The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-11-10
LETTER FROM HON. KENNETH RAY.
NER

We have received copy OF very long let
ter recently written by Hon. Kenneth Rnyner Of
North Carolina to friend in Washington, ex-
planatory OF the formers position and Of the
present state OF affairs in the South. Coming
from an undoubtcd Union man Of great ability
and fairness, the views Of Mr.. Rayner are quite
interesting in many respects, and wo regret that
our want Of space compels us to copy but a
small portion Of them. After showing from
the record his devotion 10 the Union for many
years, Mr.. Rayner admits that he finally voted.
In the North Carolina Convention in 1861. for
tho repeal OF the ordinance Of 1889 by which
the State adopted the Constitution Of the Unit
cd States. lilo does not justify this act, hut
only maintains there was some excuse for II In
the paralyzed condition Of the Union men at
that time. In this connection he says:
"And here must say that regard James Bu-
chanan rs moro responsible for the disasters and
horrors Of tho last four years than any man In
the nation. The people of the South had very
kindly feelings for him. In fact. he was more pop
ular with the ultra men Of the South, on account
Of his connivance at the Kansas outrage, his dog
ma about having no power to coerce State, &C.,
than he was with the Union men. A remonstrance
from him, warning. declaration that he must
maintain the authority Of the Government and see
that the laws were executed-this coming from q
friend. would have induced the secessionists to
pause and consider at least II would have aroused
and given confidence TO the Union element Of the
South. IL would, In my opinion have averted the
conflict. But he stood still. and did nothing"
Mr.. Rayncr says the Union men Of tho South
never anticipated settled conflict with the Fed
eral Government, otherwise they never would
have yielded to the secession tide rs they did.
They committed q grievous mistake, which, he
thinks, they have grievously atoned for.
Turning to the present condition Of the South,
Mr.. Rayner says no Northern niancan have any
idea OF the thoroughly impoverished and ruined
condition Of the Southern people. There is no
capital, no currency, no merchandise and no
labor to which tho people have been accustom
cd. There is scarcely any demand for labor.
lie fears the freedmen can never be relied upon
To cultivate the soil to any extent. He thinks
the two races ought to be separated, and he even
ays that elf this separation does not take
place. in less than ten years the Southern States
will rctrograde into state Of semi barbar-
ism" He thinks that in view Of the CONNER
cial benefit the South has been and may yet he
to the North, the latter ought to prepare the
way for this separation.
Mr.. Rayner dilatcs largely and feelingly up
ON the Inundated condition OF the Sonth, but
the following extract conveys the sentiment Of
the whole: .,.-
az wish to God every man In the North could
see and know the real condition Of the South just
ns Il Is. have confidence In their feelings Of hu
manty and sympathy for suffering to believe that
such reaction In public opinion never was
known as would immediately take place. They
would see people ruined, defeated, humiated,
overwhelmed. This Is the truth, and have no
disposition TO conceal IL No one seems to have
any aims or plans rs TO the future. What more
can the people Of the North desirey They have
triumphed. they have conquered and subdued the
people Of the South. The latter are Mt their mer.
cy. No Northern man can deny that in the strug.
Gle, the suferings and sacrifices Of the South have
been tenfold greater than those Of the North
| Ought not the spirit Of magnanimity for q brav,
aud conquered enemy now to stay their uplifted
| armsi md f.
assure you. that so far rs any feelings Of fur
| Their resistance TO the Government Is concerned
| do not believe there Is the most remote idea o
| any such thing. Our people seem to have wakeI
/ up, rs Il were, from state Of moral mesmersm
under which they have labored for four year,
past. The disposition Is general to adapt them
sation Of Providence. has been brought upoI
/ them. They long for peace, quiet, composure
They feel that they have paid, and are still pay
| ing, the penalty Of an unsuccessful resistance q
| the Government. All they now ask Is, that the.
may not b compelled to wear the badge OF sla
| Il will be seen that Mr.. Rayner writes as
Southern Unionist, taking one-sided and de
fective view Of many topics, but still his sin
cerity and patriotism fairly entitle him to b
heard on the questions upon which public opin
ion is now maturing. ...
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