Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 June 1880 — THE EXODUS INVESTIGATION. [ARTICLE]

THE EXODUS INVESTIGATION.

Conclusions Kcackcd by ll»c Committee. Senator Vance, of the majority of the Exodus Committee, has submitted a majority report to the United States Senate stating that much of tho evidence given was of such a character as would not be received in a court of justice, but it was received with a view of ascertaining, if possible, tho true condition of the colored people. Tho report continues: “We think it clearly established from the testimony that the migration of colored people was undoubtedly induced in a great degree by Northern politicians, and by negro leaders in the employ of railroad lines.” The committee find that the negroes are not deprived of their political rights, and not excluded from juries; that the wages paid are fair, about equal to the pay in tho Northern States; and that the school privileges are shared equally by whites and blacks. Continuing, the report says: “With regard to tho political outrages which have formed the staple of complaint tor many years against the people of the South, your committee diligently inquired, and have to report that they found nothing, or almost nothing, new. Many old stories were revived or dwelt upon by zealous witnesses, but very few, indeed, ventured to say that any considerable violence or outrage had been exhibited toward the colored people of the South within the last, few years ; and still fewer of all those who testified' on this subject, and who were evidently anxious to make the most of it, testified to anything as within their own knowledge. It was all hearsay, and nothing but hearsay, with rare exceptions'. With regard to the alleged extortion by landlords and country merchants who furnished supplies to laborers and tenants, the committee admit that they found it to be frequently the case that bad and dishonest men would take advantage of the ignorance or necessity of negroes and obtain exorbitant prices, but in justice to the planters of the South they feci bound to assert, however, that this abuse is not at all general or frequent. That there is much in the condition of the negroes to be deplored in the South no one will deny; that that condition is gradually and steadily improving in every respect is really true. That there has been a clashing between the races socially and politically is not to be wondered at.” The report concludes as follows: “The sooner the colored people of the South are taught to know that their interests are promoted by cultivating the friendship of then- white neighbors, instead of their enmity, the sooner they will gain that friendship ; and, that friendship and harmony once fully attained, there is nothing to bar the way to their speedy civilization and advancement in wealth and prosperity except such as hinder all people in that great work.”