The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-05-06
Southern Progress.

theories, new speculations and Gre
ating new spheres for action and in
dustrial pursuits. The labor best
adapted to extensive plantation cul-
ture, has been disorganized and de-
moralized, and it is plain to every
observing man who has marked the
conduct, disposition and habits of
the negro since his emancipation,
that those of them who do anything
for support seek other pursuits
than that of agriculture. Peddlng
and hawking fruit, or other gim-
cracks, draying, cleaning. brick, or
anything else, beside tilling the land,
is chosen by n large portion of the
freedmen throughout the South. We
were willing, and still are willing, to
give this species of labor fair trial,
but we cannot shut our eyes to the
fact, that SO far as agriculture is con-
cerned, one-half Of the former labor
on plantations is about as much us
can be calculated for some years, if
ever, to re-engage in that pursuit
The reasons assigned heretofore
for the slow progress of the South in
| manufactures and mechanic arts, and
in many OF the departments of in
| dustry, which have enriched other
sections of this country, was that
slavery debarred the immigration of
the class of labor necessary to any
great progress in the pursuits alluded
to. BE this rs it may, one thing is
certain, that with our former class of
labor, the only department Of indus
try to which our planters directed
their attention and energies was that
of agriculture The field, therefore.
was not limited to invite foreign me-
chanics and artizans to immigrate,
and added to this was their aversion
to the institution of slavery. Now
the field is open, and no country in
the world presents greater induce
ments to the working men Of the old
countries than do the Southern States
at this time. The climate is mild.
the soil rich, the mineral resources
unbounded, and the great staples so
necessary to the world easily pro-
duced. With the full DEVELOPMENT
OF these res 1urces by competent and
sklllfu1 men-by strong and willing
hearts and hands-we verify believe
the South would rival in prosperity
any country on the face of the earth.
To make this progress in these de-
partments of industry and material
wealth, we need foreign skill and
labor, and to obtain this we require
direct communication with the Eu-
ropean sea-ports. Already are lines
OF steamers proposed, and, if we mis-
take not, the pioneer of one line has
already steamed for Europe. Let
Charleston, Wilmington and Savan-
AA%AA ~ w WIN illu lOtluu S1ul1ar
, lines, looking to the accommodations
for immigrants as we'll as for freight; :;
thus saving the heavy expense Of
their transportation from Boston and
New York to their destination, and
the South will in a few years be sup
piled with slzillful and reliable labor
In the great work of recuperation.
INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY. -
We learn from the Raleigh Sentinel
that in the Gee case, Judge Fowle
paid no attention to the order sent
to him in regard to tie President 3
intentions IN issuing his proclama-
ton, but decided that the s.dcclara-
tion of the Presidents inh,l1tion that
the proclamation should not interfere
with military commissions ut that
time or previously organized could
have no effect upon .jmlicial inter-
pretation OF its language and scope.
The insurrcction being declared Mt an
end, the legal consequence also fol-