New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-01-27
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
IMPORTANT FACTS CONCERNING
TBEE NEGRO.
From The Boston Commonwealth.

From The BosiOn COMMEMORATIVE
The following letters have been received In reply
70 a circular sent to those who have charge Of ne
groes within our military lines in the South. We
give the letter which was sent, aud the statements
returned in their own language. Read and ponder
H.-girculmr Of the Committee.
At recent meeiog Of the Emancipation League,
the were appointed Committee to take
urea 20 procure from the uperntendsns Of consbsnds"
and others. information bearing upon the question
Of the capacities Of the coored Of the South 1t is
proposed this information in the beat to bear upon
the problem to what is to be the status Of the after
the Rebellion suppressed Among the agencies to be
pOyed 10 securing fair solution of this problem hope to
be able to induce the authorities at Washington to estab,h
Department Bureau OF Emancipation For this purpose
well for any other purpose Connected with the solution
OF this great problem of the birth OF people want facts
VIII yos have the kindness " 80 fully as possible
many of the following qssstssxs as you can?
VIVA, is the number OF freedmen e. consrsband') in
your department.
Men above rs
Women above IS
Children under Is
H. Are they willing to work
DO they their eArniugs VIVA, their habits as to
profanity iutempersncel chastity
Ill DO they desire 20 NsIGhi In the event OF general
patton aud treatInen; a. hOme would there. in
your jud sInent, be any Opposition to go North
Would this disposition be increased diminahed by
emancip patton
w. wha; are the facts to their capacity aud desire to
Learn 7
How many could read when they first came within or
hnes
How many read now
How does their capacity to learn compare with that of
others in similar ignorance aud with the neaus of edu
catonf
v To wha, extent is the religious element developed
What have you found to be their disposition to docty
subordinason. and kindred virtues?
Vi Have you found any opposition to revenge upon thet
masers-to &" cut their .sters' thIoas Z"
VII How many have been employed by the Government
Al what wages!
What has the Government paid white labores for
chs services
Have the wages Of the freedmen been regularly paid
If not. how much Is now due to them in department
How much would be due them il their wages had
the those OF white laborers for similar work
Taking 10 the whole history Of your department have
have the freedmen who have into lines earned
enough, fair wsges to support all who have come
VIII What has been their treatment by military officials
or SUB ordina,os!
How far has ths treatment operated to dis
courage industry economy, and thrift
IL they could receive fair play would would not those
able and willing to work earn enough to support the whole
Ia your judgment the freedmen In your department fit
to take eher place in society lsborug class with fair
prospect Of sefsuPpO aud do they need
preparatory training and guardianship IL SO, Of what
tuIe and TO what extentf
And would they need different training and guardian
ship from what other equally Ignorant would need, to
take their place In the community
In the event Of the reconstruction Of Southern society
the basis OF free labor how would they pare in capacity
for progress With tbs poor whe Of the South who have
within your observation?
Please add any other facts suggestions pertinent to tho
consideration Of the question VIA. shall bs doas with the
eaancipsed ssvesl
You obedent servants
r. w BUD
J. II. STEPHENSON
). q. HOWE. Committee
NJ. ID. CONWAY,
BENJAMIN II. WEST