Note 285 — Chapter X · DOUBTFUL REMEDIES

“One difficulty here is the indifference of our colored servants to what the morrow may bring forth. They are capable of living on a very small amount, and they assist each other during the time unoccupied.”—Charleston, South Carolina.

“The negroes do not know how to render good service as a rule, and they do not understand the term ‘thorough.’”—Charleston, South Carolina.

“Colored help have to be very patiently and charitably dealt with.”—Washington, D.C.

“The difficulty here is the general shiftlessness and liking for changed conditions that is characteristic of the colored race.”—Austin, Texas.

“There is special difficulty here during the cotton-picking season.”—Austin, Texas.

“The majority of our servants, who are negroes, are not willing to do steady, faithful work for reasonable wages. Their idea of freedom is to come and go at will, and they expect full wages for light work.”—Austin, Texas.

“The ease with which subsistence can be obtained in this productive climate and the high wages earned during the cotton-picking season make the labor supply unstable.”—Austin, Texas.

“The negroes need training, but rarely remain in one place long enough to repay one for the trouble of teaching them.”—Brenham, Texas.

“The negroes will do well enough if one is willing to overlook carelessness.”—Johnston, South Carolina.

“The colored servants do not like to be kept at steady employment.”—Trenton, South Carolina.

“The majority work only as a make-shift, with no idea of remaining.”—Biloxi, Mississippi.

“The whole colored race is in a transitional period which is full of evils.”—Marion, Alabama.

“Negroes are very stubborn under harsh treatment, but respond quickly to kind treatment.”—Crescent City, Florida.

“Most of the negroes are indifferent to improving in any way as long as they have enough to eat, a place to sleep, and clothes to wear.”—Tallahassee, Florida.