Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-15


to till the soil, in some other useful employ.
ment-for the culture of cotton and rice
and IN mental occupations, it is very doubt
iul whether any laborers in this country OF
IN Europe can supply his place. His long
and thorough training in these employments
give him certain skill and aptitude which
a stranger can only obtain by experience. 1t
| Is, therefore, of TIE first Importance that
such policy should be adopted as will en-
| able the farmers and planters to employ the
negro, and that he should remain cheerful
and eontented. But there is another
consideration prompting Us to legislate
| humanely and Justly for the negro
US and while he has, unfortunately
qualities that stamp him inferior to thewhite
man, he possesses others that invites our re-
spect. As a class, during the war; their
loyalty to their owners and to society was
worthy Of the highest commentator. In
no single instance, even where the slave
population predominated over the white pop
ulation as an hundred to one, was there an
outbreak or an Instruction. With a mll
knowledge on their part of the nature of the
contest, and the deep personal interest thew
had in the issue, is it not wonderful, that they
quietly pursued their labor, and mainly pro
duced the supplies that fed our armies &? If
there he reason to complain that the negro
has been emancipated, in derogation of the
right and interest of the owner, such com
plant cannot be lodged against him what
ever of ill-feeling exists in the minds of for
mer owners for the present state of affairs il
is not just that it should be visited on him.
Interest and humanity require us 10 treat
him kindly, and to elevate him, morally and
intellectually; it will make him a better
laborer, neighbor and man. Suddenly re-
lieved from the restraints of the servile con-
dition in which he was born and reared. his
Ignorance can excite no surprise. If he Is
to live in our midst, none are so deeply in
terestcd in enlightening and eleyating him
as ourselves. The constitution of the United
States recognized property in slaves, and an
appropriation was made by Congress to in
demnify slave owners in the District of CO.
lumbia, when slavery was abolished in 1861.
!, therefore, cherish the hope that Congress
will, as soon as the public debt is provided
for, make some just and equitable arrange
to make the citizens Of the South some com
pensation for the slaves manumitted bv the
United States authorities. The pursuits of
South Carolina have not heretofore been suf |
ticiently diversified Agriculture was the
great business of the State The mechanic.
the manufacturer, and the artisan, have not |
been encouraged to migrate hither, and the |
native population have not embarked in |
these employments. \ harmonious combi- |
nation Of agriculture, commerce and manu- |
factures-and all of them are inviting in this |
State-will bring Us wealth and prosperity. !
We can then build up school-houses and |
churches and colleges and make new Caro- |
lima not unworthy Of the fame and renown |
of old Carolina. Our first great want is en-
terprlse and industry-if we will them we
command them. Our next great want is
skllltUl labOr-this must come from the
North and from Europe; it will not come if |
we do not invite it and extend the hand of
friendship to the immigrant. If he is looked |
upon with enmity and suspicion, it cannot
be expected that he will make your country
the home Of himself and his descendants:
and other States more sagacious, will derive
the benefit of his skill, capital and citizen
ship. Our last want is capital, to develop
the great resources of this State. 1t is to be
by labor, and from abroad, by max
ing the profits remunerativc to the owner.
We have emerged from a long and disastrous
war, with our cities and towns burnt. our
homes destroyed, our fields and plantations
ravaged, and our wealth scattered; but We
are in no worse condition than our forefath-
crs whenthey came out of the Revolution.
Their virtue and economy, soon made them
a more prosperous people than ever before.
Why may not the same qualities work out
the same happy result for us? It is vain to
indulge in repinings over the misfortunes of
the past. Our work is with and for the fl-
ture. If we are to deserve well of the
country and of posterity, it must depend on
the fidelity with which it is executed