architect and lumber dealer to the commonest laborer.

* * * * *

Superintendent Hall writes:

Testimony as to the working power and will of the Negro is to be had on
all sides whenever a person speaks honestly.

A professional gentleman in Andersonville operates five large
plantations without any white overseer except himself, and is making
money from the land. He states his principle to be: "I make a short,
clear contract with the Negroes and do _exactly_ what I promise, and I
require the same execution of their side of the bargain. _And I pay them
just what I agree to pay them._ They work six days every week. I give
them a chance to attend a funeral or church service if they keep up the
work."

A prominent contractor, builder and brick-maker in Thomasville, Ga.,
employs from one hundred to three hundred Negroes constantly in all
branches of his business. He says: "They are a patient, reliable class
of workers. If a man will be fair with them and do as he agrees, he will
never have trouble. They are not cranky as some white workmen. They do
the finest part of mason's and carpenter's work well."

These two men are native Southerners, whose parents were large slave
owners.

Fault is found with the Negro on the coast line, wherever the turpentine
business exists, because he will not work on the plantations. The