Freed persons; Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877); Southern States -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950
As to the labor question, I believe that the planters of this region have
absolutely no conception of what free labor is. I consider them entirely
incapable of legislating understandingly upon the subject at the present
time.
The organization of labor in this State, especially in the interior, has
so far, in most cases, been left to the planters and freedmen themselves,
the organization of the Freedmen's Bureau being as yet quite imperfect. A
great many contracts have been made between planters and freedmen, some of
which were approved by the military authorities and some were not.
General Wilde, the principal agent of the Freedmen's Bureau in this State,
is, in my opinion, entirely unfit for the discharge of the duties
incumbent upon him. He displays much vigor where it is not wanted, and
shows but very little judgment where it is wanted. Until the Freedmen's
Bureau will be sufficiently organized in this State I deem it necessary to
temporarily intrust the provost marshals, now being stationed all over the
State, one to every four counties, with the discharge of its functions,
especially as concerns the making of contracts and the adjustment of
difficulties between whites and blacks.
I deem it impracticable to refer such difficulties for adjustment to such
civil courts as can at present be organized in this State. It would be
like leaving each party to decide the case for itself, and would
undoubtedly at once result in a free fight. It will be so until the people
of this State have a more accurate idea of the rights of the freedmen. The
military power is, in my opinion, the only tribunal which, under existing
circumstances, can decide difficulties between whites and blacks to the
satisfaction of both parties and can make its decisions respected.
As for the restoration of civil power in this State, I apprehend it cannot
be done without leading to the necessity of frequent interference on the
part of the military until the sentiments of the people of Georgia have
undergone a very great change.
This memorandum was read to General Steedman by me and he authorized me
to submit it in this form to the President.
C. SCHURZ.
No. 7.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS,
_Macon, Georgia, August_ 14, 1885.
General: There are no loyal people in Georgia, except the negroes; nor are
there any considerable number who would under any circumstances offer
armed resistance to the national authority. An officer, without arms or
escort, could arrest any man in the State. But, while their submission is
thus complete and universal, it is not a matter of choice, but a stern
necessity which they deplore.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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