The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-12-08

hlred soldiers from abroad; they armed
our slaves against us; they burned our
houses and blasted our lands, without its
being apparent that these cruclties con-
tributed to conclude the war. That over,
they sent emissaries amongst lis to stir
the worst nature Of the negro-to divert
him from employments which, necessary
to his subsistence, might be profitable to
his recent master; to plant principle of
hate between them, and render peaceful
relations no longer possible. And if it be
objected, after this, that we do not love
them, it is sufficient answer, that they
cannot expect it. They, are not so unrea-
sonable to require all occurrence so un-
natural, nor would any human testimony
be sufficient to convince them of the fact.
But If it be meant that we do not in
perfect faith, accept the situation, with all
the obligations and responsibilities arising
from it, the proposition is not true. Not
only do we not propose o renewal of the
contest-which now, in the loss of slavery,
and the absence, therefore, of any peculi-
arity of social constitution to be preserved
by peculiar Government, would be un-
necessary-but we honestly desire the
restoration of the Union. We desire it for
the selfish reason, perhaps, that any
condition would be welcomed from the
calamities of g conquered and dependent
province, but for the better reason, also,
that in the Union only is there the hope
Of preserving the civilization Of this
republic. The imperilled principle OF rep
resentative liberty has no other ark OF
refuge now; and for the North and humani-
ty, as we'll as for ourselves, we would, Of all
earthly things, the most desire the restora-
ton Of the Union.
Nor Is there the slightest thought to
disturb the question as to slavery. We
have not concurred in the policy Of emanci-
patton; we havo not thought it Of ad-
vantage to negroes; we have not seen the
f,1 1>o1,a kIox,o 8 Co. 1.,1.
in community Of white mon-many have
already perished-more, we fear, must
perish, and, perhaps, all must pass away;
VIC have not thought it of advantage to
white men; the sudden loss Of property,
the disturbance Of relations, the mixture
Of races, excited, as far as possible, to
madness with each other, have not i'm
proved the condition of the ruling class;
and if, in this way, truth shall have been
vindicated, we cannot avoid the feeling
that the price has been too great; and
even truth should not be indicated. in
the ruin OF the only parties concerned
upon the subject Of its vindication. But
we do not purpose to resist the measure;
we do not purpose to ask a reconsideration
OF the question. We do not dream that q
reconsideration is possible; or if it were,
would we now accept it or be willing to
restore the negroes to their late condition.
They were not then dangerous, but, with
the efforts of emissaries to disturb them,
they would be now. The relation cannot
be restored, and the connection would be
intolsrable without it.
Nor is there feeling of infdelity to the
republic. There never has been. We did
not strike the republic, but the party who
seemed to usurp it, and ever felt regret
that, to vindicate our liberties, we had to
ana tbo"sb in its and its
Aff N-tk L., .
no motive OF our own, no perception ofEits
evils, and adopt another not more COM
mended by reason and experience, it is the
one consoling thought that, by that ex-
hausting sacrifice, there is at least the
compensation that we may be permitted
to ro-entcr the great republic, and re-
commence in that association the onward
march to the bright destiny which is yet
within the range Of it's achievements.
II it be rebellious, therefore, not to en-
tertain feelings of personal regard for
those who have been constant ia their
efforts that we shall not, or not to feel
Inundated and debased by misfortune, or
not to acknowledge superior merit in those
who have not exhibited the qualities fitted
to inspire the sense Of such superiority;
or If it be the exhibition af q spirit which
units us for the Union, not to show a
nature too scrvile for association with
honorable men, then we exhibit a rebel
nous spirit, ana III Is put Just that oI such
rebellious spirit we should meet the con-
sequences.
But if motif fidelity to the Union shall
consist with proper self-respect-if it be
enough, to entitle us to the relation, that
we accept its obligations and conditions,
that we adopt the policy Of the Govern
mcnt, assume its fortunes and its fate, and
arc ready to devote whatever VIC may have
of character and manhood to elevate and
sustain it-thcn we are not rebelliOus. If
the party in control Of Congress be the
republic, and sense of loyalty to them
shall be loyalty to the republic, we are not
loyal; but if the republic be herself-if she
be above faction and party, and it be loyal
to sustain her, and to strike even those
who would usnrp and degrade her, then we