The Black Republican., 1865-05-20
AFFAIRS IN MISSISSIPPI.

4
We are indebted to our correspondent at
Meridian Miss, whose interesting letter
was published in our evening edition, for
| copies of the Meridian Clarion of the 7th,
9th and 18th inst, from which we take the
! following:
| We learn, with regret, that q conscript
| officer was rode on a rail, night before last,
| in a village not far away.
| Gen. Candy has agreed not to send garri-
sons through the country unless they be-
| come necessary for the protection of public
stores and Government property. Every
| soldier, therefore, interested in the well be-
| ING of his people, should resist all plunder-
| ers and thieves to the death.
| Destruction of the Alabama State Ii
Gen. Croxton,s command burned the
| splendid library and lyceum of the State
University at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The
| laboratory, neurological cabinet and the
whole suite of specimens collected by Prof.
Tourney, illustrative of the geology OF the
State of Alabama, were destroyed. Gen.
Chapman succeeded in saving the building
itself.
Returning to Peace.
While we can hardly approve OF the appa-
rent animus that brought forth the follow
ing paragraph, we can see the germs Of good
sense in the recommendations. The editor
is wise in counselling his readers to look
upon the war as over, and turn their atten-
ton towards making peace advantageous
There is no doubt that he speaks as a repre-
sentative man: .
II is very easy to see that the war has end
ed that the Union or a worse system must
be established that the South is impotent.
Under such circumstances, the sooner We
have passed beyond the transition state, the
better for the North and South. The people
see this as well as those in authority and
the latter, without hesitation or delay,
should assume the responsibility incident to
Dalpable necessities. Theoretically, legiS-
latures and conventions may be very import
ant adjuncts of retrograde action practi-
cally, we may dispense with their interYen-
ton if the reign of the bayonet may the soon
er cease
The following, from the Clarion ofthe IIth,
viii also have a Statutory effect upon the peo-
pie to whom it is addressed:
a Voice from the Pulpit.
We are glad to see that our clergymen
have commenced addressing the people as
to the duty of citizens in view of the pres
ent state of the country. Said Bishop Paine
to his congregation at Aberdeen the other
day: - We have passed through four years
of fierce and bloody war. 1t is over. The
decision has been made by the military au-
bHOTlLIeS, anu. L presume duu, With
the advice Of the civil authorities also-for,
doubtless, they have concurred with the
milita1 !, though not formally and in their
official capacities. Our troops have been
surrendered, and will all soon be paroled.
Our armies exist as such no longer. The
whole country east of the Mississippi river
now resumes its place in the Union. What,
then, is the proper course to be pursued by
citizens? His own conviction on this sub
iect was clear and decided. 1t is, that we
should calmly. quietly and unanimously re-
sumo our former position as peaceful eiti-
zens, and in good faith enter as such upon
the performance of our duties.
Our country has certainly suffered enough
in all that is dear to US. Thousands of
precious lives have been lost, and millions
OF property destroyed. But let us hence.
forth turn our thoughts and efforts to the
pursuits Of life which are necessary and
useful The poor, afflicted and bereaved
children must be provided for. The ten
dency to generalization, that invaliable
Concomitant Of war, must be arrested and
law, order and fidelity to every social, civil
and religious duty must be encouraged and
sustained by US.
Let all the soldiers heed the advice and
follow the example of their leaders who
have given up the struggle. Let them re,
ceiye the parole agreed upon, and in good
faith lay aside their arms return to their
families and friends, and become peaceful
citizens. Let them not yield to the tempta-
tions to carry on a guerrilla warfare, which
we have ever regarded as wrong in principle.
Such awarfare, moreover, would result In
no good, but bring great and continued dis
tress upon the country, and utterly ruin
those engaged in it. Finally, having always
disapproved of using the pulpit to discuss
political questions, in which angry passions
are sought to be aroused, he sol
emnly and deliberately advised his coun-
trymen on the east side Of the his
sissippi river-and if his voice could be
heard he would thus speak to those on the
vest side also--to resume in good faith their
former positions as law-abiding and usefnl
citizens. And, in closing nav remarks >
said Bishop Paine, can with more nro-
priety address my brethren in the ministry
who are present, and say to them that re.
spectfully and earnestly advise them all tn
use their influence, both publicly and pri-
Vately, for the promotion of peace ana
quletness among all classes, and, especially
among the ministers and members Of ti53e
N. 2. Church, South" These sentiments
OF the Bishop commend themselves to The
approval Of all dispassionate, thinking men
and snch we give them to our readers