I pronounce it "simply perfect in its own resource." and the gentleman is beyond the reach of my retort on this subject. I can say. however. that I take as much pride in whatever honors his State as he doeshimself. At the same time. there are some things. which. under the perverting criticism that the Senator has applied to the statutes of Mississippi would render his State anunfit placefor negro immigration. Why. sir. under the code of Minnesota whoever cuts down or in any way injures a tree growing upon the private lot of another. or carries away any wood from such lot. is punishable with ninety days imprisonment or $100 fine. If he should take fruitof any kind from an orchard in another mans inclosure ho is subject to two months imprisonment and a fine of $50. If he cuts down a tree. if one of our negroes should go in there shivering with cold. and should do what he always does en Mississippi. take enough fuel to warm himself and little ones. he would be indictable and punishable with fine and imprisonment. Now. sir. if I was to follow the style of the Senators criticism of Mississippi statutes. I could show that these laws of Minnesota would produce a sad havoc among our negroes emigrating there. accustomed as they are to helping themselves to the fruits and fuel of their employers and landlords. Mr. President. the Senator is simply mistaken.
Identified stereotypes
Negroes are accustomed to helping themselves to the fruits and fuel of their employers and landlords.