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aid from the State in the future, which they will confidently look for, under the new Constitution, soon to be framed.

Contracts
A few contracts have been submitted at this Office during the month, a majority of which have been found to be just.
While some of the colored people appear to be improving in their ability to judge of the fairness of contracts, many of them manifest great ignorance in this respect.

System of Labor
On this subject, what has been said in previous reports from this Office, may be re-affirmed; and, in addition if may be remarked that, generally, those laborers who have contracted for fixed wages, have fewer difficulties, and it is believed, will realize more at the close of the year, than those who have contracted for a share of the crop. The greatest sufferers are those who have furnished their own supplies, and taken a share of the crop. This, of course, is owing to the high price of supplies, and the low price of cotton. For these, and other reasons, it appears that fixed wages, with supplies furnished is the most reliable plan for laborers to adopt.

Outrages and the Abuse of Freedmen
Not many cases of this character have been reported at this office during the month. The prompt action taken recently by civil officers on [[strikethrough]] this [[/strikethrough]] such cases, together with the present and approaching sessions of the Circuit Court in the Sub District, may be somewhat restraining the reckless disturbers of the peace. The colored people, too, and becoming less provoking in their language and conduct, as a general thing, though some are conducting very independently.