Viewing page 334 of 342

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

THE PLAN TO SECURE FOR THE FREEDMEN, 
A FREEHOLD INTEREST IN THE SOIL, 
WITH THE INDICATION of NATIONAL NECESSITY FOR MATERIAL RECONSTRUCTION in the SOUTHERN STATES.

In submitting to the Public the Plan of the Colored man in view of its importance as an adjunct to emancipation and to consolidate by its adoption, the relations between the two sections of the country, I deem it essential to the object aimed at by the developments in Congress and in Legislature of the respective states, to make an explicit exposition of the purpose of the author and his fitness as a man of integrity, to represent the cause before the American People. It is not assumed mission, but had its origin in the high opinion of some of the most noble minded citizens of the city of New York, and it has been sustained with a degree of candor and honesty, not only to resist all ficticious opposition, but the exposition that will be made, will stifle every whisper of suspicion. It will be a grand triumph for the race to occupy such a position in their behalf and at the same time advocate the claims of the dominent class, that the two people may form a union of interests in the relations they must sustain to each other as citizens of the Southern States. 

As the time has come to push forward the work from the point where it was carried, during the last Session of Congress, therefore, it is important to trace out the course that will be pursued to make an effective impression on the public mind, with the weight of the propositions that covers the plan to secure homesteads for the Freedmen among the Planters, and indicate the scope of material reconstruction. From the elaborate exposition of the fraternal and philanthropic labor, necessary to make education and agriculture the basis of elevation, every statesman will be in the position to realize its importance as the solution of the difficulties that stands in the way of the Union, between the Planters and the Freedmen. 1st. The proposition to be submitted to the owners of Plantations, to purchase for their former people not less than five acres of land for every family, and allow them to return and work and pay with their labor, to secure a freehold interest in the soil as the shield against the difficulties that would surround them as tenants at will, will as the only true basis for equal liberty and mutual preservation. For if the dominent class could move instinctively to meet the requirements of the exigency that evolves the destiny of one race and the prosperity of the other, it would demand no incentive to bring the latter up to the work, but as national necessity required emancipation, it is equally important that its power from the same motive should be evoked to harmonize the relations between them, to fortify the measures of reconstruction. The subsidiary measures of the respective Legislatures to carry out the plan in harmony, with the interest of the Planters, with the support of Congress, will be ample to protect the fee of the land in all cases, until it is conveyed to the Freedmen in compliance with the condition of the purchase.

The second proposition is the Plan to enable the Legislatures to make the necessary provisions to support the Widows and Orphans of the Confederate Soldiers, and others of that class, to meet the demands of humanity and justice. While the people in the Southern States may not make the demand, yet, to advocate to claims in their behalf, to alleviate the sufferings of those who are exposed to the calamity of the war, is worthy of the attention of all who believes that proscription should not stand between them and the sympathy of the American People.

The Pamphlet published for the use of the members of Congress, and for the Legislatures of the Several States, will stand the most rigid criticisms by all who appreciates the efforts to sustain free institutions. From the subjoined letters it will be seen how far the feelings of the Statesmen and the Philanthropist have been carried in the efforts to sustain it as a national question, with its origin from the colored man, who will aim to confer some benefit upon the race and his country.

RHINEBECK, N.Y., July 28th, 1868.
I have had a conversation with Mr. Putnam, and consider the object he presents as one calculated to ameliorate the condition of the Freedmen, by giving incentives to industry, and also, as tending to extend throughout the country a sounder and truer idea of a Republican form of government.
GEO. ESSELSTYN
MAYORS OFFICE, ROCHESTER, Aug. 12th, 1868.
I fully concur with the within object as there set forth
HENRY L. FEILD, Mayor.
I fully concur in and approve of the within object as set forth with prospectus of L. H. Putnam &c.
E. DARWIN SMITH.

MAYORS OFFICE, BUFFALO, Sept. 11th, 1868.
The mission of Mr. Putnam is one that commends itself to the favorable consideration of the entire community.
WM. ROGERS, Mayor.
I concur in the above.
MILLARD FILLMORE
The views of Mr. Putnam, seem to me to be sound and worthy of all encouragement
HENRY J. VAN DYKE.

(In the same connection there is an important document, dated War Department, March 16, 1870, from Gen. O. O. HOWARD, and is worthy of the author, who surrendered in it in a formal mander the views by which he were governed in favor of the Plan, and which is omitted with the letter of the Rev. Dr. S. H. TYNG, with another from the Hon. F. T. RUGGLES.)

The Revolutionary fires kindled in Poland, Hungary, Germany, Italy and in France were required to enflame the minds of the people for civil war, and they were represented provisionally by the Committee of Safety, and in every case they are held by the historian as Martyrs of Liberty or Patriots.

But in the political reformation, in this country, other means will be employed to represent the Secessionist, the Union man and Freedmen, with the support of the Republicans and Democrats, who will legislate side by side in behalf of the South, as they fought against it.

L. H. PUTNAM, Office, 721 Herkimer Street,
BROOKLYN, L. I.

Nov. 3, 1870. 

Can Gen. O. O. Howard tell me what this means.
Does the Commissioner endorse Mr Putnams plan? 
-Geo. Whipple.