Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-08-02
THE SOUTHERN STATES AND THEIR
PROSECUTORS.

In good faith the Southern people took
up arms, and with like good faith they laid
them down. Their conduct in war proved
how earnest they were in the first, and their
bearing since its close has shown how sin
cere they are in the last.
Yet every possible means have been used
TO goad and infuriate them to overstep the
boundary of prudence and forbearance, and
to prick them again TO violence and renewed
bloodshed 1t has not succeeded. The lies
and expressions, the degrading terms to
which they have been subjected, the false
and infammatory lessons that have been III
stilled into the mind Of the negro, have all
been piled with astonishing industry and
perseverance, but have failed to throw us
from our balance of rectitude and propriety.
The moment the Southern States ceased to
insist on the decision Of arms, they planted
themselves on the peaceful ramparts Of the
Constitution, and appealed to the just opera
ton Of the equal laws for their rights under
and by virtue of restored Union.
They did not hesitate 70 give up four mil
lions Of their late slaves, involving the sac
rifce of a sum of money to them more than
equal to the entire war debt of the Union,
but they cheerfully provided protection to
the negro in all rights and privileges, the
exercise Of which his condition demanded
for his welfare and true happiness. But they
have been met with contumely, disdain, vitu-
peration and vindictive laws. They have
paid their taxes, though denied representa-
tion-they have conformed to the laws
though they knew the laws were in some
instances construed, and in others endeavor-
ed to be changed, TO secure their oppression
and degradation. These factsgo for nought
and they are still further vexed and har-
raised by the gad-fies of Radical politics,
and tried to be driven to mob violence.
And vet they stand firm. The respectable
citizen Of Memphis who melted and partici-
pated in the late mob in that city has yet 20
be named. The military and the civil au-
thorities have investigated the matter, and
no man Of character and influence in the
community has been pointed out as TO-
menting or aiding in it. In New Orleans
the same is the case. 1t is the officers Of the
law there on the one side, against the RAD
cal disturbers of the public peace on the
other.
In this city we have appealed successfully
to the law, and it has so far justified and pro
tected u.s. The revolutionists have beer
foiled in every attempt upon the public lib
erty. There is no occasion for mobs. H,
who would advise them, if not an outlaw a
hearth is an unsafe counsellor. If the Radi-
Gals want violence, let them commence thu
work. and we shall see whether the masse
of our people, entrenched within the fortres
of the Constitution and laws, are to be de
prived Of the essential prerogatives Of re
publican liberty. So it is throughout the
south. The trucst and frmest friends Of tn
Union and Of good and peaceful government
are this day to be found in the midst Of thei
scorned and traduced people. Thei
strength consists in their obedience to law
and in that strength, with a conscientious
fearless and national Executive, like As
DREW JoITNsoN, they are impregnable.