The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-25
THE NEW SYSTEM OF SLAVERY

AS might be expected the depriving of
ballot has been followed by outrages which
would make slavery preferable. This con-
dition has been revealed by the investiga-
ton of the circumstances attending the
murder Of negro named Hull in Ander-
son county. Judge Bennett ordered an in
1t appears that under the contract system
which prevails the blacks are reduced to a
condition bad if not worse than slavery
A farmer named Newall swore out a war
rant for a negro named Hull, in which he
was charged with violation of labor con-
tract The warrant was granted and put
into Newall's hands 20 serve. Accompanied
by a constable Newall went to Hulls
house. arrested him and, without trial, took
him to his stoclade and put him to work
In an attempt TO escape Hull was shot
Judge Bennett, commenting on the case,
said:
Here was a poor ignorant negro taken
from his wife and children under a pre-
text of arrest. The machinery of the law
was used to seize him, take him from his
home. and put him in convicts stock
ade and work him like convict without
process of law. He was under no sentence
OF the court: he had not been tried The
testimony shows that he was guarded like
a convict, made TO labor like a convict,
ana treated In all respects ike convict.
One of the salient features of the con-
tract which the ignorant colored man is re-
CURED to sign reads as follows:
/ agree at all times to be subject to the
md anna radc s,fr cut
mis- agents: that he. the landlord, shall
have right to use such force ss he or his
agents may deem necessary to require me
TO remain on his farm and TO perform
good and satisfactory services. He shall
have the right to lock me up for safe
keeping.
Another stipulation in the contract shows
that the colored laborer is in a more de-
plorable condition than he was as slave.
Then the master paid for the apprehen-
sion and the slave was punished. Now he
confesses his servitude and the rightful-
ness of it by the following agreement:
II should leave his farm or run away
he shall have the right to offer and pay a
reward not exceeding 50 for my capture
and return. together with expenses OF
same, which amount. so advanced, together
with any indebtedness L may owe at the
expiration OF the above time, i agree &c
work out under all the rules and regula-
tons of this contract at the same wages
as above.
Even Judge Bennett denounces such q
contract system as designed 10 reduce TN,
negro 10 a condition of slavery as absolut,
as that existing before the war 81
Doubt" he added. 'if there was ever such
a contract framed or devised or conceived
n any civilized or Christian country
Nevertheless. it prevails to-day in souti
Carolina. coming with the regime of TIL
manism. Doubtless the pitchfork senator
| who Is constantly assailing the institutions
OF the North and prating about the denia
of freedom to the Filipinos. will defend i
In the Senate. Nevertheless. he Is responsi
BILE for the legislation which is designed I,
| give force to such contracts as are her
referred to- Some time. sooner or later
but the sooner the better. the Congress
should inquire into this Infamous System