men who had been debarred from them by a lack
of earthly possessions. They introduced home
rule in the South. They abolished the whipping
post, the branding iron, the stocks and other barbarous forms of punishment which had up to that
time prevailed. They reduced capital felonies from about twenty to two or three. In an age of
extravagance they were extravagant in the sums
appropriated for public works. In all of that
time no man’s rights of person were invaded under
the forms of law. Every Democrat’s life, home,
fireside and business were safe. No man obstructed any white man’s way to the ballot box,
interfered with his freedom of speech or boycotted him, on account of his political faith.”[1]
A thorough study of the legislation accompanying these constitutions and its changes since would, of course, be necessary before a full picture of the situation could be given. This has not been done but so far as my studies have gone I have been surprised at the comparatively small amount of change in law and government which the overthrow of Negro rule brought about. There were sharp and often hurtful economies introduced, marking the return of property to power, there was a sweeping change in officials but the main body of Reconstruction legislation stood.
- ↑ Chicago Weekly Inter-Ocean, Dec. 26, 1890.
