St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1879-04-26
The CGsOred Exodus.

Whatever alarm the first movements
of the exodus of freedmen might have
produced at the South, there is now
little doubt that it is virtually arrested
for the time being. The colored con-
yention in New Orleans, although al
most unanimous in its vote for cmigra-
ton. was too badly organized to fear
serious results from such q disgrace
full squabble. The experience of the
first batch of cnigrants to Kansas,
thrown upon the charity of the St. Louis
people has not made others eager for
the disagreeablo trip and one winter OF
Kansas rigor one summer of Kansas
grasshoppers, will be very apt to bring
back the first victims of the exodus.
Of course we understand that the
agents of land companies and railways
with a view to present profits encour-
aged the movement, but they did not
set the ball moving.
The St. Louis Republican investiga-
ting the matter traces the beginning to
the Vaccinations of Republican politi-
clans. who wished to introduce the negro
vote into the doubtful States North and
West and thus utilize it to their ad-
vantage. Kansas wasn't in their mind
at all, and doubtless the well laid
schemes which have thus gone "ajee,"
fret and worry them considerably.
Kansas hasn't any use for the cOlored
voter, and before the colored voter has
been there a year he will have no use
for Kansas.
We arc sincerely sorry for the poor
dcluded creatures, who have been in
dIced to leave their old homes for this
Wild goose chase. Various arguments
have been used to deceive them.
We hear that they are promised a
large tract of land and implements to
work it, the old traditional mule alive
and kicking, figuring largely in these
promises. They are to have every as
from the government in settling
their new claims, which to them means
free rations for an indefinite, period.
This is the bait for the common ignor-
ant laborer. TO the more intelligent and
are whispers of politicaiepower
the founding of colony of their own
people, where by virtue of superior in
tellect and numerical strength they
will reign supreme, and be the future
congressman and governors OF
Kansas or wherever they may settle.
AS we said before the Kansas people
10 not want the exodus to pause within
their limits, and Kansas is not noted Tor
meekness and forbearance in its mode
Of disapproval. IT the freedmen profess
% be afraid of bulldozing at the South,
will their fears depart amidst the ready
shot guns and knives of the Kansas
folks?
As we said before we feel a profound
pity for the deluded victims Of this
movement. Because Northern Repub-
Iicans want to strengthen their votes
md make solid North at the next
Presidential election, these poor crea-
lures are enticed by false promises faom
heir homes and real friends. We do
not anticipate any exodus from St.
Landry. Our colored citizens are the
most intelligent in the State, and their
relations with the white population are
perfectly friendly.
The leaders here are men who read
md think for themselves and whatever
good they may seek for the Republican
party at home, they are not prepared to
sacrifice every thing in the world efor a |
yild chimera, which can never become |
. reality.
puprlorc coau, To J,nua 3,a~nr o,,aro