The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-03-10
More Reeonstruction Testimony.
WAsuIraunH March J

The testimony reported from the Recon.
struction Committee refers to the States of
Texas, Louisiana and Florida, and is substan-
TALLY the same as that given of other States.
Lieut.. Miller testified that the poor working
people of Texas were loyal, and the gamblers,
vagabonds, and wealthy classes were hostile
to the Government. The facility for obtain
ing pardons and the general leniency of the
Administration had encouraged the latter.
Maj. Gen. Stanley testified that Texas had
not been conquered, the people asserting that
the State had not been surrendered by Ger.
Lee. The Germans are loyal people, and 90
by the American Union sentiments. The
witness said besides these the only Union
men whom he knew in Texas, men OF any
influence, would be comprised in ten persons.
He did not think that there need be any fear
of an outbreak or resistance to the govern
mept, but would state that if we became in
volved in a foreign war, almost the entire
American population of Texas would go over
TO the enemy if they thought they had any
chance Of succeeding, and this was not only
his opinion, but he had heard the same opin-
ion expressed by other men of ability there.
The women OF Texas were universally rebels.
contemptuous, and disposed to be insolent to
American officers whenever they could. The
feeling of the people has been better since
the fall of the rebellion, with the exception
Of West Texas They would elect candidates
for office favorable to rebellion.
He considered Texas in a worse condition
than any other State, for the reason they were
never whipped there. He said there was
more solid money in Texas than in any other
State. The people left to themselves would
hold the negroes in bondage. People are
generally in comfortable circumstances. The
keeping of military force in Texas is ne
cessity, for the next four years.
John w Rich, Collector of Customs in
Florida, says the impression of many people
was that they had been overcome, Lut not
conquered. There has been no material
change for the better in any portion of the
State lately in rebellion. The people have a
bitter aversion to what they call Yankees, or
Northern men. He would not know where
to lay his hand upon man who really loves
the Union at the present day. He would just
as soon expect to find white man in the
sand banks of Florida, as to find Union
man who has always lived there. There
might be some, but he had not found them
The presence of military force in Florida is
necessary to secure the rights of property and
lives of both whites and blacks.
Brigadier General Doolittle. who seved in
the northeastern part of louisiana, testihes
that among the better class of citizens, while
he did not think there was very hearty 10y
atty, perhaps there was disposition to CON
duct themselves in support of the Govern
ment. The greater number regretted the
war, more perhaps from the fact that their
property was destroyed and so much suffering
entailed upon them, than because of the
undertaking itself. 4 great many were sor-
~ they had not succeeded, but were willing
to accept the condition of things and make
the best oft, and do everything they could
to support the Government
John Covode testified to The condition of
louisiana. Soon after the surrender, the
people thought themselves well whipped, no T
dreamed that they would again be entrusted
with political power. Governor Wells and
others had carried back encouraging reports
from Washington. The officials appointed
by the Governor were rebels ofthe worst class.
One high official kept bloodhounds with
which Mon men were hunted to death.
They combined to control elections and loyal
men had requested government to be warned,
as they feared they would be given over to
rebels. Freedmen were working well but
were only paid eight dollars month at Il e
/ highest. 1t was feared negroes would be
badly treated if the military was Withdrawn.