The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1867-01-23

or lar compensation for his services by
the day, week or month, as may be agreed
upon.
in Cases where, owing TO lack or capi.
tai or disincliuation on the part of one or
both contracting parties, this system is
not adopted, | would recommend the con-
tract method, based upon the following
system:
In cases where contracts are made
giving the laborers a third of the crop, if
tho laborers provide their own subsst suce.
they can be considered as "croppers"
only; and, when the crop ha, been Sc.
cured, they will have performed their part
OF the contract However, a planter may
make contract to give the freed people
rations for themselves and families. while
they are employed at labor connected
with the plantation other than tha. OF the
growing crop, which would be regarded
as fair remuneration.
The system offnes and penalties should
be abolished; as experience has shown
that 1t is productive Of moro evil than
good, and is not adapted to free labor
Let it be understood that fair davis
wages will be paid for fair days work,
and the planter will not want for reliable
and faithful laborers.
when It becomes necessary, on account
OF bad Conduct or breach Of contract. 70
dismiss a laborer, he should be paid in
iulI to date OF dismissal. If the lsborer
thus dismissed is the head of family
the family should also be required to re
move, as its retention would in measure
relieve ths laborer Of the support Of his
family, which is his frst duty.
would recommend that, when necss.
sary, sufficient advances be made to the
laborer either in money or provisions for
the support Of his family, that he may no,
DO obliged to labor elsewhere for the
purpose OF. procuring provisions, which
practice was fruitful source OF trouble
and complaint during the past sea
| son.
The results Of the past convince me
that practically and fairminded men car
succeed with the freedmen as labore,s,-
Where justice and equity have been oh
served in the treatment Of faborers IN.
results have been satisfactory to all parties
concerned.
Time and experience will remedy m any
evils inseparably connected with the
charge in the system Of labor; but there
is no doubt, il a proper course be pursu ed
by the white citizens, that the resources
OF the State will be more fully developed
than heretofore, and all classes Of peopl.
will partake Of the general prosperity tc
which, AS &c cd citizens, they have mutual
ly contributed.
would say to tho freed people:
Is incumbent upon you to show to ,h
world that you are worthy Of the freed on
which your country has bestowed upo,
you. To this end It bshooves YOU L
labor industriously; to lead a stric,I
honest and virtuous life ; 10 abide faith
fully by the obligations of the contrac
you enter into to be homes. and truthful
in all your transactions to observe III
sanctisy Of the marriage relations, and b,
every means in your power to secure sdu
cation to yourselves and your Children
II is your duty to treat your employer
With courtesy and respect, and to obe
his lawful orders; and it will be for you
interest to SO conduct yourselves as t
deserve bis respect and regard.
| ..... r. K. SCOTT,
r.a Brevet Major General, and
-..a.... Assistant Commissioner.