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to find at the years end the proceeds of such industry and fruitfulness taken from them unjustly and they left no better than at the beginning. And compelled by want to repeat the same another year. The hearing of their complaints before a magistrate nothing but a farce and the higher courts beyond their reach for want of means to see the Lawyer or pay their necessary costs. Frequently committed to jail for trivial offenses which if committed by a white man would be unnoticed. Prosecuted for their color. Oppressed, degraded and treated like beasts of burden for selfish purposes till they become but little superior thereto. Taught by the pernicious example of evil men to disrespect and violate the law they become the source from which the Penitentiaries and jails are filled. And with no counteracting influence for youth the evil must greatly increase. [[?]] in a remarkable degree considering their ignorance of a sense of what is just and equitable and failing the final protection in their right in the State civil laws. they look for protection to the General Government. And failing to find it there it will be a marvel in history if they do not attempt to protect themselves from the injustice of their oppressors.

Intemperance with all in evils prevails among all classes.

The sentiments of the people are such that the laws regulating the morals are violated with impunity. Sabbath breaking. Fighting and gaming are common and unnoticed

Transcription Notes:
. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-29 09:34:12