The South by E. B. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 26, 1871

The South.

By E. B. Lane

The beautiful scenery of the South equals or surpasses anything I have seen in the North.

I went to middle Tennessee in March, found nearly all the early spring flowers had bloomed and gone, trees were in foliage, and in April, I saw roses, pinks, and other varieties of early summer flowers, the air soft and balmy, sunlight so strong I could but think of the expression, “The sunny, sunny South.”

Kentucky is broken, and thinly settled on that account. Some parts look well and prosperous.

Tennessee is a beautiful country, especially about Nashville and Murfreesboro. At the latter place, effects of the war can be plainly seen. Fortifications but little injured, with now and then the walls of dilapidated buildings, new fences and cemeteries, all show that here bloody work was done. I saw several Union and Rebel cemeteries, one containing nearly twenty-five thousand of our fallen soldiers. I felt that truly I was in a silent city of the dead, “where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.” Their graves were arranged in circular order around a tall liberty pole, from which waves continually the “star spangled banner.” Interspersed among the graves were cannons planted in the ground for monuments of the deceased. The government have men employed to care for these grounds, who keep them looking well.

My feelings were deeply impressed while viewing this city of the dead. I could but

think of the suffering, anguish, and bloodshed, that were endured by those noble soldiers who were lying there, that gave their lives for the Union and cause of freedom; of the tears, moans, and dying groans, that were heard and seen on the field of battle where they fell; of the sympathy and grief of parents, wives, orphans, brothers, sisters, and friends; tears of love and sympathy that now often flow, but do not benefit the sleepers; for death has ended all their sorrows and pains. Truly war is terrible in all its aspects, even in the thoughts of the dead here sleeping. Reflections awakened by this scenery are better felt than described.

The Negro.

I had not long left the Ohio river before I saw what I had often read of and seen pictured, that is, the large plantation with its mansion and many negro huts or cabins, sometimes built of brick, but usually of boards or logs. They are small, one story buildings, often without windows or ventilation, except by means of the door. These buildings are now rented to the negroes who are in the employ of the planter. They receive low wages, ranging from five to ten dollars per month. The condition of this unfortunate race is truly lamentable. It is often remarked here in the North that the slave is worse off now than before he was liberated. While this remark may carry with it a strong show of truth, we must consider the subject in all its bearings, to come to a correct conclusion. I have heard some slaves admit this, at the same time making many exceptions.

While visiting the hermitage or tomb of President Gen. Jackson, I had some conversation with quite an intelligent negro, who freely admitted that his condition was worse since his freedom than before, while at the same time, he said that with many it was bettered. Parting families by selling, and the whipping they received, he said was the worst of slavery; and I thought he might have added also, the amalgamation of their race, which looks to me the greatest of all sins found in slavery or elsewhere. When human beings are propagated as the beasts, for wealth or gain, to the destruction of all moral principles that should be held sacred, and when men even traffic in their own blood, I wonder that God has been so long-suffering as he has. Yet God permits mankind to fully develop character before he interferes with their iniquity. Facts learned respecting this matter, though not applicable to all, are the reason I write thus plainly.

The abolition of slavery set at liberty millions of persons poorly qualified to care for themselves, and no doubt many suffered more for the necessities of life than while in slavery. As a matter of course, a slave-owner, with a few thousand dollars invested in slaves, will look to his own interests sufficiently to care for his property and keep it in condition that will yield most to his interests, unless he be brutalized to an uncommon degree. Liberation carried with it more or less of hatred from the whites, and consequently a different form of oppression, which if understood must convince all that the condition of the negro is but little improved as far as livelihood is concerned. The blacks brought up in slavery, or the older class, are less benefited than the rising generation who have some advantages of schools. Yet these advantages in some parts are very small. I could not see the reason of it, but in south Tennessee, in a vicinity where I was, some nine public school-houses had been burned, where colored schools were started, and three northern white teachers had been whipped nearly or quite to death for attempting to teach them. For them to get an education under these circumstances seems quite impossible. In other parts, schools are tolerated, and quite well sustained.

The morals of the blacks are in a low condition; and this is no more than could be expected. Stealing seems to be quite prevalent among them. They regard the property of the whites as having been accumulated or earned by them, and consequently that it is not wrong to take it when they can. Bolts and locks are quite necessary. The transgression of the seventh commandment is also lightly regarded among them, owing much to their subjugation in slavery.

The blacks are very numerous in the South. Passing through the country and villages on the railroads, the ratio of blacks to the whites seemed four or five to one. Since their freedom, they seem inclined to live together in cities and villages. They deserve our sympathies and prayers.

Ku Klux.

The hatred of some parts of the South toward the North is alarming; and for any one to deny that there is an organization called Ku Klux, shows a lack of information. Yet doubtless many are not aware of the object of this organization. I supposed that the Ku Klux were a band of outlaws, disowned by the better part of society. But in this I was mistaken. If I was rightly informed, this organization is composed of business men, ministers, church members, and nearly all other classes. Their object is to secure what they claim to be their rights in gaining political ends.

The whites were disfranchised, while to the negro was given the right of suffrage; consequently giving the colored people equality, and in that respect superior advantages above their owners or masters. The North has sent men with authority to fill offices of trust as they may feel disposed, which offices have been filled quite largely with negroes. This is regarded by the South as an insult from the North, and the result is, the Ku Klux outrages, both on the negroes and the Northern officers. There seems to be a fixed determination in the minds of the South that no negro shall ever participate in the administration of our government; and consequently such a course pursued by the North has greatly imbittered them toward us. The white people of the South do not hate the negro, as many suppose, unless he feels equal or superior to them. They want him to know and keep his place, and then there is no difficulty. Every Northerner is looked on with suspicion till he proves himself not a meddler with their political affairs.

We are taught that every house divided against itself cannot stand; and truly this great Republic is in this condition. We have just reasons to fear dreadful consequences growing out of this sad condition of things. All looks dark and gloomy.

The South as a Field of Labor.

This is in many respects an unfavorable field in which to labor, owing principally to the feelings of dislike which the people bear toward the North. This however gradually gives way. My first congregations there were very small, perhaps ten or twelve, while my last were between two and three hundred.

There is great wealth and intelligence found in the South; and the people as a whole understand and have as good knowledge of their Bibles, as in any portion of the North I was ever in. They are remarkably kind and hospitable toward others. A warm-hearted friend you will always find in a Southerner unless he feels suspicious of you. I think for one to go South if he have friends and then keep in the circle of his influence, all would work well.

I felt a deep interest in the work there, though I labored under some embarrassment. I could not get the people to come and listen to me till after I had been there some little time, and was obliged to leave them before I should after the interest was aroused. Commencing labor with the tent in this State I felt was a sufficient reason for leaving them when I did. I hope to return to them some time in the future and follow up the work commenced there. I should have no fears to choose that as a field of labor. My attachment for them is strong and I hope the future may develop much good in that part of the great gospel field.

I baptized five before I left the State, and felt assured that my labors there would result in much good for the cause. As near as I could ascertain a few had decided to obey the truth, besides those baptized. I learn however that other ministers have been there and made all the distraction they could. My prayers and sympathies are toward the few that are obeying, and are also extended to all others in those parts for their salvation. May God bless and strengthen all the honest in heart and help them to obey him.

E. B. LANE. Bowling Green, Clay Co., Ind.