The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-04-01

which is not readily controverted. oyerborne
and demolished by thousands of stern facts in
the history of the race now being liberated
Ii they do not possess in the fullest degree all
the highest attributes of the white race, they
certainly possess some of the best, hypocrit-
cal carpers to the contrary notwithstanding
Emancipation in this District, according to
the views of intelligent persons with whom |
have conversed, is decidedly beneficial to all
concerned, and to no class more than to the
whites, the former masters and mistresses.
The contrabands are generally industrious
and orderly, and present a creditable appear
ance.
The great bug-bear which fiightens silly
women and self-coDceited men, is the social
equality question. The same persons who IA
vor emancipation, pretend TO be awfully afraid
that the "niggers" will somehow or other be
placed ION leyel' with themselves. IL is
privilege to remind such individuals, that hu-
manity generally finds its proper lerel in soci-
ETY., independently of the influence of Con-
gresslonai enactments. Some days since, in
conversation with lady ESQ she thinks her
self native of Virginia, about the negroes.
lspoke OF the negro as man. "Manr' she
exclaimed with a sneer. "mdn do you call
ntgger a mdns" l regarded her with curl
Gus amazement, and in pity forbore further
discussion.
There are many excellent and thorough
Unionists among the old residents here. un-
conditional and radical as any in the North.
Some are ultra-abolitionists, and talk Helper
with particular earnestness. There is n class
just the reverse in sentiment, and of late they
have been quite outspoken. But the govern
ment IS adopting very stringent measures with
those rebels whose property and lives it is pro-
tecting. A citizen of Montgomery Co. Md.
has recently been convicted by military
court OF harboring the enemy's spies, and
dealing in contraband goods. Many citi-
zens have been arrested and tried for various
disloyal practices, and it is thought some will
have to pull hemp" for it,
An illustration of the radical union feeling
possessing the hearts Of many old citizens is
as follows. An old gentleman of considerable
respectability and fortune, has a son who was
before the war lawyer of good standing at
Winchester, Va. But he was secesh and join-
ed the rebel army. When the panic that fol-
lowed the storming of Sumter was at its
hight, the son wrote to the father to get away
from Washington, and besought him in urgent
terms TO flee for his life and save the family,
Tor THE Confederates were coming to take
Washington" &c. The old man didn't see
II, however, and has continued to reside at
home unmolested until now. Not long since
the son wrote again to his father. TO send him
some laid and comfort" in the shape of gold
or greenbacks. for he was suffering dreadful
priyations and hardships. Not dime I" said
the stern parient," mot dime shall the ras-
cal have of mine, till he comes back, takes the
oath OF allegiance, and goes in for Union as
strong as he has for rebellionr
Upon such men and such fidelity TO firm
principle is our hope Of salvation to be cast.
God bless the staunch and unfinching Union
hearts OF the border states. We love to strike
hands with them now, in sustaining our below
ed cause; how much more grateful will be our
association when the present strife is over, and
we realize the brotherhood that springs from
common interests and a common love for our
country and mankind. MILES.