The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1868-03-19
From the chronological Journal.
Human DeCadence.
THE POOR WHITES OF THE SOUTH.

Man is undoubtedly subject to gen
eral law of progress. The great tide of
lite on our globe tends, and probably
will forever tend, steadily onward; but
as within the resistless current of the
mighty Mississippi the voyager encoun-
ters eddies, whirlpools, and minor coun-
ter currents, so in the general forward
movement of mankind there occur re-
cessions and retrogressions innumera-
BILE, affecting larger or smaller numbers,
individuals sink into degradation; fam
lilies deteriorate; nations revert from
civilization to barbarism; and even
races fall from higher to lower posi-
ton in the ranks Of humanity
The advancement and even the per-
petuation of civilization depend on GER
tain fixed conditions, one of which
seems to be the association of many in
dividuals into permanent community.
Sparse populations and migratory tribes
are apt to decline rather than rise in
culture and the arts, and individuals,
left to themselves, are sure TO adopt the
usages of the Savage--in some respects
at least.
The refined and cultivated dweler in
cities finds his silver fork and napkin
Indispensable, and is disgusted with
the rudeneSs of the country boor, who
Grams his food into his mouth with his
knife, or takes chicken bone in his fin
gers at the hotel table. But throw
this cultivated and refined individual in
to some mountain forest, with dog and
gun as companions, and mark the
change. Look at his fingers, bcgrim-
med with smoke and shining with
grease! See him tear the halt-rOasted
flesh from the bone with his teeth.
Perchance he brought his silver fork
and napkin with him, but he has no use
for them here; and az for feather beds
and downy pillows, he soon learns to
look upon them with contempt. Give
him halfa dozen associates in his wild
life, and, provided there be no women
among them, his manners will not be
improved On the contrary, the whole
party will fall into many OF the ways of
the savage; and that not merely as a
matter Of necessity, but readily and
from choice
Of course these men do not become
savages by assuming temporarily the
habits Of savagcs, but they take the first
step backward or toward rude nature,
Whether they are, or not, losers by
this step | will not stop here to inquire.
1t may be remarked, further, that
civilization is sustained and advanced
only where indictments to bodily and
mental activity are provided. Here in
the South, we had formerly class of
persons from whom certain amount
of bodily activity was requlred-whC
were subjected to compulsory labor
but from whom its rewards were par
TALLY withheld. If they made any ad-
vance, it was simply through contract
with their social superiors.
There wasanother class who, through
the operation of causes which will be
set forth hereafter, we're effectually de-
barred from the priIiege Of labor and,
through the poverty thus induced anC
perpetuated, from all social consider
| alton.
The results Of this deprivation of al
inducement to exertion either of minC
or body are seen in the present Condi
tion of the "poor whites" of the lat'
slave States, whose miserable cabin
seem like so many ugly patches on tn,
fair face of this pleasant country, ant
whose uglier selves cross my path a
every turn, tempting me to exclaln
with the poet
"These are no brothers OF my blood
They discredlt Adamhood.
The actual origin ofthe class various
ly denominated ''poor whites" "poo
white trash" and "mean whites" i
the South, is involved in some Obscuri
ty. 1t seems probable, however, tina
the difference which separates thi
class from the dominant or plante
caste dates back beyond the earlies
settlement of this country-that tn
progenitors of our poor whites wer
the servants. followers, and dependent