the future welfare of the
community. If we only had clearness of vision, the wisdom to see what
would really be best for the masses, I sincerely believe that it could
readily be adopted without in any way prejudicing the present profits
of the holders. You speak of the probability of having less cotton
planted for us in case your plan is followed. I shouldn't consider
that of _any consequence whatever_, except that, as a general thing,
the amount of cotton planted will always be a pretty sure index of the
state of industry of the people, and their industry will always be the
best measure of their improvement. It might take them some time to
find out that cotton was the best thing for them to work on, but
present prices are fast teaching them this fact.

The objection noted above against a life-lease is a serious one, and
perhaps sufficient to balance those future annoyances likely to grow
out of selling the fee.

I do not agree with you in what you say of the _unnatural_ dependence
of these people. I don't see any people on the face of the earth of
their rank in civilization who are so independent as they are.

I don't see the justice of the claim to the soil now made in their
behalf by Mr. J. A. Saxton[169] and others, and with which you seem to
sympathize somewhat. The fact is that no race of men on God's earth
ever acquired the right to the soil on which they stand without more
vigorous exertions than these people have made. This is apparently the
wise order of Providence as a means of discipline, or the misfortune
of man, as a consequence of his failings, perhaps both; but I cannot
see why these people should be excepted from the general rule. If they
_have_ acquired the necessary qualifications to be benefited by
becoming landholders, then there is no reason for delay; but here is
the very point of difference between us, whether they would be in the
long run so benefited.

As to price, I never considered the question of profit to myself or
those I represent as of consequence in fixing the price. It is no
doubt an expression of this kind which gave rise to the general
belief, claimed by some whites as well as blacks, that I would sell at
cost, "was bound" to do so, etc. It did not occur to those who so
believed that I could have any good or disinterested reasons for
selling for more than cost. It may be difficult to fathom one's own
motives in such cases, but I can say honestly that I do not believe in
the suc