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1259

Considering the practical workings of the Judicial System - the slow moving process by which cases are disposed of - the length of time elapsing between, the arrest and the final trial, before the Circuit Court, on criminal cases - the many disadvantages under which the freedmen labor by reason of their ignorance & poverty, in civil cases - the general tone or complexion of public sentiment toward the negro 0 the manner in which he Inferior Courts are organized - the chances in favor of having these courts composed of questionable material &c I am convinced that the absence of a court, similar in organization and jurisdiction to that of the old Freedmen's Courts, is a serious misfortune to the colored people of this state.

In the higher Courts as far as any observation, has enabled me to judge the rights of the colored man