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per month, and furnish rations. Or, if they give a share of the crop, they cannot give more than the fourth to the laborers, the employers furnishing rations, and defraying all expenses.
On the other hand, the freedmen, finding that they will make but little this year, and not fully understanding the cause, say they must have higher wages, or a greater share of the crop, or they will not work for the farmers. Therefore, if cotton does not advance, or something occur to relieve the broken farmers, and the disappointed laborers, much trouble will ensue, and it will be difficult to keep up the farming interest next year. If one crop of grains could be raised, and such laws enacted as would secure to the laborers, just compensation for his labor, it would set all things right.
Justice to the laborer, and the interest of the country alike demand a law, which will secure to the laborer his equal rights, by giving him a lien on the entire crop, until his wages are paid.
It is hoped that the next Legislature will see the absolute necessity of some such laws, and come squarely up to the demands of the working men of the Country. In the mean time, the freedmen are advised to be patient, and trust to future legislation, but above all, to Him, who doeth all things well.
I am, Sir,
very respectfully,
your Obt. Servt.
W.E. Connelly,
Sub. Asst. Com'r.