The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1882-01-26
Lo! The Poor Negro.


"Pick ems c. H." i'm his replv IN our ort;o1o
on the negro exodus, first laid down the broad
proposition that the negro had many bad
habits and qualities, and upon the whole was
IN bad condition. He spent much of his
ammunition in try ing TO prove that the white
man was the prime cause of this bad condi-
ti"n and drifted back into the days of slavery.
From his reasoning the conclusion can be
fairly drawn tia the negroes are 'dusting"
because they do not receive the right kind of
treatment at our hands. To show the falsity
OF his proposition, VIC will state few undis.
putabie facts. Two hundred and fifty years
ago, who were the negroes, where did they
live and how did they live? They roamcd
over the continent Of Africa in state of
gross ignorance and .saENpe bnrbarity. Civil
lied nations looked upon them rs fit objects
for slaves, and they were accordingly sold
into bondage by traders. The people of the
South invested their money in them, and
what has been the benefit to the NEGROES? If
they were ruled by u strong bit, it was be
cause such government was then necessary.
Under the government and kindness of their
masters they gradually improved intencctu-
ally ANA morally, were taught the principles
OF civilization and christianity. 1t is all
"bosh" to say that the negroes were forced
into habits of indocnce from which they have
been unable to recover. When they were
under others they Were better cared for. their
habits were more cleanIy, and their beal,h
better than now. If this is why they are
leaving, let them go. Our conscience will nor
hurt US much.
Our correspondent admits The general rule
that the negro is unthrify, but says there
are exceptions. Now we want all his notable
exceptions to stay with us rs we are sure thew
Will DO. What is the general character of the
negroes who arc flo ;k;ng to the "Old Rocknn-
saws: Such rs are duped by leaders whose
aim is to make money. Such~s have indled
ali the year anu dts consequence have moth
ing. Such as think Offices should be piyeu
them whether they can write their names or
not. Those who do not work need not ex-
pect to have much. 1t is strong evidence of
dead beat TO be always moving from place
TO place If the negro wants 10 be ANYBODY.
II lie wants to have anything, let him earn it,
anu after he has earned it, let him take care |
OF II. An old negro preacher once said: No |
man can get TO heaven unless he goes him |
sell. 80 no man need expect to get what he
does not earn himself. Individuality is the |
great secret OF success. Or ns expressed in |
'he ola phrase; Every tub must stand upon |
its own bottom.
Our correspondent says the reason the. |
whites are in their present condition 10 dino |
10 clrcumstHnc and the maxim that necessi
~ IS the mother Of invention. What bcter
circumstances would we have for tho neoroes
ina" those By which they are surrounded;-
lhey 1--we in climate that suits them, Thev
nave strong constitutions They can oct
plenty OF labor to do and be well paid for if,
lhey are protected by the laws of the land
Just as well as the whites. Thew are fuu
hedged citizens of the country. Thew oro
Iree men and can act according IN thoi,, oru,,
Judgment. Let them take advantage Of tbes,
circumstances, and there will be no occasion
or them to sarve or leave for other pnrls If |
their opportunities are not rs good as tbev
would let them have apply the maxim that |
necessity is the mother of invention. Let tbam
originate and create better opportunities. If
hey wantto find better place than South Car. |
lima let them hunt for it. But Pickens G. II, |
ays hey suit US so we'll. II we don't suit
hem, let them find those who will. II will.
ccasion but little trouble to get other labor~
rs. ,...... .....
Our correspondent closes by saying that
is our great duty to educate the negro. Ev.
rybody knows that South Carolina and all
le other Southern States are doing all they
IN to educate the whole mass of the people.
he poll tax and the two mill tax are applied
educational purposes, and the negro gets
Is portion. The whole country is exerting
'ery effortto inaugurate such public school
stem as.will give every chii,i in il good
mmoa school education. How much more