Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-02-10
JEFF. Davis and EditOr DeBcw.

Mr.. DeBow, known as the editor of
aSouthern Review that bears his name,
and somewhat famed as the chief of
Southern economists, has recently con-
fessed that stubborn facts and the ire
futable logic of figures disproYe some of
the dearly cherished theories of South
ern statesmen and politicians. Perceiv-
ing his error, Mr.. DeBow was bold and
candid enough to express his new opin-
ions, but like GaTlileo Of old, he was for
hidden to say 'the world moves" JEFF:
Davis, o as he saw the article, ordered
the suppression of the periodical, and
threw the intrepid editor into prison
The rebel chief had a more mortal
terror of the columns of truth-teliing hg-
ures OF the editor of the Review, than OF
the moro imposing columns OF ten thous-
and Yankees in battle array. The defec-
ton of the strongest and most rabid paI-
tizan of Southern theories, was q mutt
nous ebulition not dreamed of, by either
friend or foe of the rotten cotton Confed-
erscy. 1t was a terrible blow to the con-
spirators, and must have terribly amazed
them. We find the suppressed articlere-
produced in q late NashviIle-paper, and
append several extracts from it, to sE1w
hoE henious was the crime of editor De
Bow, in daring to proclaim the %incontro-
vertible truth in the teeth of rebels and
traitors, who detest that truth as heartily
as Satan hates piety.
Gr. DeBow, in the first place, asks:
shall we not learn of our enemies?
What are the causes of their prosperity ?
Why do even the laborers of the North
live with degree of comfort often I'M
known to the wealthy planters of the
Southi"
Those questions contain suggestions
very naturally calculated to "demoralize"
the Southern middle classes, and cause
the stock of the efete Southern social
system TO depreciate. 4 dungeon for all
such daring spectators as DeBow, says
the tyrant Davis.
The editor pursues his investigations
and says:
"The statistical reports are accom-
panying the census OF 1869, establish
fully the results of material conditions.
Considering the present con-
dition OF the country, and pfospectiyely,
also, 1t may we'll be supposed, as it is al
ready by many in the slave States, that 1t
actually may be more economical TO Ia
Dor for ourselves than to maintain negroes
for thatpurpose. = The produc-
ton Of cotton is slipping away from US,
and we have already slipped away into
unknown depths, and are drifting to a
fearful and uncertain future.
"WeAave written a book, but We see
that facts prove its error. We are willing
to write another which we hope viii prove
true. If the negro viii not raise enough
to feed himself and his master, what IS
the use of the negro? = = The people
of the North educate their children and
teach them that there is no dishonor IN
employing either their hands On their
heads, and I say boldly, even against our
prejudices, l think they are right"
That was 8 monstrous bombsheil, hlled
with those missiles SO frighttully destruc-
tive to Southern notions, republican ideas
Of the dignity and economy of free labor.
This was more dangerous TO the temple
dedicated-te the new philosophy that
slavery is the corner stone of properly or
ganized society, than Gilmore's Greek
FIRE is to Charleston, it would start q fame
that no art of Southern d~espotism could
arrest. This was the "Enkindest cut of
all"
Mr.. DeBow, pursuing the question Of
cotton and negro labor, says:
Cotton has failed, or will fail US; the
negro has failed, or will fail US; it IS idle
to hope longer, to enjoy peacefully the
proceeds of his labor, when at this mo
ment eighty thousand of his color are or
ganized and hold arms in their hands tc
free their fellows. The longer the war Il
pIotracted, the more violently will slavery
be destroyed.
The article concludes by propoundins
several solemn and searching interroga
tories to the rebel leaders, that we hest
tate not to say, they dare not trust ever
their cankered minds TO dwell upon
without dreading a remorse Of conscience
too sgonizing for mortal endurance. i
would be fortunate for the nation if the
rebel leaders could be made hesitate in
their madness long enough to consider
the important points involved in these
straightforward questions:
"But above all, what progress have we
made7 Is the slave power more secure
than before We seeded? Are We in such
a condition SIS to promise ourselves, even
with the Reputation ofau debts, both at
home and abroad, exemption from duties
and high taxation? What have We TO
hope for, both as regards Slavery, or the
prospects Of the Southern C~onfederacy 2"