Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1866-04-20

that they have no time forpolitics. They
are disposed to 60 10 work to restore their
broken fortunes. If the exciting, annoy
ing, and irritating causes were removed, it
would not be six mouths before the feeling
between the Northern and Southern men
would be softened, and restoration of
harmony would be fastened. The very
necessities of our condition require it; We
would find Northern men bringing their
capital and industry among US, and they
would be welcomed. Labor and capital
we must have. The Negro is defective as
laborer. There was even under the sys.
tenn n deficiency Of labor at the South.
Treatment Of the Ncgro.-IIe is not
held responsible for what has happened.-
A kindly feeling exists towards him. The
disposition is to provide for his necessities
and secure his rights, and thus make him
cheerful and reliable laborer. 1t is be-
lieved to be the interest of the employer to
do this. I know Of some who provide
teachers and preachers. No outside inter-
ference is necessary. This is no new mat
ter with US. We have had free negroes in
all time. There were some three hundred
thousand at the South before the war, and
half as many at the North. Our treat
ment Of them was never complained Of
No charges of that kind came even from
thd North. When I was at the head of
tho United States Census Office, in 1858,
compared the condition of these people
in both sections, and published the results.
The advantage in education and property
was largely in favor of the Southern freed
men. Some of our freedmen owned large
plantations and slaves, many we're exclu.
sive holders. If without outside pressure
this was the case then, why not now9-
Why should we change What policy,
to say no more, would be subserved a.
We can do right COW as we'll as then, and
will do it..
Emancipation as Compared with Slav-
ery.-Ifthe negro works up to the former
standard, the present system is cheaper
It is too soon to decide whether he will
work. A summer must come and 20.
They work very we'll so far generally,
though the women are not disposed to field
work. Upon the mere money question
the South would be benefited. If We can
get the labor it will be cheaper to hirelthan
to own the negro. A plantation could be
worked with little outlay.
Effect upon the Negro.-Emancipati on
will prove disastrous to him. Ijudge from
the experience Of other countries, and not
from any we have yet had. judge by his
character, and disposition to crowd
into the cities and towns. 1t is what see
all over the South. In the suburbs every
where you will see them crowded in mis-.
cradle shanties, eking out a very uncertain
subsistence. The mortality among them
has been frightfuI.
Civil Rights to tho Freedman.-There IS
a willingness to extend every right wha tev-
er except that of suffrage. He is not
thought fit to exercise. that. Were he 10
vote his incli nation would be on the side
of his employer; but that might, and per-
haps would be, counteracted by emissaries
sent into the country. Northern men who
have come to the South since tie war yery
generally think as we do in these matters.
They say they have found our experience
worth more than their theories. The negro
is not thoughtto be susceptible of much
education. People rather smile at the at
tempt to educate them. There is no oppo-
sition to it, however. Schools for them arc
multiplying. Under slavery they were
taught on the plantations Bible lessons,
prayers, hymns, catechism, etc. The opin-
ion is growing among US everywhere that
it will afford every facility of education.
That Is my opinion clearly.
Right of secession.--I never doubted
the existence Of this right, but am satisfied
by the results of the war, and regard it
utterly useless. and hopeless to assert any
such right again. The eventof the war
was a distinct pronunciation against the
right, and final settlement Of the question.
Our people are better satisfied since the ex
pertinent has been made, and ha We nothing
to regret They have lost everything, but
-sot ss they think honor. 80. -.
g. an peysealy sdtisfea that The. people
Of ap South: havs given np all ideas Of
sissssssieis e teaaess aaa people O ofiallielzs-
5sss; ef :opinions agree apon that subject. :.
sAsp.saishss spinster, in describing what
skihg man boz hisband would have 70