As the whites could not now reestablish constitutionally their old slave system, or directly their new serf system they proceeded to do the next best thing, that is to construct a caste system based on race and color.
Grimké describes the establishment of a racial caste system as a response to the abolition of slavery.
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It would reappear as Negro serfdom unless placed in the way of utter extinction.
Under it we have the double moral standard and the double legal standard operating throughout that section with a vengeance.
It is true examples of disinterested benevolence and individual sacrifices are numerous, particularly in the Southern States; but no systematic, vigorous, and successful measures have been made to overthrow this fabric of oppression.
Lay not down your weapons until honorable terms are obtained.