The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-07-26
An Englishmans Opinion of Southern Society.

correspondent of the Christian, London pa
per- has been quietly making the tour of the South
ern States, and though he is an out and-out abo-
litonist, speaks with some sort of decency of the
people among whom he has been sojourning.
at would no doubt tsterest many of your read.
ers to have fair and candid representation of So
cety in the Southern States-thcir politics, COM
merce, morals, their social and religious life To
represent such matters fully and fairly | have
neither time nor ability. The various phases of
society undergo considerable change, according to
the strength or weakness Of the Radical party In
some OF the States and capital towns, since the
eniranchsement of the negro, republican votes are
the majority, so that both white and colored re
publican candidates fill the public Offices. There
is on this account variety of differences between
such States and cities and those where democracy
holds its ground-in many respects as great as
there is between two neghboriug countries peo-
pied by the same race whilst under two distinctive
and opposing forms Of government For this rea-
son it is difficult to represent Southern life; in va
riouS sections and amongst different classes, sent
ments and opinions are so diversified
There are, however, some very marked charac-
teristics stamped upon them as people-features
OF character which were strikingy prominent in
the days of their prosperity and though of peces.
As rule, they are proud, but their pride is not
that upstart pride of him who has succeeded in
making money, but whose mind and manners re-
main uncutured and unrefned Their pride
dwels with complacency on birth, blood, name,
honor knowledge-the pride of conscious great
ness, of dignifed nature. The cavaliers of Vir-
GINA and the nabobs of South Carolina, in their
present crushed and Inundated condition, remind
one of the ancient Jew grooming beneath the Ro
man yoke, boasting of the past, and hoping for de
lverance in the future.
Hospitality is another feature of Southern char.
acter. In the days of slavery and wealth. hotels
in many localities could not exist as strangers
were taken to the hosptable residences of the
neighboring gentry, where horses carriages. SER
wants, and even money, were placed with liberal
hand at their service ThisboSpitality is now sell
dom seen. Poverty has taken the place of wealth,
and the wish of showing hospitality on large
scale is expressed where before the act was per.
formed. Yet, where they can afford it, they are
by no means backward in sowing with liberal
hand the effort to carry out former hospitality is
often made Notwithstanding their deep poverty
They are now fast recuperating, and if taxation is
reduced, and honest, upright, conscientious men
hold office, balmy days will again return to the
South.
1t is with pleasure relate that nine out of every
ten who were formerly slave owners have assured
me that they are glad to be released from the re-
sponsibllity of possessing slaves and would not,
it possible, take the first step to restore that
institution. - And will add that eight out of
every twelve who were slaves with whom con.
versed spoke in the highest manner of their mas
tiers; and in numberess instances both house and
field hands remain in the service of their former
owners, in preference to hiring themselves else
where. Many of the colored people are becoming
laying up their wages purchasing lit
tie tracts of land, and farming for themselves
They are naturally INDECENT, but experience dearly
bought since their emancipation, is becoming to
them useful teacher.
have preached to them on several occasions,
and with degree of assurance that the proclaimed
gospel pro6ted them. In the country districts,
where the influence of the white race is not felt,
they are led by their superstitious teachers into
fetish practices, and have seen them at some of
their religious meetings acting in the most hea-
thensh manner. Many friends, North and South
are putting forth their energies to educate them,
and, if possible, elevate them to higher region
Of morals.