The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1877-02-16
LfFE ~ TEXAS.
By y. TARRANT.
NO. III.
TINES CHANCES.

NO. III.
TINES CHANCES.
More than twenty year. ago, six
teen months spent in the South, part
Of the time located. and part Of the
time rambling, afforded the writer
ample opportunities of becoming nc.
quointed with the different phases of
society among the cotton planters.
In those DAYS. in most sections, n per-
son in order TO I've welcomed in the
most cultivated society had to conform
to the required style; and there seem
ed to be gulf between those who
owned darkies AMI those who didn't.
Labor among the upper classes, If not
considered degrading, was at least
thought unnecessary; therefore, both
sexes were physically end mentally,
to some extent, enfeeblrd. Being
somewhat younger then than now aud
rs destitute Of common sense rs most
people, not owning as much as the
smallest fraction of "nigger," /
found II necessary while stationary, in
order to be received into the society
that suited me to attach myself to a
family of the same name who did
own a few Of the o,loriferous creatures.
But "a change has come over the spir-
it of" things. A mighty convulsion
has taken place; and though Sambo
still continues to stick his ugly profile
in all our political troubles, he no Ion
ger decides social positions. l do not
intend to discuss either the general
benefits or evils resulting from the
chains being taken from him; l leave
that to politicians. / would merely
mention one or two benefits; it has
served to awaken dormant energies,
and in great measure to separate
true, genuine aristocracy-and among
this class you will find some Of the
finest people in the world-from the
bogus stuff.
Here in Texas, we have many plan
ters from the older cotton States. ]
look in vain among them for the sham
aristocracy of twenty years ago; |
can only sometimes see glimmering
traces Of it. What has become Of its
votaries-whether some have descend
ed to their proper level as "hewers Of
wood and drawers Of water" or Others
miruculously changed into the genuine
article, or, perhaps others ascended to
better worlds at the end Of Texan
lariat-I cannot determine. But the
pure metal eau be seen every where.
The same dignity, culture and courte-
sy as of old, but they have been thrt'
the fiery furnace. They went in mix
ed with much alloy, but come out
pure gold. When their former stays
we're taken from them, too proud to
beg, too high-minded tn sponge, and
too honest to steal, both males and
females nobly put their shoulders to
the wheel, and where wealth could not
be attained, respectable competence
with good luck. was generally secured;
and now, when a stranger wishes ad-
mitiance into their circle, the problem
to be solved, is not how much filthy lu-
ere does he possess. but is he gentle
man? Is lac honesty viii he labor?
Though this is rich and old settled
part of Texas, there are but few of
Africa's dusky race here. Some how,
they don't fancy Texas, and | am in
formed they emigrate more than they
migrate; consequently, the labor has
to be done mostly by the white race.
Like all other places, the men encoun-
ter the fierce storms of life, yet, in busy
seasons the females assist in cultivating
and gathering the produce to greater
extent than any place have ever
been. In the fall season the fields are
full of them picking cotton. l have
seen ladies in the cotton fields whose
culture would adorn the parlors of
your bluegrass palaces. They gener'
ally assist at home, but some times
when there is not sufficient employ
ment there, they hire to near neigh
Dor. With all my cuteness, | have
failed to discover that these occupa-
tions cause them to deteriorate in val
ue or loose any of the graces of true
womanhoOd.
LANCASTER, Texas.
.allFI..l Z. 4. ..l..,.ler IL