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summoned a number of practical printers as witnesses to determine the amount that ought to be awarded to Mr. Knapp.
On being asked, of what pecuniary value a newspaper could be which sunk one or two thousand dollars per annum over and above its receipts, they, of course, said, none whatever.
Two things were essential to the continuance of the Liberator: first, that I should be connected with it as editor; and, secondly, that its pecuniary affairs should be so managed as to inspire confidence among its benefactors and friends; and neither of these could be done on the old plan.
As a matter of kindness and good-will, rather than of equity, the referees decided that I should pay Mr. Knapp $150—half of it to be paid yearly.
This decision was cheerfully met on my part.
To say that I separated from my friend Knapp with great reluctance and pain of mind—that I exerted myself to the utmost to retain him as printer of the Liberator—that I greatly compassionated his forlorn condition, and did everything in his behalf that friendship and sympathy could suggest—is simply to assert the truth, which all my friends in this quarter know full well.
But the existence of the Liberator depended upon this new arrangement; and justice to those who had to sustain it required that it should be made.
This arrangement was to expire in two years by its own limitation—that is, on the first day of January, 1842.
Mr. Garrison's contemporary account differs slightly from the foregoing in respect to the amount of the pecuniary award.
On January 4, 1840, he writes to
G. W. Benson:
After a great deal of trouble, we have finally got our1 arrangements made with friend Knapp.
The committee of reference awarded him $175—being $125 less than was proposed to him in the conference of friends at Loring's office.
He2 is in a very miserable state of mind, and very much embittered in his feelings, I am sorry to say, toward us all, and myself in particular.
I have scarcely had any conversation with him, on this account.
You will be glad to perceive that Loring and Philbrick are added to the committee of finance for the3 Liberator—making a very respectable and solid committee.
It is of great service to the paper to have such men act in such a capacity.
The prospect before us is fair, and full of encouragement.
