TOUSSArNT L'OUVaRTURE. 188

 most perfect equality prevailed. At the same
 .vae individuals and the heads of the State, officers
 k, men of all conditions. It was frequently visited
jrtare, who took his place, vthout preference, in any
Oat; for he often said that distinction of rank ought to
* in the moment of public service.
hers who visited the island at the beginning of the
tientury, warriors who played a part in the events
ipoch, agree in declaring that in the society of Saint
i.the men were polite and the women easy and ale-
hat the relations between the sexes lacked neither at-
a.or dignity, and that the prejudices of color seem to
it'their former power. The theatre came into vogue;
tr number of the new actors were blacks, and some of
,te proof of talent in comedy and in pantomime. A taste
1i became general; the guitar was specially cultivated.
4opgro and mulalto blood not only formed the bulk of
station, but occupied the higher positions. Even the
portant duties of the administration were in their hands.
went forward with ease and efficiency. Religion was
r Morals were at least not inferior to what they are in
piety. The arts were cultivated. The elegancies of
* not unknown. Among men and women who had but
.quitted the brutalizing condition of servitude, an abil-
a refinement were observed, which you sometimes look
du among men who have the reputation of being highly
L1.

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