Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1865-06-14
From the Macon Telegraph.
Recognized Status of tho Nosr

Because the slaves of the South have been,
BY the fortunes Of war, declared free, it does
not follow that hereafter their career will be
permitted to be one of idleness, and conse-
ouently of crime. Of this they may rest as
sured. At present they have great deal to
learn of the responsibilities that rest upon
them. They must at least cothe and feed
themselves, honestly, or suffer the depriya.
tions that will follow idleness, or the penal
ties that will attach to the commission of
crime. Hitherto they have had masters who,
impelled by interest, if actuated by no other
motives, filled their mouths and covered their
backs-cared for them VIXEN sick and pro.
yded for the helpless. But this unfailng
support is gone, and now and hereafter their
only dependence is upon themselves.
The former masters are now fully advised
Of the status CT their slaves, and although a
general regret was at first felt when the set
Tied policy of the victorious party was an
nounced, we have already witnessed many
manifestations of relief, on the part of those
who could scarcely realize the stern fact that
their negroes were free. They have not found
the hardships involved to be half so grievious
as was anticipated. In making estimates
of the question Of dollars and cents involved,
many lind they have been paying dearly for
what was really an encumbrancc. The'result
of an investigation OF their profit and loss
accounts, has startled many, and convinced
them that what they have been regarding a
blessing was q burden, and that by giving
remuneration for such labor rs they are actu.
ally compelled to have done, they will make
q saving. Many have demonstrated this, and
are satisfied. Others can easily demonstrate
the same thing, if they will only scrutinize
their operations in the past. And soon We
shall find the white race content with what is
unavoidable, and really, prospering under cir;
cumstances they have been taught wonld be
ruinous, -. 80
The policy of the general government is
uniyersal Every where from Mason and
Dixons line to the Gulf-in all the States as
woll as Georgia-the same rule is enforced
We observe that in recent. letter of instruc.
tions to an officer in Mississippi, Gen. Wash
burne says" "The negroes are free, and there
is no power short of Omnipotence that can
make them otherwise. All parties should
understand this, and the sooner the better"
The same rule is in force in Georgia, and
the people are aching accordingly.
But Gen. W. adds: IF he 1.-The negro re-
fuses to work, be must starve; if he commits
crime he must be punished like other peo-
ple.n The negro every where must be
taugh: this. If they are, the knowledge will
soon put an end to the aimless life so many
OF them are now living. That the rule vii
be enlorced-that they will not be, permitted
to yagabondize throughout the land, by the
United States authorities, occular demonstra
tiou was furnished yesterday, when the va
grants were driven ,iarth from Macon. i
was sad sight, but the proceeding was ne
cessary, and oil who attempt to follow simi
lar line cf conduct may expect to have th'
same course pursued towards themselves.
We would suggest also, 10 the civil au
,horities Though the State, The exercis,
Of all their legal police powers that will no
bring them in contact with the new order O
things. They can easily discriminate so q
to avoid'such conflict, and at the same tim
contribute much to suppress vagrarcy an
lawlessness. In this they will be- e'supperte
BY the military. The preservation of la7
aud order.is is the object OF the presence c
the army among ls now, and We are assure
they will aid in the direction We have ind
Gated as cheerfully as in any other, This
no time to fail in discharsing plain duties, c
deny stubborn facts, aud our own safety Q
" present, and prosperity in the future deinant
we should do neither.