US Convict Leasing 1875 and 1928

US Convict Leasing 1875 and 1928
Name
Institution
Many people believe that slavery was brought to an end by the 13th amendment, but this is far from the truth. There is continuation of slavery in the southern states of America, though in form of punishment for various crimes.
            Herbert Hoover brought to an end the convict leasing in July. 1st1928, which began in Alabama in 1846. In 1883, Alabamans` budget, about 10% of the total revenue, was resulting from convict leasing. By 1898, the margin was increasing and about 73% of the total revenue was as a result of the same source. This increased the dead rates of the leased convict 10 times that of the prisoners in non-lease states. This was carried out in Alabama with the main aim of depressing the trade union movement.
            The victims were leased to prominent and wealth families, especially from Georgia, who in turn used them in coal mining as well as in railroads. There were no powers by the state officials to question or oversee the condition of the prisoners. However, businessmen had the full control of the slaves as they viewed them as their property, hence were responsible for ensuring good working conditions of the convict laborers. The plantations and mines had secret graveyards where they could dispose the bodies of the convicts, which were beaten and tortured to death.
            The abolition of the system was as a result of economic realities. Th...