Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1868-12-11


A considerable effort has been making
for some time from various quarters to in
duce Gen. Howard to recomme nd the furth-
er continuance ofthe Freedmeu's Bureau,
in the behalf that his recommendation
would have great weight with Congress.
He said nothing on the question in his
annual report, but contented himself with
assuming that the general work would
close at New Years, and making recon-
mendations in that assumption. He has
now, however, discussed that matter in de-
tail in letter to General Brown, Assist
ant Commissioner for Virginia, and brings
forward his reasons for closing up oil but
the claim, division and educational work,
which the country will probably accept as
conclusive against further continuace Of
the Bureau as whole. His important
letter is as follows:
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec, l, 1868.
10 Breuet Brig. Gen. o. Broon, Assistant
Commissioner, Richmond, Va:
GENERAL-I have carefully examined
those parts Of your report urging the ne
cessity of continuing the operations OF
the Bureau in Virginia. The reasons
presented are worthy OF grave considera-
ton. / have no doubt that continuance
of the Bureau in these States not yet re-
constructed; would, in many respects, be
beneficial to the freedmen. But do not
think its continuance absolutel y necessary,
or adequate, without aid, to protect their
lives or to secure TO them their political
rights. The primitive object of the Bu-
rcau, as | understood and interpreted the
law, was to give relief in such way os
TO prepare the freedman for his new con-
ditiou; TO aid him during the transition
period from slavery to freedom, by Uni
ted States Agency, presumed to be free
from local prejudice; to protect him in
the enjoyment Of his natural aud acquir-
ed rights Immediately consequent on
emancipation; to inaugurate and secure u
system OF free labor, and to foster aud de.
velop education. think much has been
accomplished toward this during the three
years continuance Of the Bureau, and
that we now ought, with the protection
which wise legislation has thrown around
him, to give him fair trial under it's pro.
visions. IL Is very true that in many
parts Of the late slave States il Is difficult
for the colored man TO get justice in the
inferior courts. In many counties Of all
these States bis rights are neglected or
positively disregarded. Among certain
classes n prejudice often amounting 10 ba.
tired, exists, which only time can eradicate.
The conduct Of this class may be restrain.
ed by the wholesome enforcement of law,
bui can not be rectiiiee by the Off
GERS Of this Bureau. This has been 10
clearly demonstrated in the States
which have been reconstructed, My Of
6cers and agents have had very little pow.
er, when not supported by the military or
local civil authority, 10 protect tho exer-
eise OF the right of suffrage or other rights
given by the new Constitution aud recent.
ly enacted laws Of the State in the unre-
constructed States. This protection can
still be extended in more summary way
by the military commander through his Of
ficers under tho authority Of the recon-
slruclion acts. All that Is needed Is a
good set Of officers with tie right man in
command
In your State the admirable system OF
military commissioners, inaugurated by
General Schofeld, Il carried out as des-
ignated, IL seems to me, will afford all pro-
lection guaranteed by reconstruction laws
or the several acts relating to the organ
ization Of the Bureau. | am satisfied
that oil the wants 10 this direction, sug-
ges,ed In your report, can aud should be
met by the Post Commander, through or.
ders of the Commanding General. In
fact, that Ii the whole responsibility rests
with him, he can afford better protection
than is now afforded, when tho response
biliiy Is divided between him and the AS
sistant Commissioners.
The Post Commanders, or other mill
tary officers on duty in your State, can
very properly be instructed with the same
duties now performed by the Revenue Of.
icers. The distribution Of rations in Vir.
ginia, for the last year, has been princi-
pally confined to Richmond aud the large
cities. The same necessity may exist
during the coming winter. Ii is time that
the civil authorities assume this burden.
nm aware that they represent their in
ability to supply the poor and are prone
to neglect the colored paupers. am sat
ished that IL their disposition to aid all,
without distiction Of race or color. was
equal TO their means, there would be little
difficulty in the way.
So long as the Bureau Is continued, or
the general government continues to sup.
port the pauper class, the local auihori-
ties will neglect TO do so. But VI II Is
necessary. in order to prevent suffering,
for the government 10 continue q limited
issue OF supplies, this may DO done through
military officer. The military eomman-
der has also power, believe. to enforce
the support Of the paupers by the civil
authorities ia counties which, in bis judg.
ment, are able to do so.
can continue the school work in Vir-
ginia, and epcrgzc its operations with oil
the means at my command. This | be-
lieve TO be the wisest expenditure of the
balance Of the funds devoted to il by law
that can be made for the freedmen, aud
for those white children we can reach un-
dor the term loyal refugees. Their ed
ucation is more important than all else,
and through schools We can reach the ond
we all seek, more directly than in any 9th.
er way. l am, therefore, anxious TO be
able TO expend as much as pos
sible Of the appropriation remaining on
hand for educational work, rather than
use IL for purposes which can as well be