Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-31
LABOR PROSPECTS, IN THE SOUTH.

We are gratifed to hear from several To-
calities in the South that the negroes are
yielding their expectations of general divi-
sion of lands among them, and are exhibit
ing disposition to enter into labor contracts
with land owners. The Agents and Super
intendents of the Bureau, where they are so
disposed, are doing much to produce this de-
sirable result. The Augusta Constitutiondlist,
of Wednesday, has the following in relation
to the situation in Western South Carolina:
From the Edgefeld Advertiser, and parties ar
irving from the vicinity, we are pleased to learn
that the freedmen have recently had some sober
second thoughts which will fructify benefcaly
for themselves and others, Gen. Ralph Ely. the
newly appointed agent of the Freedmen's Bureau,
gathered the negroes of his district together TO the
number of FIVE thousand, and made them WISE
forcible and telling speech. In spite of drench-
ing rain. he held them spell bound and since the
delivery of his address, they have evinced a most
commendable spirit. Thousands, who kept aloof
from labor, are offering to make contracts at mod
crate rates, and the most encouraging hopes are
tertained for the coming season. Gen. Ely told them
over and over again that they would have no land
them that they must work voluntarily or by COM
pusion. That no earthly chance of subsistence
existed for them outside of toll. He solemnly ad-
yised them 10 go back TO their old masters and
make contracts. assuring them, at the same time.
that such contracts would be enforced. From all
we have been told Of this address and its effect.
readily believe that the orator has the
happy attribute Of electrifying his hearers and
impressing upon them his own individuality.
Would there were thousand such to proclaim
great truths effectively. Under such benign nfu
ences, the Sonth would ere long awaken from her
torpor 10 fresh eyertiOns, instead of being the
illuminated hell. jcribed by the correspondent
Of the New York 1mes."
In Mississippi, the Jackson Clarion in
forms us that while the masses of the negroes
show an aversion to contracting for the year,
they are yet willing to hire by the week or
month, and adds:
:" The real and only ground of refusal TO en-
gage by the year, land we have talked with hun
dreds,) istheir natural antipathy to work. and
desire 10 get their money often so that they
spend It., and further desire TO exercise their
please, and the privilege Of changing when it suits
| them, or lying idle altogether when they have
| few dollars ahead; These appear to be the main
reasons, and will be found 10 operate against the
| cotton crop Of the ensuing year. The question OF
| white labor is fast becoming popular with
our Southern people. and we predict that if
enough can be had, the negro will be
be driven out Of the country, in few years by the
| superior discipline and more intelligent white
labor, which will be more and more encouraged
| by our people as its greater profits become ap-
parent. The planters are beginning TO discover
this fact and those who were eager to lease or sell
their plantations nave suddenly changed their
| minds and will hold on until white labor can be
procured. Several companies have been organ
| lied for this purpose, and We may soon expect n
good many arrivals on our shores. but not 1.-THE
| Of what could find immediate employment. With,
however, such white labor can be procured. and
| the negroes here will be compelled TO work. we
can reasonably expect n fair crop the incoming
year, and at the present prices win amply repay
| for the trouble
From Arkansas we hear very encouraging
accounts. Gentlemen from this city and vi
Unity, who have been engaged in prepare
tons for cultivating their plantations inform
us that the larger proportion of the negro
population, seemed willing to make con-
tracts by the year. The Editor Of the Col
umbia Herald states that he has recently had
n full and exceedingly interesting conversa-
ton with General Pillow, who has lately re-
turned from extensive travel in the Southern
States, and his report is very cheering. But
even at the best it will be impossible 70 OBJ
tain the full amount of negro labor neces-
sary TO cultivate the full extent of the South
ern fields. As is suggested in Mississippi,
General Pillow, has arranged to cultivate by
both white and black laborers. He will
work 200 acres in cotton by negroes, and
1000 acres by whites He will thus be able
to put very fair test to the question, at the
outset of the experiment.
Although the former agricultural labor
system of the South has been wholly over
thrown, there may be some hope that the
labor itself is not destroyed; but is still ca
pable of being usefully applied in the inter-
ests Of the laborer, the land owner and the
country at large. II is of the last degree Of
Importance to both races that they should
enter heartily and fairly into this business OF
reconciling the seeming incongruities which
are founded more in ignorant fancies, than in
real differences.