on Man-o'-war (ie on a military ship.)

...Chinese sea-ports (,or more generally Asiatic), indeed, were perhaps amongst some of the most notorius places, to that time. Illegal trafficking, smuggling, ao, etc. other sort criminal ventures, were wide-spread enough that leagues of gangs actually reigned some areas. Practically the ports, along w. the illegal but uncontrollable, opium trade, were under command of the pirate-leagues (or families, mainly), plus other smugglers during the time. On a few occasions the Chinese governance tried to bring some order for the places. - But the operation(s) only ended disastrous unsuccessfull, they had no possibilities gain the control over illegal shipments.

... Or so I recalled of had read from that. (Acc. to my any memoir on that 1493. ...But didn't find him (Mann) providing much reference on those, by the said period, early 1800s. But I may have missed the pages, it now some time that I read the book. Anyway, has lots on the backgrounds, and of the smuggling. In fact, seems said...well let's stick to this subject. (...Might've read that of some other source on 'Opium wars', that I shortly viewed.) ; Then, to some periods from that, a 'Pirate queen' also is said have reigned and controlled the trade (at the port of Shanghai?, 'suppose it was...) - Gives us 'cause for some sentimental imaginations; Was she beautiful? ...Perhaps the 'maid of the Moon' ; 'daughter for dragons' ; maybe 'fierce as the polecat'? Unmercifull to her opponents but gracefull to the faithful some? ...Or perhaps nothing like. (The Wikip. entry on her; Ching Sih - 'the most powerful and successfull pirate in history', having lived 1775-1844). Of to make it more interesting; ...appears it also noted that (she) 'entered on a conflict w. Spanish and British Empires...' (also being then one of the few pirates to have retired succesfull.) ; ...Furthermore seems it was she, who '...started the task of uniting the fleet by issuing a code of laws.' - IOW; If you ever saw those pirate movies (Caribbean pirates) where the 'codex' plays some importance, you may now make some conclusions from your own...Perhaps nothing new under the sun. But I think considering these discussed sea-ports, film gives an adequate informative impressions. ; Furthermore seems on that also say fx: '...she personally commanded over 300 junks, that manned 20,000 to 40,00o pirates.'

; Anycase, her 'legend' also seems remained fresh on memoirs and then also fx inspired Borges (Jorge Luis) for to give her a place - on his usual form and manner ('bit' fictionalized), in the stories collected under name from 'A Universal History of the Infamy.' (Consisting from some Borges' relative early texts, published maybe the 1930s – Or, at least the articles/stories were written around that decade. The other subjects to his “rewriting” on that contains also some such 'alikes' as Billy the Kid, and, Philip Melancthon (1497-1560) – Which might give you some idea about...)

[X10] ; ...What I mean by this view from Stevenson's and the treatment of his 'legacy' by 'postafter' critics, becomes more clear if I offer on this note a brief quoted example of the periods literary criticism. (...Means, the early decades from 1900s...at least I suppose the timing around that, 'cause it's from the Preface for collected short-stories by Gissing (George, 1857-1903), read via Gutenberg; 'The House of Cobwebs and Other Stories.', p. 1906). - Remarked to this, only for that a most proper example about how the kind of common hierarchisation and 'ranking order' was established, and well-late postwards maintained. In spite it said on Gissing, could've represented interpretations on Stevenson too. (Perhaps by less pointing adjectives, though.) ; Works not too very different even today, of course. ...Though what present appreciated may have changed, a lot. (Emphasizes on the quoted, are by me);

“...failure to grapple with a big objective ...A master of explanation and description rather than of animated narrative or sparkling dialogue, he lacked the with and humour, the brilliance and energy of consummate style which might have enabled him to compete with the great scenic master of fiction, or with craftsmen such as Hardy or Stevenson, or with incomparable wits and conversationalists such as Meredith. ... his London-street novels lack certain artistic elements of beauty (though here and there occur glints of rainy or sunset townscape in a halftone, consummately handled and eminently impressive); and his intense sincerity cannot wholly atone for this loss. “

