The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-03-24
THE FREEDMEN OF THE SOUTH.

When we think what those unfortunate
creatures are, and what they might be, were
they only to abandon the present state of idle
ness and UagabondGge in which they have been
luxuriating since the day they became freed
by the stern decree of the sword, we cannot
but feel sincere compassion for them.
During the period of their slavery, they
were, comparatively speaking, most happy
race, Indifferent to, and free from, the many
cares, troubles, and vicissitudes which often fell
to the lot of their masters; never knowing what
it was to suffer from hunger, cold, or want, of
any kind; well clothed and taken care of; when
sick attended by good physicians, and in most
cases nursed by their owners. In old age
they were cared for, and in death decently
buried by those to whom they belonged.
But now, alasl how is it ? How materially
have things changed They have to depend
solely upon themselves. No one to look out
for them; to nurse them in sickness; to care for
them in old age And still, with few honor
able exceptions, they do not and will not work.
Now the question is, what is to be the inevi-
table result of this y? Nothing more nor less
than to lead them on from one step of vice to
another, until they become, in the end, objects
Of pity to themselves, and source of disgust,
trouble; and nconvenience-aye perfect nus-
ances-to any respectable community; for this
state of idleness and vagabondage will very
naturally cause them to practice every species
Of roguery and dishonesty, in order to procure,
the necessaries of lfe
Hence, remember, freedmen, that
"He who idles all the day,
Will never stack an ounce of hay."
Now, there is one fact which we would much
like to enforce upon the minds of these poor
deluded creatures and that is, if they would
only go to work, and consult their own in
tsrests, they would readily perceive that their
former masters are their best friends, from the
fact that, beingsmore accustomed to their ways
and habits, and better acquainted with their
failngs, they are consequently more apt to
understand them and guide them by good
wholesome advice, than strangers would be
who are totally ignorantof their wants, sc.
Besides the good which would be sure to
follow from this wise course for the morals of
the negro, he would be placed, pecuniarily
speaking, in position to considerably advance
his own interests, and those of his wife and
children; while, at the same time, his employ
er would necessarily reap many advantages
thereby. Plenty would reign where scarcity
now is; prosperity would follow the present
state of inanition, and a measure that the lat
ter would prosper the former would, as
matter of course, share correspondngly in the
general welfare. e
Surely they would be much more happy
and contented than they now are; for it is a
too well established fact to admit of discussion,
that idleness has ever brought on dissipation
and vice--the precursors of untold misery
while honest labor and constant, active, healthy
| employment are a sure index of sobriety,
honesty, and consequent tranquility of mind
the true attendants of real earthly happi-
ness. -4A -fl7t >tAy1} aill stT Isl
| Now, ere we close this article, we will once
more sincerely call upon the freedmen of the
South to enter at once upon the course which
we here advise, and take our word for it, Mey
| wiNnotbe disappointed. @f-. .
"Let us see them ere long blowing
| As they did in days of yore; E.H1
r. Then when evenings shades are falling, ri
l., And bright stars above are shining,
/ Let us hear the happy singing
| At the good old cabin door !'''