Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-12-29
GHatrbman & Stair journal.
BY E.P. WALTON
MONTPELIER, DECEMBER 30. 1865.
THE FREEDMEN's BUREAU.


THE FREEDMEN's BUREAU.
The report OF Gen. O. o. Howard, who has
charge OF the bureau Of refugees, freedmen
and abandoned lands, fully explains the con-
dition Of tbs freedmen, and the necessity Of
additional provisions by the President as we'll
as legislation by Congress. He recommends
to the President, in cases Of the restoration
of lands to former slave owners by pardon,
that condition be embraced in the pardon
itself, requiring the owner to secure to each
OF his former slaves, who is the head ola fami-
ly, homestead OF from five to ten acres.-
At present, the bureau is trying to get along
under boards Of supervisors, in which both
freedmen and land owners are represented,
which plan was adopted by the agreement Of
both parties. This was done by order Of the
President, and inasmuch as this order at first
gave great classification to the freedmen who
were in possession of the lands, and elected
for them much sympathy, we give the order
10 full :
General Orders No. l45, Oct. o, 1865
whereas certain tracts Of land, situated on
the coast of 50, Carolina, Georgia and Flori-
da, at the time for the most part vacant, were
set apart by Major Gen. VIM. f. Sherman's
Specia! Field Order No. is, for the benefit of
refugees and freedmen that had been congre-
gated by the operations Of war, or had been
left to take care OF themselves by their former
owners and whereas an expectation was
thereby created that they would be able to re-
tain possession Of said lands and whereas a
large number OF the former owners are earn
es.ly soliciting the restoration of the same.
and promising to absorb the labor and care
Of the freedmen
1t is ordered. That Major General Howard,
Commissioner Of the Bureau of Refugees.
Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, proceed to
the several above-named States, and endeayor
to effect an Arrangement mutually satisfactory
TO the freedmen and landowners, and make
report. And in case mutually satisfactory
arrangement can be effected, he is duly en-
powered and directed to issue such orders as
may become necessary, after a full aud careful
Investigation OF the interest of the parties con-
cerned.
Byorder Of the President of the United States.
Il. d. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Shortly after an explanatory order was is
sued as follows:
WARRINGTON, Oct. rs, 1866.
To Major General Howard -
DO not understand that your orders re-
q@ite you to disturb the freedmen in the po-
session at present, but only ascertain whether
just, mutual agreement can be made between
the pardoned owners aud the freedmen. and
II it can, then carry it into effect
(Signed) EN-, STANTON,
Secretary of War.
The best possible arrangement was made
to reconcile the conflicting interests Of the
parties. but Gen. Howard is of opinion that
more ought to be done, and he therefore rec
ommends congressional action, as follows:
81 would recommend that attention be
called to the subject of this report at as early
day as possible, and that these lands, or
part OF them, be purchased by the United
States with u view to the rental and subse-
quent sale to the freedmen"
The order Of Gen. Sherman was condition
ed on the approval Of the President, but it
never was approved by either Mr.. Lincoln or
Mr.. Johnson, they doubtless anticipating that
future exigencies would make some modi6ca
ton of it desirable. That anticipation has
been realized, and we are sure every body
will be glad to see that in the attempt to set
tie conflicting interests, the President was
not unmindful of the weaker party.
Among the general conclusions Of General
Howard are these: that free labor will be
successful, but that to secure confidence to
all there must be equality before the law
that the poor blacks and whites must both
have the advantages Of schools, to which ma
ny Of the old masters are opposed that the
board, with its military force, must be con-
tinued for the present to protect both blacks
and whites-to aid the INDECENT orphans, the
sick and the aged-to find homes and labor
for freedmen,-to transport them to home-
steads on the public lsnds--to take charge of
schools and hospitals, and to aid and encour-
age joint companies for the assistance of
blacks and poor whites in the rental or pur-
chase of lands and settlement.
The expenses Of the bureau are estimated
at ,745 $50 for the next year.
The report concludes as follows:
do not feel that the difficult problems
given me have been solved, nor do hope for
complete and satisfactory results in the work
Of this bureau. Yet firmly believe that the
same just God that conducted us to freedom
will 80 continue to direct us that we shall be
able to keep the pledge we have made, that
that freedom shall be a substantial reality.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
o. D. HOWARD,
Major General. Commissioner.