- Actually (what said, on that) ain't even too unproper from overall. (While not very interesting either.) But much in the Gissing's style rather plain simple, and say – while that too somewhat disparaging a term – 'conventional'. (Where the comparison to some usual 'merits', of any established 'mastery', as acc. the standards set then on 1800s nowadays better known fiction.) – It not 'flourishes' by any remarkable memorable passages, or situations that'd been from constant cited and 'memorized everafter. (....A'la what the case-examples from Dickens' novels, at least were still popular sources for, well long from last century.) But, the main p-o-w how from anything, acc. that, is that everything is directed for it's 'correct' niche; 'a conversationalist', 'craftsmen', ... ; And, despite the said, that (preface), in whole, actually even succeeds inform us of quite well about Gissing's career and fiction writing, his novels. But, the given briefer cite here due from (it) a typical example of language which maintains the 'criteria' of subjugation (from anything) under the set from (ordered) normatives. (Or that what on the preceding was meant for explain.)

[X11] : ...One doesn't of course have to limit these views on the fictions and literatures (of solely.) The 'serious' or 'vulgar', such as any porn was, by that 19^th-century (,and is as much as today), the censure usually has accompanied. ...But might fx mention also, to this or for the examples (/to some comparisons), few sentences on change 'of morals' related to 'courtesans' by the era. ...Of what Dabhoiwala(2010),fx seems wrote about how newly arrived popularity and less condemning publicity (mainly during late 1700s already, though.) - Or that the increase on a 'flexibility' to attitudes and morals for the (renown) aristocracy from keeping their mistresses, now was tolerated from more open, under the 'public eye'. (....For some case examples there stories about some renown characters by the time, such as Kitty Fischer, Emma Hamilton, Harriet Wilson – All more or less then were, or emerged for, to makers of their own 'fortunes' in society.) Also, scandals and alike from prostitutes and other examples about 'paid sex' by that period/era had started from emerge to more permittable, or at least not anymore did represent quite similarly sinful and condemnable – For the few, it means merely, ie mostly the males, and (,in 'publicity') the renown and powerful. ; Anyway, from the said Hamilton (probably?) not wrote any biographies from herself. Befriending publicly 'Lord' Horatio Nelson was enough'an adequate.) However,...Instead from any particulars on these 'jolly birds', I thought I've a better example/more proper a case – From considering our former remarks. – At their (some) “co-sister” from the French court, namely; (Mdme) du Barry (1743-93), who was introduced for court at 1768 (, by her husband Jean Baptiste du Barry), and soon became the '...last notable mistress of King Louis XV'. After various 'adventures' she got in disfavor by the followed king, Louis XVI (and also by Marie Antoinette- ...due because of Mde Berry's 'vulgar behaviour' and overt 'expenditure'), later 'settled' for the castle of Luciénnes – From where she during revolution (ie years after), was brought to be guillotined. ; However, the interesting from this cons. the popular literatures of the 1800s – And, one could say, more so interesting concerning that 'taste' for the scandal and penned stories about the aristocrates sins, or that horrified period of the French Revolution in general – Were fx her 'memoirs' (Memoirs of the Comtess du Barry with minute details of her entire career as favorite of Louis XV, 'Written by herself'.) Due because, it seems said been written – not by herself – but by some Baron Leon Lamothe Langon (1786-1864). ....A small calculation confirms that the author must've been about 7 to 8 years old by the time from her death. (Yet during the times from 1800s progressing emerged the constant taste and market for the 'celebrity-literatures'. Therefore, likely, very probably it was some time read to an authentic and remarkably evidentual a story. At least by large number readers.)

