The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1865-09-06
American Union Commission.

We have received from the Rey. Lyman Abbott,
corresponding secretary circular issued by the Ameri-
can Union Commission located in New DIRK. B:ev-
ing it Of great importance that the people Of the south
should lave the fullest information possible OF all that
concerns the south, extract from the circular the
following account of the commission and its objects
1t consists of a central commission, having its office
in New ork city, with branches already organised in
Boston, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati Nashville
Richmond and Charleston. In its origin 1t had the
sanction of president Lincoln it enjoys the cor
dial appreciation Of president Johnson; it receives from
the department transportation and other facilities
so far as consistent with the public service; and in
providing for refugees it in hearty cooperation with
the bureau for refugees and freedmen who still,
heretofore dependent voluntary contributions,
through benevolent societies, for needfu assistance.
Its object is defined with precision by the following
fundamental article of its constitutions:
1.-The American Union Commission is constituted for
the purpose of aiding and cooperating with the people
of those portions of the United States which have been
desolaed and impoverished by the war; in the res0ra
ton of their civil and social coalition, upon the basis OF
industry, education and christian morality"
In the prosecution of this general purpose the Com
mission contemplates the following specific objects:
l. The relief OF immediate want and suffering by the
distribution of food, clothing and medicine.
. The restoration and encouragement of domestic
industry, by assisting the people to obtain seed, impe
ments and improved farming utensils and other ma
chnerv.
8. The encouragement Of heathful emigration, by
the publication OF trustworthy information as the
character and price of lands.
4 The introduction of accredited teachers to local
agencies: assistance in the establishment of permanent
systems Of public education, and when necessary the
temporary maintenance Of schools by voluntary con-
tributions.
5. The encouragement of patriotic devotion to
the Union and liberty by assisting to establish in
teigent and independent press.
We in this statement of the objects of the Com
mission nothing that is Northumberland that is
commendable. 1t may be said that the statement
family dscloses indications of design to inocuate
the southern mind with northern ideas consttu-
tiona and other public questions We have no fears
that score. Experience has taught that the minds
of northerners who emigrate to the south are much
more likely to be nocuated with southern ideas on
public questions than that the reverse should be the
case
The circular, in conclusion, says:
This work is one not of charity but of patriotism
We have but country. In the welfare of every
part of the United States all Americans possess an
equal interest. The nation cannot enjoy prosperity
while one-haf of the country remains crppled-deso-
lated We appeal, then to all Americans to unite in
hework of restoring the civil and social institutions of
the country.
The officers of the commission are as follows:
Rev. Joseph p. Thompson, d D., president
Rev LYMAN Abbott Cor. Sec.
T. g 0diorne, Esq. Gin, Western Sec.
II. NJ. Pierce, ESD, Rec. Sec.
A. v Stout, Esq, Treasurer.
g. w. Lane, Esq. Chairman Elk. Com.
In note accompanying the circular, the correspond
ing secretary says:
I'VE are now sending supplies Of food and clothing
and some implements into the more destitute part of
the country. In less than year have expended in
this way over 100000. will send you full report
of our past operations as soon as it is published.
'What need, what the people of the north need I
more than anything else, is accurate information to
the condition and wants of the s&eh. For this We
can depend somewhat upon our a5ents, but prefer TO
rely the fuller representations of the local press
We assure the secretary that when receive IA full +
report of the past operations of the commission we will
not let it pass unnotced; also that copy of the True
Delta will be cent to the Office of the commission dur
INC the year. We glad to that the commission
prefers rely for accurate information the repre-
entations of the local press rather than the reports
furnished by their agents. In this, the commission
shows wisdom and especial desire to obtain
information. They the best track to obtain it.
The commission has heartiest wishes for its success
in so far it is animated by desire to promote the
public welfare and reGStabsh the old relations and I
the old good feeling throughout the whole extent of
he American Union n. o. True Delta.