Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1865-11-16
Negro Labor.


of predominant and all-important
interest. They are questions, too
that must be met and settled, for
the South is yet dependent on ne
gro labor for the production of its
ordinary agricultural staple. In
the future, some other form of ls-
bor may be available, that will re-
lieve us of this dependence on the
negro, bat, just now, that sub
Btitute is non, est.
To make negro labor reliable
and efficient, every one who knows
the negro, knows that the employ
er must have some means of con-
trolling him, and of enforcing a
discharge of his duties. Without
this, negro labor is wholly unreli
able. Not one negro in a thou
sand will voluntarily recognize tie
obligations of q contract, unless
come penalty is involved in its vi
olation; and to obtain from them
anything like reasonable service,
there must be acompulsory hold
upon them. The negroes that are
now staying at home, working
for their late masters, fully attest
the truth of this, in the poor, half
way manner in which they dis
charge their duty.
The great disideratum of the
Southern producer, now, is to have
negro labor regulated upon some
system that will bind the laborer
to a proper discharge of his con-
tract, and enable the employer to
exact from him fair and reasonable
service: in word, something is
wanted in lieu of the white mans
late control Of the negro, as his
master. Without this, negro la
Dor will prove nearly worthless;
and it is therefore of the first i'm.
portance, both to private interests
and the public welfare, that this
object shall be speedily attained.
The only system now available
must be one that appeals, by pen
alties and forfeiture, to the ne
gro's cupidity and love of gain.
The following rules for the gov
eminent of employer and servant,
have been approved by the proper
authorities in Montgomery cour-
ty, and are being generally adopt
cd:
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR FARM
HANDS.
l. One-half of the wages of tho
employee viii be retained by tn,
employer until the end of the con-
tract, for its faithful performance
2. The employees will be re-
guired to rise at day-break, each
one to feed and take care of the
stock allotted to him, or perform
any other business that may b.
assigned him; to eat their break
fast and be ready fer work at the
signal, which will be given when
the sun is half an hour high.
All time lost after the signal is
given will be deducted.
8. No general conversation will
be allowed during work hours.
4. Bad work will be assessed
at its proper value.
5. For disobedience one dollar
will be deducted.
6. Neglect of duty and leaving
without permission will be consid-
cred disobedience.
z. No live stock will be permit
ted to be raised by the employees
without special contract.
s. Apples, peaches and melons,
or any other product Of the farm
taken by the employee, without
permission of the employer, will
he charged for.
0. The employee shall receive
no visitors during work hours.
10. Three quarters of an hour
will be allowed during the winterl
months for dinner, and one houri
and half during the months of
June, July and August.
IL. Impudence, swearing, or IN
decent and unmanly Language to, orr