[X12] : . ...However - apart from what mentioned on the few sentences at text - main reason to this cite from emphasize how important role slave-colonies (-isles) seem of played on an early phases of colonization from the 'New World' (/or American)-continents - On the anglo-European part, ie the N. Americas, as much as from the 'Spanish Empire' (...by the somewhat more earlier begins, and what often explained – perhaps correctly – to have represented the more brutal period/timings on the European acquisition of the lands and colonies.) ; That so, as conclusively, ...almost any look for the descriptions on those earliest phases and the fates of the conquered and vanquished 'remains' from tribes (or those from survived as captives) – excluding of course some that escaped, sometimes assimilated to the other tribes, some also percecuted by the allied tribes for the European invaders - Seem to the quite usual had about same directions; Sold into the slavery, (apparent) to the nearby isles on coastal or nearby (Barbados, Bermuda, app. some to most common destinies, or at least the largest islets better known by name.) ; (...Also it is often noted that the east coast tribes of the N.American part, first and by earliest subject to the European colonization, also faced the most direct impact and from the said 'causes' or as the likely consequence, often for their total disappearance. Of many, seems it noted, even the names from barely known to this day.) ; Cons. that, of Mann's noted 'striking geographical coincidence' by the regions (North/South, roughly outlined, 'the boundary...not far from what would become the boundary between slave and non-slave states in the United States.') - as mentioned in text - feels then quite artificial to make, of these reasons. ...Or, by which reasons I'm not quite too assured on: Certainly the slavery (in some forms) existed among indian societies (Such as it existed on 'pre-europeanized' Africa, and among the antique Romans, fx.) And, certainly (I think) it possible to link it of been (possibly) more widely practiced in the South, 'Missippian-cultures' (...Perhaps, w. some resemblance to then, ca 1700s, existed 'European slavery'-system. Say; chains, whips and enforced work.) ...But, I think, the indian societies - most likely – also must've contained more variety inbetween, from not had represented any similar consistent practice. (To some examples/variety, I'd read from – most, of course, would relate better documented 1800s of North Americas – where sometimes (some from) captives were put for slavery (to a time, more rarer 'permanent'), sometimes them were released, and (fx) sometimes were adopted to the tribe (,the younger some from more usual), and, sometimes were slain. (...Some variety 'solutions', and fx on that Pocahontas-story all actually play some noticeable possibility, or – say – an importance in the story. I mean, whether it for an 'authentic' or imaginable, doesn't matter.) Additionally, seems to me (possibly, only by guess) that much of that more 'unified' or say 'hierarchic' to those Mississippian cultures already had been disbanding from some time prior these timings – So, in combined if there a connection, I think, it seems at least only discoverable to the postward finding. A created analogy between things that not compare, very succeedingly. ...But I don't fx suppose that native ('-traders') would've not sold – or perhaps exchanged for the goods – the captured slaves, perhaps quite as eagerly also practiced the war or theft to their acquisition,during some those decades, about 1600s-early 1700s.) (...However, that Mann, even referentially, adjoins the aspect (that 'boundary', the slavery's 'origins' at US) for the later fates and histories of the 'federal states', ie; 'Was the terrible conflict of the U.S. Civil War a partial reflection of a centuries-old native cultural divide ?',I find, the least said, suspectable to any argumentable statement/sentence....even from a sentences worth.) ...The implication seems to me, not reasonable. I can imagine there might've existed cultural divide, but similarly, must've there existed other 'cultural divides', by anycase.

