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of any offence at this time, nor is there any probability of there being so, judging from the present indifference of the Civil Authorities, to taking cognizance of a complaint or offence with which a white man is charged. But should a Freedman be the offender, then these officials exhibit a remarkable zeal and efficiency in the discharge of their duties.

It is from the Magistrates Court and preliminary examinations that the Freedmen
suffer the greatest injustices, these officials having the authority to dismiss a complaint or send it on to the County Court, as they may desire.

The majority of complaints are made by Freedmen sueing for their wages. the least lack of positive evidence is sufficient grounds for the magistrate to dismiss the complaint and should the defendant move that the plaintiff was absent even one day without permission. Three Magistrates have decided it a violation of contract and that the Freedman forfeited his wages by such violation. In two cases the magistrate was indirectly interested in his decision. When Judge and defendant are one party the Plaintiffs prospects of impartial justice cannot be considered favorable.