Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-10-31
Reconstruction and Negro Suffrage from a
Southern Stand-pOint-Negro Suffrage APP
proved by Rebel Official.


Southern Stand-pOint-Negro Suffrage APP
proved by Rebel Official,
]. II. Reagan, of Texas, Postmaster General
OF the late rebel confederacy, who has JUS; been
released from F0rt Warren, has written long
letter to the people of bis state, in reference to
the late rebellious communities. Ills views are
important as coming from a southernor, and
while they are not necessarily sound, they yet
serve as an indication of the sentiments and
opinions of prominent rebels. We have not
space for the whole OF this significant letter, but
the views Of the writer.
MIR. Reagan is not believer 10 the demo-
cratic doctrine Of immediate restoration. lie
understands that the South is conquered, and
that the federal government has the right to fix
the time and conditions oft withdrawal OF tie
military government. Upon this point he says
The State occupies the position Of a conquered
nation. State government and State sovereignty
are in allegiance, and will be 50 held until you
adopt government and policy acceptable to
the conquereIs. A refusal to acceed to these
conditions would only result in a prolongaton
OF the time during which you will be deprived
oil aclvll government OF your own choice, and
continue subject to military rule
Starting IRON this point, he tells his readers
that, " in order to secure to themselves again
the blessings OF local self government" they
must agree
First, To recognize the sHpIeme authority of
the Government Of The Unued States within
the sphere of its power, and tho right to protect
itself against dlsutegrItiOn by the secession Of
the States
And, second, You must recognize the abolition
Sof slavery, and the right of those who have been
slaves to the privilege aud protection of the
laws Of the land.
Presuming that these conditions at least will
berequired, he frankly says, that even this may
tail in the attainment OF these ends restoration
of civil rights to the S9uth,) unless provision
shall be made by the new state government for
eOnfrring The eiechoe franchise on The former
aapes.' He adds;
And present appearances indicate that this
will be required by Northern public sentiment
and by Congress, And our people are in no
condition to disregard that opinion or power
with safety. But am persuaded you may sat
isfy both without further injury to yourselves
than has already occurred. fyou can do tins,
land secure to yourselves liberty, the protection
OF the Constitution and the laws of the United
States, and the right OF local aad self govern.
ment, you will be more fortunate than many
other conquered people have been. The Gov
eminent and the people Of the Northern States
will, have no doubt, recognize the necessity Of
your secuiing these blessing, as important 10 HE
phode country as means Of preserving 10 il Con-
siiiutionai liberty and The present form Of rspu5.
hcdn government.
Mr. Reagan does not attempt 10 Disguise the
fact that this is :" new language to employ in
addressing" Texan audience and that it is
!" unwelcome" to them as it Is -" sorrowlu" to |
him but he says to them, with an honesty which
is the highest evidence OF his sincere and fail |
recognition of the defeat OF the rebellion, that
{" il would be more than folly it would De
great crime for you, and /, and those who may
be charged with the duty Of reorganizing and
restoring the State to the Union to refuse to
recognize the facts Of your situation, however
dsagreeabe, and to speak Of and deal with
them with candor aud directnes,"
The position Of the people Of the south us de-
fsated and conquered rebels, and the consequences
to them, so far as their rights ore concerned, Of
s their treason and it's overthrow, Mr. X. thus
clearly states:
Wisdom requires US to accept the decision Of
battle upon the issue involved, and 10 be thank.
Jul that no more has been demanded by The con
qusrers, and 70 ware irqpkly, AM, AZ cheerful US
o1tngf pSsis3 II lhspq s6Bs,fadedadkome OF our
u ysoptsE1n attic mink enyngr retain their
q hlApeytY ap& tinr slsysss qpdssShe authority
Stxtes n the queatioR fmd Been originally
submitted to the courts Of the country, instead
OF to the trial oil battle, this might have been
the case. But we are NOT nOio permitted 10 clam
the protection Of The Government lohlch zoe repud
aied and fought against, unless by is consent.
Inioruipg his readers lha - Che only wise
and safe course for them to pursue is to accept
! promptly, unrcseryedly, and in good faith, the
terms and policy offered" and that the ohanges
in the industrial system Of the south are mo-
mentous, and may be humiating to their pride
he comes to the discussion Of the question of sul
frage. On this point, we regard MIR. Reagan's
reasoning so sound, his admissions 50 significant,
and dis yiews,-bsiug those Of a southern sebsl
addressed to those who have been with him in
rebellion-so important, that we give them