The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1859-11-30
Negro Incendiaries In Canada.

Some days ago we gave an account OF the
destruction by fire of the dwelling, barns,
stock, &C., of worthy farmer named Joseph
Mason, in Colchester, Canada
The house was an entirely new one, Mr. Ma
son having intended to move into it on the day
Of the FIRE. 1t was entirely consumed, as were
several stacks Of hay, simultaneously fired
which contained his winter supply for his cattle
and horses. Suspicion at once attached to the
two negroes, Smiths, who were arrested, from
the fact that Mason had had some difficulty
with them. They, or one Of them, had been
owing him $50 for three years, for which Mason
had recently commenced suit, at which Smith
made repeated threats of vengeance.
The Detroit Free Press says Of the outrages:
While Mr.. Mason was at Sandwich, attend
ing the prosecution Of these fellows before the
Assizes, his two barns were set on fire and de-
stroyed, consuming with them five horses, two
Of which were very valuable, he having been
but short time previous offered $500 for one
and 81 600 for the other. They were blooded
horses, and worth at low estimate $1,000
each. Besides this he lost all his harness and
farming utensils. 1t is not doubted that this
fire was the work Of the aecomplices of the
negroes he was prosecuting.
Mason is himself a mulatto, but by industry
and econo'ny--two virtues not common to the
negro race-had accumulated q very comforta-
BILE property. He formerly, for twenty-five
years, resided in Painesvile 0. He owns the
farm on which he has been living in Canada
embracing about ninety acres, which is entire
ly paid for, and had just built the house, on
which he was still owing quite an amount
His losses will amount to between 5000 and
$1,000, on which there is no insurance.
Why is it a matter Of surprise that the Can
adian people, the press, and, in some counties,
the public authorities, are inaugurating meas
ures for driving out the thousands Of fugitive
blacks among them and excluding other hordes
from locating in the country?
The Essex County Court Of Assizes last week
received presentment from the Grand Jury,
based upon representation emanating from
the authorities Of the township ofAnderdon, in
regard to the negro population Of the county.
The Grand Jury submit the document that
was presented to them to the Court, and urge
that some action be taken in the matter The
Anderdon authorities say:-Cn Enq.
1--WE are aware that nine. tenths of the crimes
committed in the county Of Essex, according to
the population, are so committed by the color
ed people," And they further urge that some
measures may be taken by the Government to
protect us and our property or persons Of capt.
tai will be driven from the country" The
Court, in alluding to this presen.ment, remark
ed that "he was not surprised at finding preju-
dice existing against them (the negrocs) among
the respectable portion of the people, for they
were indolent, shiitless and dishonest, and un-
worthy of the sympathy that some mistaken
parties extended to them; they would not work
when opportunity was presented. but preferred
subssting by thieving from respectable farmers,
and begging from those benevolently inclined"