The North Carolina committee recommended the abolition of whipping as a punishment unfit for free people, and most States accepted this principle.

Even in 1865, the general disposition was to make uniform laws for both races, except in regard to violation of contracts, immoral conduct, vagrancy, marriage, schools, and forms of punishment.

In some of these matters the whites were to be more strictly regulated; in others, the Negroes.
There was further general agreement that in economic relations both races must be protected, each from the other; but it is plain that the leaders believed that the Negro had less at stake than the white.

The Negro was disposed to be indolent; he knew little of the obligations of contracts; he was not honest; and he would leave his job at will.
Consequently Memminger recommended apprenticeship for all Negroes; Governor Marvin suggested it for children alone; and others wished it provided for orphans only.

Further, the laws enacted must force the Negroes to settle down, to work, and to hold to contracts.