Viewing page 101 of 255

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

by law. 

First: In the larger Districts of this State (especially upon the Sea Island, and in Georgetown District) where the colored population is in the ratio of fifteen, to one white, and where the plantations lay in large tracts, it has been demonstrated by fact, that without some Bureau of Justice other than the Acclaimed administration of the present laws, by Magistrates, the freedpeople would not secure their rights; for instance: A freedman contract to labor, with a planter; during the season, some portion of the contract is violated by the freedmen, ( this generally occuring from the want of a proper understanding of the stipuation) and in the Autumn he owes for his wages; the proof before the Magistrate of some petty violation of contract, deprives him of his years wages. There are delays under the present laws of this State, caused by the limit of amounts that Magistrates and District Courts can take cognizance of. In this view, I am of opinion, that there is a necessity for some Bureau of Equity, until the laws of the State become operative under some settled form of equitable government. 

Secondly, I am of opinion that the Bureau should be continued as a matter of economy. It appears to me to be the best, and most direct channel for education the freedpeople in the principles of industry, frugality, and integrity, and