Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-04-06

I year, the hirer furnishing houses, provisions,
and wool and the laborer furnishing clothing
and paying his medical attendance. II the
crop fails, Of course the labOrer is not to be
paid; at least, the obligation is one that will be
difficult for the employer to meet. The difficulty
about the whole matter rests upon the fact that
the former slave-owner 10 some extent does not
willingly recognize the fact that these people
are free, and have a right TO say whether they
Will work for their old masters or not; that
each one is fully at liberty to decide for himself;
that he is not only nOminally free, but substsn-
TALLY so, with all the rights particular that
white man has.-no more, no less. In some Of
the counties Of this State, meetings Of farmers
have been held, who will not hire a man unless
by the consent Of former owner or employer
Then they hx a rate which they will pay Then
they refuse TO rent colored people land. Then
they refuse to sell land to those who would buy.
Almost all are opposed to The testimony Of col
ored men IN court; and they ridicule the idea OF
their having the right Of suffrage Had any
one run for Congress on this basis in any dis
trict South, his vote would have been small in
deed; such is the hatred Of these people; and
such is their uuviilingness. notwithstanding the
wicked and ungodiy rebellion, to act wisely.
viii 10 some, however, the justice TO saw,
that they acknowledge the altered condition Of
things, and are oheerfully taking hold and doing
the best they can, beginning 10 discover that it
Is Tor their interest to give these people employ
ment, and TO treat them kindly. We want no /
laws to force these people to work. What We /
want is the Black Code expunged hom our I
Southern statute books, and these people put /
upon the same platform as other people. 10 /
woi Tor whom they may elect to work, and 10 /
have the same rights in cur courts white .
people have; and, If it he deemed expedient for
the safety Of the country, to insure loyalty to
The government, 10 prevent any coalition with
Northern Copperheais hereafter to reptiiate
he public debt, or 10 assume the rebel debt,
md for the protection Of these people, to give
hem the privilege Of voters, that they should
nave this also.
Facts are better than theories. Now lei lhe
ay that colortd men are working willingly and
,le-riuliy at the coal depot Georgetown, b. C.,
Unloading canal boats and loading vessels with
oal, Tor : ] 81 per day; aud the united testi-
nouy Of all the agents. ot all the coal companies
5 tlat they never had more work done, never
otter done, never more cheeriuily. They have
10 strikes, bu' all moves on harmoniously; and
heSe are al. free men irOm tie country, the idle
nj yic,ous We ar7 told Two large forces are
.oW employed alCng tae line 0f cur ratlsoal,
uttils wood, the parties employing them fur
sEirg them q months rltous ahead. 40 cost
.Fice-. They live IN the weods. and work AZ
&c. per cord, cutting piue and oak wood; and
ley are cheerful, cou,entol and happy. these
re facts which cannot be denied. All We want
patience, disposition u treat them kindly,
D ackouWiedge their rights, and all viii 20
ell. There need be no far there az 10. labor for
il that viii work white and black. We do not
ant euii ii-ration societies 10 furnish Us foreign
.b0r and drive oUt the c1lortd people. Il
-oud be a great calamity to the South il II
ere done. Having been in suhiecti0n, they
re kindly disposed 10 work, and want employ
tent. Let as give il to them. Ia saying this
o. uukiuiuess is meant to while lab0rtrs. Let
ZEN come among u, ill the lands, buy farms.
li help 10 build up the waste places. There
pr0serb. When We iniure We hate Let
: prove that 1t is not always 50. Those We
ave held in bondage for many generations, let
s now Try to help all NC can.
A FmGIEIAN.