Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-01-18
The Cuban Free Labor system.
PROCLAMATION OF THE ovEnsoR-eESERAI


Department of the Governor and Captain General Of
the faithful Island Of Cuba.
PoLIrIcAL SEcRETARY's OFFICE.
His excellency the governor and captain-gene-
raj has been pleased TO direct to be published in
the Official Gazette the following:
"oRDINANoE RESPECTING EMANcIpADos'
Article l. The negroes known by the name OF
emancipados are all free. Those who have be en-
in the power Of the government five years, and are
sixteen years of age, will obtain their free papers,
and those who remain in the island will dispose Of
their wages 10 which they have a right. with the
discount only of part, which shall never exceed
the fourth part.
Art 2. Those who have not served five years
will be only different from the others inasmuch as
they will not dispose Of the proceeds of their labor,
which will be in trust during their apprenticeship.
When the emancipados end their apprentice
ship, the government will convoke the parties
holding them TO present them TO the proper au-
thorities within five days. il residing in the capital,
and within fifteen if in the country, which term
being ended, those who shall not attend 10 the
summons will incur fine of from fifty dollars to
one hundred dollars, and the charge OF hunting up
the negroes will be on account ofthe non-conform-
ing parties, whose lamentable abuses have been
taught by experience to the authorities, which go
vernment is determined TO extirpate.
The contracts between the emaneipated negroes
and those who hire them shall be through the CO.
vernment, and for the term Of one year, and made
according to the following forms:
/, --, emancipated negro, - nation
number --, per ship --, do declare that
at my own free will contract with government
for the term of --- years, to work in whatever
manner may be ordered, during the customary
hours Of labor, submitting TO the person whom
may be transferred TO, (being advised Of the same)
also TO those in his employ, whom will obey and
respectfully having the power TO compel me TO
fulfil the contract using legal means, in conformity
with the DEGREES in the regulations for colonsts.
There shall be paid in recompense for my labor
- dollars per month, from which shall be de-
Quoted fourth part, which the government shall
receive TO attend TO the indemnfcation incurred
by this administration. am TO be found in food
aud home, two suits of clothing, and during sick
ness shall have attendance, without being obliged
10 work until entirely restored 10 health. There
shall be a deduction from my wages for the days
thus lost. am not to be obliged 10 labor on the
Sabbath or holidays, and | can employ those for
my own profit. In the fulfment OF this contract
sign il before the President and Secretary OF the
Board Of Protection Of Emancipated Negroes,
who in the name ofthe government, subscribe 10
this, making cross, not being able 10 write, Tor
read, supposc,--Translator.] Havana, NC.
We transfer this contract in the name OF the
government, TO --, who puts his signature 10
il us sign Of having accepted il, binding himself
10 comply with its regulations faithfully; should
he not he will be compelled to do so by the means