The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-02-20
.(Seal.)
-{Seal.)
"Wilness :"

Mr.. Foreman and Gen pt%emen of the grand
jury: This so-called printed contract. print.
I'd here In Anderson, IL another fact for you
10 consider in this important Investigation.
II would be Interesting 10 know whose legal
acumen 1t was that was able TO frame such a
paper for such purpose. Was be a mem Der
Of the bar? II would be interesting to know
his name Listen, gentlemen, TO some of the
terms OF This contract: IL agree at all times
TO he subject TO the orders and commands OF
said landlord or his agents, he shall have u
right TO use such forces as be or his agents
may deem necessary 10 require me 10 remain
on his farm and perform good and satislac-
tory services"
Here, gentlemen, is an attempt under a
preteDse of legal authority TO give the land
lord and bis agents the power TO punish the
such contract. Aud 1t il currently reported
that the lash Is freely applied under this pro-.
vision OF the contract.
Listen again--"He shall have the right 10
lock me up for safe Keeping"
Here the poor laborer gives the landlord the
power 10 imprison him.
again he shall have the right to work me
under the, rules and eguIations of his farm"
What liz this, gentlemen, but n cunning
device whereby poor labor subjects himself
TO the treatment OF State convic. camps.
Again-"Apd II i should leave his farm or
run away he shall have the right to offer and
pay reward OF not exceeding $25 for my
capture and return, together with the eY.
penses OF same, which amount so advanced,
together with any Indebtedness ! may own
at the expiration Of
above time, agree To wolk out under all the
rules and regulations of Ibis contract at same
wages as above
Mr.. Foreman and Gen tlemen, If this were a
statute providing for the capture and return
Of runaway slaves or escaped fclOns IL would
not be di nicult TO understand, but this is one
OF the terms and conditions in n sO-called con.
tract aud agreement to labor OH farms in
Anderson county. By such terms and condi.
tioDs IL Is manifest that poor ignorant ne.
grnes are subjected to q state that is worse
than slavery. / doubt II there ever was such
contract framed or devised or conceived
before IN any civilized or Christian commun-
iiy. II Is absurd to call II n contract. IL has
no binding iorce. No court would attempt TO
enforce II. 1t is contra bnnos m0reS, against
the public good. and utterly null and void
No Tree man In this commonwealth nor any
other free country can be permitted, even II
ha desired 70 do SO, to barter away his liberty
and make himself Il mere chnttel; and that Ia
what this contract attempts 10 do. for the
last stipulation In it reads The said land.
lord shall have The right TO transfer his
interest in this contract TO any other party,
and agree TO continue work for said assigne ee
same as for the original party of the first
part"
! So you zee, gentlemen, this stipulation
allenpS 10 provide for the sale and transfer
ol lhe poor IabOrer. The practical result oI
lnls ho-called contract when carried into
eject Is To reduce the abOrer to n position
worse than slavery and TO subject him tC
treatment worthy only OF Siberian prisons
Ills currently re- Inrted that not on ly are men
connhed In stC 4 iues in this country under
Gucn contracts, but that even women and
ilttle babes are also imprisoned there. l call
~ imprisonment, gentlemen, and without