Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-09-17
Black Legislation. l.

The assertion ofthe democrats that the Southern
whites have fully accepted the situation, and that
there has been no purpose or desire on their part
tooppress the freedman since the close Of the war
Is so persistent, that it may find believers, among
those who do not keep in mind some of the signi-
fcant facts in the record of the last three years
The following synopsis of the acts passed in 1865
and 1866 by Andrew Johnson's and Gen Lee 5
Sc Southern people - given by the n. Y. Tribune
may serve to refresh the memory Of such.
North Carolina enacted that colored persons
should be incompetent witnesses in courts of ius-
tlce except in cases to which colored person was
a party. The rayishing of a White by Black
was made capital otense, while that Of Black
by White was not. Another law provided for
the apprenticing of certain Blacks to Whites,
giving preference 10 the old masters Of those
Blacks. All contracts involving more than $40
wheretO q colored person was a party were de-
elared void unless reduced to writing and witness
sed by White. 4 marriage between White
and a colored person was declared void with
$500 penalty for whoever should solemnize the
I same.
I Mississippi enacted a stringent Apprentice
ship system for - all freedmen. free negroes and
mulattoes under the age Of eighteen who are
orphans. or whose parents have not the means
/ or who refuse TO provide for and support SAID
Minors The rights to punish by corporal
l chastisement and To pursue and re-capture
I said apprentice were expressly guaranteed
- In all cases where the age Of the person To be
apprenticed cannot be ascertained by record
testimony, the judge Of the county court shall
/ FIX the age so that Black, fifty years old
could be apprenticel with great facility. Next
followed '' Vagrant Act. D." providing that all
freedmen, free negroes, and mulattoes, over
eighteen years Of age, who should appear to
have mo lawful employment or business, -
might be hauled up, and fined $50; and, if IN
able 10 pay this, he should be "hiref ont " to
any person who will, for the shortest period
Of service. pay said fine OF forfeiture, ani all
costs.
Section of this act provides that if any
freedman, free negro, or mulatto. shall fail or
refuse 10 pay any tax levied on him. such fail
ure shall be Drimd fgcic evidence Of vagrancy,' -
whereupon he shall be put through a course Of
sprouts, a. aforesaid.
Next followed Is An act To confer Civil Rights
'' on freedmen and for other purposes which
provided that no colored person should be allow
ed to lease any lands or tenements except in
.' incorporated towns or cities. and there only
under stringent regulations. No colored person
should be allowed to give testimony, except in
cases to which some colored person was party.
Every col0rci person must have a lawful home
or employement. with written evidence thereof;
if living in a city OF village. he must have a
license 20 DO iob-work, reyocahle at the pleasure
Of the authorities Then followed penalties for
enticing or persuadIng q freedman or cOlorei
person TO desert his employer, &c, &c. Next
comes a law torh.ldnc any freedman. free ne