The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-22
THE NEGRO FLIGHT.

THE NEGRO FLIGHT.
CONDITION OF THE FREEDMEN IN NORTH CARO-
LrNA-HIsToRY OF THE EMIGRATION MOVE
MENT-PoLITICAL RIGHTS SECURE AT HOME
FROM CERTAIN PLENTY TO PROBABLE WANT.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.]
GoLpsBono Dec. q. 1879.
This Is conspicuously the exodus section. Within.
the past month between four hundred and i've hun
dred negroes-men, women and chiIdren-have left
the surrounding country for Indiana. At present
there o temporary lull in the exodus tide. attrb
utabe In part to unfavorable reports received
some who in Indiana. but mainly to lack Of
funds. The extent Of the exodus feeling cannot be
arrived at. It is difficult to place any estimate
upon it, yet is safe to say that in this Congressional
district several thousands ready to go regardless
of conseq their expenses be paid. Some
now laying up their savings, awaiting further
developments. while many appear unsettled in their
intentions. or those who have already left this
State few had sufficient means to take them to
their destination. while the majority had barely
enough to reach Washington. and some who had
started were left behind for lack Of monSy. Among
the emigrants q few were reputed to be Industrious
and thrifty One Of them. with his boys had cleared
this year $500 his crop above all expenses.
mouth, as is characteristics OF the negro.
BEGINNING OF THE MOVEMENT.
The Indiana scheme wos begun here some months
ago. and appears to have been inspired by angs-
dale the editor Of the Greencastle Qnd.) Bonner,
republican newspaper. Langsdale had proclaimed
that he would furnish homes to oolored emigrants
in Indiana. and his paper seems to have fallen into
the hands Of . notorious negro named Sam Perry.
who taught free school At Lagrange, about twelve
a negro preacher named Williams. and they soon
succeeded N producing an exodus fever among
the negroes. and it il said that by levying tees
they made the excitement source of handsome
proht. Meetings were held various sections and
infammatory speeches were made by Perry aud
others. Indiana pictured q perfect paradise
for colored emigrants. They were promised plenty
OF work and wages-from $15 to $40 per month and
board--good schools with the whites. and lands 1t
IMAGINARY wBoNes
In connection with these promises and delusions
the moro Ignorant OF the made to believe
that all imaginary wrongs being prac-
tised upon them mere. 1t was told them in
stance that they could not here get credit at the
stores. while in Indiana it would be readily accorded
them. Their worst fears. passions and prejudices
they renamed here should the democrats elect the
next President they would be thrust back into
slavery anu other similar nonsense Tho negro is OF
decided migratory disposition. and while many of
those who have gone barely knew whether Indiana
was State. county or city. yet the veyy idea OF
grand excursion infatuated them that they dis
posed little effects tr1de and reck-
lessly started their journey.
Agents are still among the negroes here urging
others CO. and another party is advertised leave
in . few days, but the movement will hardly reach
any extent uns further tidinrs arr re-
ceived and more money is furnished. The return of
OF their represe tatives in indiana is anx-
iously awaited here. should he bring favorable
report-and 1t Is feared that designing will in
duce him to make such one-the exodus will doubt
less receive strong impetus. He is expected
cAUsELkss MOVEMENT.
As for the cause OF the exodus. there Is none.
The white people here generally regret 1t and depre
lima The farmers in particular are laboring under
considerable uncertainty to their future crop
arrangements. Inc more Intelligent OF the colored
race. too. are openly opposed to the scheme; but.
strange as 1t seems, neither their political white
leaders nor the intelligent OF their color in
duce them to halt Tney feed castles the air
day dreams Of lame aud fortune. All admit that
they are being treated well III North Carolina
and that their condition has very much
improved within Q few years. Large numbers
own houses and lots. aud not few own valuable
Of the a.
negroes lind no trouble in leasing good lands for
farming purposes aud on the most favorable terms
This class OF people very much sought after by
landowners and are gladly supplied by the landlord
with teams. implements and provisions ct most
yearly instruments. Those who are industrious aud
economical generally md their labors rewarded and
after paying Tor advances and rents. while Others
who neglect their crops and lack capacity manage
for themselves, may not do SO well.
POLITICAL CONDITION.
The negroes are perfectly secure In their civil
rights aud, while some OF tho whites may have
prejudces. the more Intelligent torn strong
conservative element, aud the negro IL OF pro-
lection. The State has provided the same educa-
tional facilities for the colored for the white
children. tue races being separately educated. The
colored schools generally are well patronized, even
by adults. aud the children make rapid progress.
The colored school here is in u most hourishng
condition and IL kept up eight months in each year.
Ii il taught by three competent teachers. The de-
ocrat.c Legislature of this State has established u
normal school ut Fayetteville, where coli
orcd teachers for free schools are being
educated at the expense OF tho State. It
also appropriated $5O,0VO for the of
asylum tor tho colorod insane, and another appro-
priatlon Will probably be made for this institution
by the next Legislature. The building IL being
erected this town and u very handsome
cdifice. 1t will be completed by next March. with
accommodations for l2o patients. There Is also
institution at Raleigh for the colored deaf, dumb
and blind maintained by the State. There about
tho state They form part OF the State guards, and
have been formed under the present democratic add
ministraton. The company ut this place Is named
the Vance GUARDS, after senator Vance,
INDUSTRY SKILL
The industrial State fair of the colored people, held
Raleigh last month, was III every way creditable
to their 1t was planned and conducted by
them, though most OF the premiums donated
VINO, with other gentlemen. was escorted to the
grounds by the colored military. Politically, the
rights of the negroes are fully protected. They
vote in every election Our courts of justice
open to them rs to the whites. Coored men serve
on urics. aud this too, in trials altogether confined
to whites. OF those who have left writ
ten most pitful letters from Indiana, asking Tor
money to get back to North Carolina Most of our
mec hanics of the colored race aud they always
find plenty of work. In fact tho white mechanics
them. both mechanics aud Ne farmers.