; ...Also considering and reading (these) histories (...esp. ao.), one by occasional encounters the desciption to a term about the 'American Indian holocaust', which, to these view don't feel too misleading to a definition, then. (; ...Thinkin' so also due because it perhaps (quite) questionable in which manner the differences between separate regions from - fx, the 'U.S' (later formed 'coalition of states') North and South – affected on the treatment and conditions by slaves at any place, and that from if those even realte from the created the different situations, such as between the plantation slaves/ house hold 'servants'). ; ...Related/cons. this early 'phase' from colonization Gately, though, seems remark that the Caribbean (island) colonies operated 'distinctly more feudal' than on the mainland. Also, fx, them during the 1630s attracted some 30,000 emigrants 'in the form of indentured labour for tobacco plantations.' The 'multiciplity of colonial models', 'uniquely English' a system – since the 'Feudalism was already being displaced to most regions, on Europe', but to the contrast during King James the Ist period 'was alive and well in England' - is then noted fx from had arised from times prevalent (romantical) social ideas (on literatures, such as the contrast between the More's Utopia ('a political fable...based on slavery') and the Arcadia, most popular novel in the period. ; Gunn Allen's somewhat 'less traditions-following' interpretations – or, say challenging to some those - and for additional, accompanying views to these 'historical pages', etc., can be viewed on (;2003, fx p. 232-251. ...ao, esp., from it's noted (often) '...the documented evidence ain't worth the paper it written on.')

The number of the emigrants, to the early phase, (largely) explains from their vast mortality, or of the newly arrived at the colonies, due ao from burdens of sea-travel, scarcity of foods/temporary malnutrition, hostilities, the diseases...etc. ; As I don't suppose' to these views (,nor familiarity to) able from estimate if/whether/how important the 'social change' above referenced only, or what their (estimable) effect on the manner on the slavery did operate/was in effect during that period (on the 'New England', mainland), I only mention also the pages which on above this short noticed (ie Gately; 77-81)

...Anyway (seems it to me), no manner questionable that by it's earliest, 'modern' slavery (...in the means of forced labour. As the particularly “European”; And accomp. 'trans-Atlantic' trade and it's emergence from particular to the economic needs.) – as a system to subjugation (of peoples), had the described role (/practice) in the colonial 'venture'. Even though it likeliest suppose that whether any 'slave imports' were not always intentioned, not targeted brought for the purposes, then well must've contianed some cases. (...As fx the famous early Jamestown example seems from tell. And, it then of course seems largely to centre around a problem from decide what the timing, in particular, did the “feudal practices” transform to the more 'modern' plantation-slavery – As it became to be known by later day.) ...By any estimate. (... 'Suppose, could offer a more precise view - If I'd ever had the chance from more precise familiarize to/on this.) ; Yet, much as the imported captives from slave trade were treated as the 'free' work-force, also the land acquired from the original inhabitants, american natives, was treated as 'free' – After all, the peoples from those areas were cleansed away much in the manner, or by resemblance, w. the German nazi-period operations on regions from Russian European parts that were conquered during WW (the second). Or, comparable also for the Stalin's time relocations, etc...

; ...Of course, by this time discussed, all that was in the name of superiority of the 'christian belief' (religion) and it's civilizations, the ethnocentric discrimination, (...as much as the same was then the excuse, false 'logic' during the some further followed centuries.) The original populations, scattered on numerous variety of tribes and also (likely) comprising from many different language groups, weren't (probably) nearly so 'unified' than some established modern states, or regions. But that doesn't make any difference on the aspect itself.

; In fact, there lot of similarity/resemblance between the emergence from most any of the large centralized 'super-powers', or -countries in the World – most having seen quite similar process to their growth, via the annexations and conquest ca from the 1700s. Actually for the everyone's harms of course, since – as I've perhaps some prior text remarked, Mde Stael at her writings notes that 'an enlightened country on our times can do nothing worse than put itself under command by one man.' (Indeed, and what fx the mass graves and -camps by the IInd World War yet more unquestionably, from lot later, seemed to confirm.) ...But on our days it in fact can – To put the effort and pursuit, the resources and 'zeal' to the one-sided development – of cultural (identitets meaning), as well as over-expanded concern on the system that created the 'problem' in the first place, it's unequalizing economy. ...But saying this of course disperses the view for the wider singular aspects – I only know that (very) centralized system (government, broadcast and media, markets and products, cultures) to nourish the individuality. - The worse, nowadays, is the loss on what is free and grows by itself. Centralized is everything that serves the one purpose. (...And I don't mean networks, nor the GNP.)

