The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-01-13
The Negro Problem solved
Charlotte, n. c., January 1e
Editor Messenger:

Editor Messenger:
in this state and South Carolina, at and
just prior to the last state elections, /
beg Il submit to the people OF the two
states. a plan to prevent a recurrence
of the same, as follows: That I can
give 500 families Of eolored laborers en-
ployment in picking cotton now open
in the fields in the Mississippi valley
and Arkansas, at SOC per 100 pounds.
there being now 1901 900 bales in the
two states that have not beer touched
Now, we need the labor, and are will
ing to pay the transportation to their
new homes, which they a repay in
labor gathering the present crop Of
cotton, as stated above. Farmers of
Arkansas and Mississippi met in Mem
phis, Tenn, and have deposited $780,
900 in banks of that city subject to my
order and draft for the delivery of these
hands, and all I ask the people of the
Carolinas and the railroads is to make
me a second class or emigrant rate to
Memphis, Tenn. / will guarantee not
to interfere with the present farmers
or contracted hands for the present
year, and to take only the surplus la
borers who have nothing to do, and
want to go.
l will also give these laborers a con
tract for the year on shares, allowing
them one half of the entire crop raised.
These lands will raise from sixty to
seventy-five bushels to the acre, with
good season, will raise a bale and a
half of cotton to the acre, and in case
are willing to let the negro go where
to the acre, of long staple cotton, and
to grow this crop, there is no expense
of fertilizers, as the lands are fertile
and none are required. I add, also,
when our crops are laid by, We give
them other work to do, at 75c per day.
You will see from the above statement
that we readily can give work to all
Or otherwise. We guarantee work to
all who can pay their w way, as well
as those we furnish transportation to.
have also, an order for n hundred
families from Hearne, Texas. This or
der is placed by the Hearne bank.
The repeating of the anti-emigration
agent law by the legislature now in
session places the stamp of approval
of the people of North Carolina upon
this movement, s%ignifying that they
are willing to let the negro wo where
he pleases. Prior to the enactment OF
this law I moved thousands of negroes
from this and other states, and many
of them now own their own farms and
homes, and do not have to work for
large farmers, but have branchei out
for themselves, and this is why the far
mers have to send put for more labor
ers. l am now negotiating with the
railroads, and hope in a few days, to
be able to secure a cheap emigrant
rate for the purpose of moving these
people, and of course, those who will
go will be given the benefit of the low-
est rate Obtainable. I have just finish
ed moving 200 of these laborers from
the vicinity of Greenwood, S. c., 20 the
Mississippi valley, within thirty, forty
and sixty miles of Memphis, and have
been forced to confine my operations tc
that section, on account of the differ.
ence in the rates in favor of that local.
ity. I shall make headquarters in
Charlotte, and travel over the entire
state for the mex two months, for the
purpose Of moving these people.
Yours respectfully,
PEG. WILLIAMS,
S. E. P. A., MEM. L. r. & c. R. r.