The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-02-24

O4ChCOA IA
fortunate We have been in not commene-
ing the work earlier. The consequence
of the long delay is necessity OF preciP-
itate action IN the selection of laborers,
for the coming crop, which precludes the
exercise of proper inquiry into the habits
and character of applicants for employ
ment, and spirit of competition in the
market by no means favorable to low rates.
Still, it is better late than never.
The disposition among Immigrants for
the most part, is TO work for a portion of
the crop, for the reason that by this plan
they will be compensated proportionately
to the work they perform. The motive IS
a good one, founded on right principles
and when not trammeled by instructions,
l have thought it best to crafty it, par
ticularly until the laborer commits him
self unreservedly to the direction of his
employer and offers no objection to re-
pairing fences, opening bitches, and ma
king necessary improvements for produ-
cling crop ON the land assigned them for
cultivation. In no instance has any APP
plicant regarded these conditions as a
hardship.
What our people most need rs LABOR
to utilize the vast amount of capital now
idle in the shape of lands once highly cul-
tivated, but speedily returning to state
of nature If these immense domains
were again made to yield the crops of
which they are capable, an abundant
monied capital for other enterprises be-
sides agricultural, would flow from our
own resources. When our planting in
terests are prosperous, other branches of
industry will spring into existence and
become infused with new life Agricul-
ture is the cornerstone of our material
interests. Let it be laid deep and strong
on solid foundation, and others compo-
sing grand superstructure, will inevita-
bly, follow.
1t is gratifying nevertheless TO observe
| that the interest which has been awaken
ed in the Northwest ON the subject of
Southern emigration, is not confined to
persons without capital. Many small
farmers, with their hundreds, or their
thousand as the case may be, are making
inquiry with view to investing in South
ern lands. They express themselves
wearied of the short seasons, and rigorous
winters which are encountered here, and
their desire to try the virtues of climate
which invites farm labor all the year
round, and of a soil that produces not
only provision crops, but the great King
of staples to which all others-and even
gold itself, with its boosted power ito
knit and break religions bless the ac-
cursed; place thieves and give them title,
knee and appreciation with Senators on
the bench"-pay grateful homage.
They have been invariably assured of a
cordial welcome, and safe and profitable
investments.
Quite discussion has sprung up here
in the newspapers of this city on the SUBJ
jeet of Southern emigration, growing out
fthe publication of card purporting to
emanate from sundry persons who were
employed to labor in the neighborhood of
Verona, ON the Mobile and Ohio Rail
road. The card, whether forgery or
genuine, is absurd, self-contradicting, and
manifestly false. The signers, as our
readers have seen, represented that they
had been employed through the agency of
the Young Mems Christian Association
Whereupon, Mr.. Hitchcock of that As
ISOLATION, publishes lengthy reply, cor
recting its statements and advocates the
Southern emigration movement. His
paper contains some statements to which
a Southern man would object, but the
treatment of his subject is as fair and lib
eral as could have been expected from the
standpoint of his training and pre-con-
ceived ideas From this letter, a Mr.. w.
II. Knapp dissents, and proposes to re-
late his own observations in the South
during a GIVE years residence, two OF
which were spent among cotton planters. y
This communication is full of gall and
misrepresentation. He charges that the
persons who are engaged in the employ
ment of laborers for our section are deal
ers in "blood," and AYERS that he would
sooner bury his "brother than to see him
ego with his family and take the place of
:" the negro on the plantation / must
confess to an inclination to take hand in
the fight, but have thought it best to hold
my peace" and await the experience of
those who have in good faith entrusted
their fortunes with the Southern people.
1t will do more than anything else to re-
flute the ISLANDERS and overturn the false
hoods of the ignorant and malicious. This
Mr.. Knapp, in the spirit he exhibits, is
an exception to the general rule so far as
opportunity has been afforded me to as
certain it. But publications will show the
necessity of perfect fidelity on the part of
our planters in maintaining their contracts;
and they illustrate the wisdom of the pro-
vision in the Constitution of the Central
Emigration Society, which excludes from
membership persons who will not deal
kindly and with scrupulous integrity with
their employees. In this connection. I
will add, that communication signed by
number OF immigrants who were en-
mPloyed in January through the Agency
of the Central Association, has made its
appearancein the States Zietung, the lead
inn German nar,er bara doso-:L:.1.