[X13] : ...The few sentences cited on above are said be of Jefferson's speeches, words itself commentary on Declaration of Independence. Wells Brown (1815-84) did use to his sources various material that was comprised of various actual documentaries, ranging from the slave narratives to the newspaper articles (,and also fx adverts.) Later from the 1900s Richard Wright seem inspired from the book for his writing, and perhaps Nella Larsen, too...among others of course. The novel's plot is based around 'fates and fortunes' from Jefferson's daughters, born to slavery. ...Some, of whose existence there seems said to have circulated, widely and from persistent, a rumour during the 1800s... ; As we've noted from some prior examples on this - this cited of  Wells Brown's novel, or mainly the part cited from it – just to remark that misinformation (, and, any rumour is some, of course, whether it authentic...or not) often plays and important role at many literary forms. (Esp, of course, in fiction-writing.) ; ...But it also should be quite as notable that for that 1800s, fiction was viewed more closely adjoined to the 'actual' reality, and was thought from more of a capacity for to recreate and “modify” it. People read books more for the sort from 'testimonies', sometimes even despite the aspect that were considered fictional, or for the imaginary story-telling, or viewed not for strictly realistic 'authentic'. (Some reason the biographies, often dramatically exaggerated or at least 'fancified' were so popular. ...Fx, Goethe's early memoirs carry to it's name/subtitle(?) something like; 'Stories of my life, the truth and tales.' Even more so, on the periods publications, the prerunners to the 'modern' press, favored, from plentitudes such 'heavily' dramatized life-stories. From resultant many from the later renown 'biographers', or popular narrations - such as Buffalo Bill ; de Quincey; Sarah Bernhardt, etc. - contained rather much that sort material.) – As much as today, in the meaning that no-one has the time from check authentity by most stories, nor perhaps interest. Yet during that 'Victorian era', I think, the difference was that many fictionalized life-stories,-memoirs, were 'held' to have certain level of value in spite of that known. To have achieved the skills amongts the literary cultures, or merely skills of a 'literary expression', was seen for some sufficient proof, or 'assure' about the story's authentity. Even if it was said from be fiction. The literary 'merit' was, for a certain level, also merit from personnel's 'worth', In other words. 
; But in short, the said novel (by Wells Brown), actually achieves more of a level to realism than most his contemporaries creations – Although I only assume it wasn't so anxiously read and appreciated by its times. Yet Wells Brown's purposes were elsewhere and he makes those quite clear in the first few chapters at book. (Btw, seems he also wrote plentiful much else, from postafter it too.) 

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; Pics at this post (unless from mentioned at texts): The 'cannon', and, the pic of a black girl (...from 'El Corsaro', 1970s Spanish comics, I think.) ; 'Splash', and the 'landscape-view from the modern Hong Kong-city harbor' (...from Tigresse Blanche, Alix Yu Fu-adventures by Conrad et Wilbur) ;  b/w-pic of ships from Manara-Pratt, such as noted, ..Of the story 'El Gaucho', 1980s. ; The 'Ship (and a gull, fish in its beak)', ...plus 'Fire' (...from Oum-pa-pah, Coscinny-Uderzo) ; 'Days od wonder' (traveller woman), ...from a board game, by the same name.; 'Congratulations', also from Coscinny-Uderzo's comics, ie from Asterix, ...text-bubbles modified.) ; 'Portrait' (face), from book cover to de Stael's Corinne, or Italy (...originates for the painting by Domenicchio - smtgh like the late of renaissance, early Baroque) ;  'Old Port' from 'Lady Killer' by Jamis-Rich(...acc. co-text, the poster-art drawn from represent an imaginous 1950s-tobacco advert - A pretty good non-smoking advert from my finding, too..) ; Vampirella, of the mag 14/1971, from a story by Maroto-Wehrle (...a bad story, while nicely drawn - represented only since she's so cute at the 'wolf-costume', ...text-bubble modified.)