Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-06-23

consideration Of our readers.
NEW ORLEANS, La. May 26. 1865.
Hon. Jacob Oollamer, u s. Senator
DEAR SIR With the armies of the Con-
federacy annihilated, a great work remains
for loyal men to build upon the ruins Of
ysnquished aristocrscy, the stable and life
giving forms Of democracy.
/ 1t will require as profound statesmanship
to reconstruct civil government as it has
lofty patriotism and greatness Of generalship
to crush out the armies Of the rebellion
| The people are losing sight Of the Importance
of judicious action and hrmness Of purpose
in instituting measures for the reorganza-
ton Of the states lately in rebellion, in their
emulation at the prospect Of the speedy re-
turn Of peace and prosperity The South
has been conquered ; the people who so
vauntingly boosted that " they could never
be subjugated" are now governed by the
strong arm Of military power. Aristocracy
has been crushed to earth, but unless Il is
naaed there, it will rise again.
The people Of New England, the great
masses throughout the Union, but slightly
understand the snimus Of the South.
They are still proud and naughty armed
resistance against the United States no long
er exists in the country East of the Missis-
sippi river, but the spirit that caused the re-
bellion still remains. The intelligent men
who have fought in the rebel armies the
great landed aristocrats the capitalists the
leading men throughout the South, hate and
despise the Union still. The North were idly
led to believe in the commencement Of this
struggle, that the majority Of the South we're
in favor Of the Union. -Four years of war
have demonstrated the ialseness of this posi-
tion. Rebels are rebels still. The American
people should understand this and propose
to act accordingly. l speak from observation
and know the force Of what l wri e. One
would think from the naughty and arrogant
manner which characierizes the rebels officers
that have returned to Mobile and New Or
leans since the surrender of Dick Taylor
that they, and not the unassuming heroes in
blue, were the conquerors. The same spirit
I was exhibited among the citizens of Mobile
prominent men still asserted "ttat the South
were not and could never be subjueated -
The majority Of the people of the South look
now upon the Union with the most intense
hatred. II they cannot be allowed " state
rights" and other popular aristocratic
dogmas, they will night again.
l his is, indeed, an idle boast, but it shows
the spirit still dominant. They may take the
oath Of allegiance to save their property. and
to grasp again the reins Of power, but for no
other purpose, and once again invested with
political rights, they will attempt to thrust
still deeper the dagger Of discord and rebel
lion into the vitsls of the +publc.
1t is impossible for Northern men who
have not been brought in direct contact with
the South to realize the intensity OF this ha-
tired. This is all important just at this mo-
ment when there is such disposition to be
lenient to traitors. We must guard well
our liberties hereafter. From what | have
seen, | am convinced that new element Of
power will have to be brought out in the
reconstructions of states an element that
can neither be csjoled or compelled to give
moral or political aid to any who have ever
borne arms against the government, or aided
and encouraged the rebel cause. Treason
should be branded, made Infamous. Rebels
in arms have fought, "a majority OF them not
against their will, most Northern people
suppose to break down this great govern
ment, and to give them the rights Of franchise,
again, is to place in their hands a powerful
auxiliary for mischief the planters and infu-
entian men who have sent their sons to war,
and have amassed fortunes by 1t, will seze
upon the rights of citizenship only to fur
ther their ambitious and nefarions schemes.
returned soldiers and officers from Lees,
Johnston's and Taylor's armies now return to
the ballot-box and elect traitors to office
Shall we not rather withhold from all who
have in any way aided the rebellion the
proud privilege of again becoming citi-
zens of this great and glorious republic,
until they have evinced by words and
deeds that they will sin no more? With
traitors upon our TANKS, and foes upon
our front, to t0hom shall we turn, upon tUhom
will the great work of reconstruction devolves
i Upon the loyal few who have been true to the
flag, and the misguided ignorant men who
now see the folly of their ways and embrace
the first opportunity of renewing their allegi-
ance TO the Union they once dearly loved.
But these two classes constitute but small
portion of the people of the South. Extend
the right Of suffrage to only half the number
that will claim it, and the balance Of power
will be largely in the hands of the enemies Of
the country. TO counteract this influence
and to give loyal men the preponderance, the
welfare OF the country demands that a great
political stride be taken. Away in the back
! ground stands a silent, but not an inattentive
or inactive spectator.
Humble he is, yet all through this contest
his heart has been yearning for the Union.
True, is he not Tell me, ye half famished,
half naked forms fleeing from those horrible
dens of human suffering at Richmond and
Andersonville, has be ever betrayed you into
the hands Of your pursuers or refused to give
you food and clothing Tell me ye who be-
held the charge of the lst and I'd Native
Guards at Fort Hudson, who saw the heroic
black warriors at Fort Wagner, who gazed
with admiration upon the brilliant dash of
the brave soldiers of Hawkins division at
Blackeley, and who witnessed the movements
Of the 25th corps under the gallant Weitzel,
has he not been as true as the FURNISHED bay
onet he bore, as unerring as the whistling
minnie that sped from his trusty rifle Hun
dreds Of escaped prisoners bear estimony to
his fidelity scores Of CORY battle 6elds at
test his valor; and shall he who has SO brave
ly defended mis- country with the bayonet be
denied the, to him, prouder privilege of con-
tending for freedom at the ballot box
There is but one answer to this question.
The colored man whom this war has liberated
from the bonds of oppression should be
elevated to the dignity OF freeman and be