The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-01-14
Propositions for Relief.

| Gen. Howard has transmitted to Gen Gran
reports from Generals Ord Gillem, Hancock
Candy, Scott, and other officers bearing upon tn.
destltuton, present and prospective, of the South
ern States. The sudden fall in the price of cot
ton, together with the failure of crops has produ
ced great depression, anxiety, and apprehension
and it is generally believed there will be great
suffering for want of food in Louisiana, Missis-
sippi, and South Carolina, before the close of
winter, and that relief, in some shape, must be
afforded to prevent the anarchy that many ap-
prehend. General Howard recommends that
the attention of President and Congress be call
ed to the report, with view to some thorough,
practical mode of relief 1t is suggested that if
| fund could be established from which employ
ers might draw, on paying reasonable interest, it
might afford temporary if not permanent relief
General Candy favors relief through such a fund
or through the issue of provisions. taking a lien
upon crops for security. 1t is also recommended
by some prominent persons that a loan of thirty
millions in currency, to be secured by bonds and
mortgages and other good security, for the bene-
fit of all States in extreme need, be made. GEN
erals Ord and Hancock recommend the repair
ing of the levees of Mississippi by the Govern
ment. Gen. Howard says certain politicians
have taken advantage of the suffering in the
regions where destitution prevaiEto further their
own interests, and are trying to reduce the price
of labor to board merely, and thus get control of
the laborers.
The above is telegraphic summary in rela-
tion to the distress in the Southern States, and
the means suggested to relieve it.
It seems to us that the relief so much desired
the most good not only now, but hereafter. The
great body of our people need lands; and many
of the landholders need aid in the production of
crops. Let Congress make an appropriation out of
any funds in the hands of the Commissioner of the
Bureau, ,topurchase lands in the Southern States at
the lowest market price, to be sold in small parcels
to actual settlers at cost and let funds be advan-
ced to such landhoders in aid of the production of
crops will agree to pay their employees part of
their wages either in lands at the lowest market
price, or in something else which will be of
material, substantial benefit to themselves and
families.
This is merely an outline of the plan sugges-
ted. We are satisfied it is practicable. We
believe it would work well. 1t would give pres
ent relief and would lay the foundations for future
enterprise, industry and prosperity
Stdnddrd.
port q sS e4 capu the dHeEeE
the South, don't credit the widespread deStltu-
tion represented. 1t says that last year Southern
gentlemen estimated that it would take two mil
lions to meet the wants, whereas a half million
met the necessities. He thinks that this year S
distress will not prove stringent as represented
by Cows. Orr, Humphreys and others, but be-
fore Spring there will doubtless be suffering in
South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana and small
portions of other States. He urges the Presi-
dent and Congress to inaugurate a system OF re-
lief, which will not pauperize the people.