Natchitoches spectator., 1868-02-13

There has been considerable talk il
regard to the circular No. recently is
Sued from the Freetlmen's Bureau rela
/ ting to advances OF corn meal and meoi
| to planters. 1t is rather too complex
| too restrictive in its provisions TO be OF
any great benefit. 1t will not tend to
produce fifty thousand bales cotton Ii
is as stringent in it's requirements as
similar orders heretofore issued.
BY article, Ehird it viii be seen the
planter must bind himself to refund the
costs of supplies (merley colnmCal and
meatl before the eXpiration'of the year.
That is, if during this spring, or at this
time, IL planter avaiIs himself of the sup.
plies. he has to bind himself to refund
the cost before the expiration of the year.
say the 31st December next. This is
rather too stringent. Hundreds of plan
ters cannot forward their crops to market
before the months of January and
February. and MANY in remote sscctions
not till March, rs the situation and low
stage Of the rivers and bayous III our
State confirm mt this time.
Another most palpable proposal of in
Justice is that the Burean is to select
and designate the merchants or factors
in our city, who shall receive and have
the selling of the crops. The question
the Bureau and agents intend to open
n general factorage and commission
businessl Another important view is to
be considered. How are the prices and
valne of the supplies to be furnished!
Who is to furnish theme BY contrac-
tors, or the regular commiSSary depart
ment of the Government .-v
1t will be observed that those desirous
of availin@ themselves of the provisions
of this order, must make affidavit that
they are actually in state of starvation;
must give bond and security for every
twenty freedmen for whom supplies are
wanted. The next important question
is who is to determine the prices for the
supplies. Government con tractors are
generally disposed to take advantage il
possible. We do not find any provision
made for baGging, rope or iron-tics, nor
for implements for working the land
carts, mules or horses. .atf
a planter may be in situation to
furnish bagging and rope. Is the
freedman TO have a first lien, or rather
Government, on the cotton, irrespective
of the tagging and ties? The cotton
cannot be sent to market without being
bailed, nor can sugar and molaSses be
shipped without hhds. and barrels.
There will also be other necessares
IcuulIt(l. Il nc CIItuIiI Is tOtuiicu 10
merely corn meal, hard bread and meat.
If there should be n large number avail
themselves of the tender of the Govern
ment, we shall expect next autumn to
have Il large increase of new cotton
houses. .h a.. .a ..i'
There dose not appear to be any
provision made whereby the freedmen
can be compelled to perform their
contracts. Circular No. 2 is about as
complex regarding transfer or moving
from one parish to another. The fact is
simply, the planting and raising is
beyond the ability of the Government.
There will of course be some planters
who will avail themselves of the
proposals. We hope they may succeed.
We, however, believe there will not be
fifty thousand bales of cotton, at this
port, added to the crop through the
action OF the Government Bureau and
agents. The authorities at Washington
possess very little Intelligence in regard
TO cotton and sugar culture Ne1c Or
leans Times.