The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-01-09

way impair or detract from his own
while acts of kindness and Il generous
interest in the welfare Of his laborcrs
will endear him to them, and insure
4 more faithful performance Of labor
than can be obtained by acts of coer-
cion.
The freed people should be taught
the sacledness of the law, and it's OBJ
legations impressed upon them.
My observations Of the past season
lead me to the conclusion that it is to
the advantage Of boil, land-holder
and laborcr to follow rs nearly as
practicable the labor system of the
agricultural districts Of the North
and West-paying each laborer fair
compensation for his services by the
day, week or month, Us may be agreed
upon.
In cases where, owing to the lack
Of capital or disinclination on the
part Of one or both contracting par
ties, this system is not adopted, L
would recommend the contract me-
thod, based upon the following sys-
TEN:
In cases where contracts are made,
giving the laborers third of the
crop, ii the laborers provide their
own subsistence, they can be consi-
dered as troopers only; and, when
the crop has been secured. they will
have performed their part of the con-
tract. However, a planter may make
contract to give the freed people
rations for themselves and families,
while they are employed atlabor con
nected with the plantation other than
that Of the growing crop, Which
would be regarded as fair conpensa-
ton
The system of fines and penalties
should be abolished; as experience
has shown that it is productive of
more evil than good, and Is not
adapted to free labor. Let it be
understood that fair day S wages will
be paid for fair days work. and the
planter will not want for reliable and
faithful laborers.
When it becomes necessary. on ac-
count of bad conduct or breach of
contract, to dismiss laborer, he
should be paid in full to date of dis
missal. Ii the laborer thus dismiss
ed is the head Of q family, the family
should also be required to remove, as
its retention would in o measure
relieve the laborer of the support of
his family, which is his first duty.
would recommend that, when
necessary, sufficient advances be
made to the laborer either in money
or provisions for the support of his
family that he may not be obliged to
labor elsewhere for the purpose of
procuring provisions, which practice
was fruitful source of trouble and
complaint during the past season.
The results OF the past convince
me that practical and fair-minded
men can succeed with the freedmen
as laborers. Where justice and
equity have been observed in the
treatment of laborers the results have
been satisfactory to all parties con
ccrned.
Time and experience will remedy
many evils inseparably connected
with the change i'll the system of
labor; ;-bnt there is no doubt, if pro-
per course he pursued by the white
citizens, that the resources of the
State Will be more fully developed
than heretofore, and all classes of
people will partake Of the general
prosperity to which, as good citizens,
they have mutually contributed.
would say to the freed people: It
is incumbent upon you to show to
the world that you are worthy of the
freedom which your country has be-
slowed upon you. To this end it be-
hooves you to labor industriously; to
lead strictly honest and virtuons
life; to abide faithfully by the obi
cations OF the contract you enter into;
to be honest and truthful in all your
Transactions; to observe the sanctity
of the marriage relations, and by
every means IN your power to secure
education to yourselves and your
children. 1t is your duty to treat
your employers with courtesy and re-
spect, and to obey his lawful orders;
and it will be for yonr interest to so
conduct yourselves as to deserve his
respect and regard.
Il. X. SCOTT,
Brevet Maj Gen. and Asst. Com.
A New York engineer has planned