Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-01-10

The following circular addressed to the landlords
and aborers' of this State has been issued by Gen.
Scott:
HEADQUARTERS, |
ASST CoM'R, BUREAU REFUGEES,
FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS,
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Charleston, S. c., December 26, 1866.
To the Landlords and Laborers of the State of s.
Cdroliua:
The season of 1866 is about to close, and deem
it my duty to invite the attention of both Land
lords and Laborers to the following deductions In
regard to the system of free labor which are drawn
from my observations during the past year:
The work of the past season has been, to agreat
extent, experimental in its character; and from it
may be gathered lessons Of great practical value
In fact the planter has only to avoid repetition
of the errors of the past season; and to discard
theories which experience has shown to be imprac-
ticable, to ensure success in the future.
In very many instances where planters have fall
ed to realize paying crop, the failure is easily
traceable to ignorance of the free labor system and
general n'ismanagement Others, in attempting
to secure BY unfair contracts more than would just
ly revert to them have overreached themselves; as
the laborers discovering that their toll would bring
them small recompense, have left the growing crop
to labor where better remuneration was offered -
from this it is easy to deduce the principle: that
the planter.
Mutual dstrust between the planter and laborer
has also contributed to failure the principle that
the interests of capital and labor are identical hav-
ing been ignored by both contracting parties, IN
many instances, failure was to be expected.
The labor of the season has not unfrequenty been
interrupted by misunderstanding respecting the
requirements and stipulations of contracts. Crops
have been greatly damaged by suspension Of work
at critical periods and in some instances, the entire
crop has been lost while awaiting the settlement or
adjudicatons of questions, which should have been
thoroughly understood by both parties at the time
of contracting. In view of this cannot too earn
estly urge upon both the landowner and the labor
er, careful consideration and deliberaton, before
binding themselves to contracts, and strict and
honest adherence to both the letter and spirit of the
contract when finally entered into.
Difficulties of the character above Indicated may
be- in great measure avoided, if the planter will
by careful and patient explanation, assure himself
that the laborers fully understand the contract Ex-
perience has shown that it is policy to impose as
few conditions upon either planter or laborer as are
consistent with faithful performance of their mu-
tual obligations.
twill be the duty, as it certainly is for the in
terest ofthe planter to practically acknowledge the
freedom of the aborer in it's fullest sense rs guar
anteed by law-to kindly, and in a friendly spirit,
correct those erroneous ideas of license and indie
pendence, which the freed people too frequently as
sociatc with freedom; and to teach them the obll-
cations imposed upon them by citizenship.
Nothing will more efectualy conduce to this end,
or sooner afford them q correct understanding oil
their status and knowledge of its responsibilities,
than education. And | cannot too earnestly ad,
wise the planters to encourage by every means IL
their power, the disposition on the part OF the
freed people to learn to read and write and to edu
cate their children. 1t will not be found difficult te
dispel alienation and distrust between the two
races if such exists the planter need detract moth
ing from his own position in practically accepting
that of the freedman. Consideration and respect
for the rights Of those employed by him will in ne
wav impair or detract from his own; while acts q
kindness and generous interest in the welfare OF hi
laborers, will endear him to them and ensure {
more faithful performance Of labor than can be Oh
tanned by acts of coercion.
The freed people should be taught the sacrednes;
of the law, and it's obligations impressed upon them
My observations of the past season lead me t
the conclusion that it is to the advantage OF botf
landholder and laborer to follow as nearly as prac
tcabe the labor system Of the agricultural districts
of the North and West-paying each laborer tall
compensation for his services by the day, week OF
month, as may be agreed upon. -.
In cases where, owing to lack OF capital or dlsln
clination on the part Of one or both contracting
parties this system is not adopted, | would recon-
mend the contract method based upon the follow
ing system: ..
In cases where contracts are made giving the la
borers third of the crop, if the laborers provide
their own subsistence, they can be considered AZ
'croppcrs'' only; and, when the crop has been Sc
cured, they will have performed their part Of th'
contract However, planter may make con
tract to give the freed people ratons for themselvc
and families, while they employed at labor con
nected with the plantation other than that OF th'
growing crop, which would be regarded as fair re
muneration. -,
The system Of fines and penalties should be abol