Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-07-13
THE SOUTH.
What the People Think About Our COuH-
Try" Another REBELLION, a Foreign War,
etc.

Hhcf the People Think About 81 Our COUA-
. try." Another REBELLION, a Foregn War,
etc.
A correspondent Of the Cincinnati Ga-ette,
writing from Nashville, gives an interesting
account Of 4 conversation with an cx-rebel
officer. who served first as line officer,
aiterward as a member of Joe Johnson's
staff, then of D. S.sLce's. aud finally Of the
unlueky Hoods. In the course If the con-
yersation the officer said
'Icousidcr the South as my country /; and if
we are ever reconcilei to the North, she viii
have to meet US as equals, Il can be done in no
other way
''And DO you not consider the United States
your country now 20
Il suppose d. he replied, laughing, ''ai
least uAiii another rebellion bTedts 0ui ~
WHAT soUrHERSERs VIII HEREAFTER DO.
And DO You think there will be another re-
bellion2' inquired.
''Not if the United States Government acts
properly" was the reply, ''but Southern blood
won't stand any oppression
Il suppose. siil l, ''that Southerners intend
to obey the laws
''Oh, Of course, he replied; 'Iiu,eni to do
that as long as there Is peace
"That Is, >" said |, "you Will be obeiieut to
the laws as long as you are compelled to.
That's about the idea was the candid
reply.
And do You think. - said l, 'the Govern
ment should feel grateful to you for such obeli-
ence as that
'Inleei do he answered; ~ hiak IL
should feel grateful for erery hour / 10 not
fgti against it,"
EQUALITY or BELLIGERESTs.
After some further remarks, be asked: III
the Government considered US equals during
the war, why should We not be looked upon as
equals now 20
1T did not so consider you, my friend Ii
looked upon you as insurgents engaged Ia the
commission OF an enormous crime
why, didn't it treat US as bellgerents,' '
1T recognized the fact that you were. Il
never recognized your right 50 10 be. II insisted
you were committing treason all the time"
But We were recognized as enemies, how
could We be traitors -
The characters are entirely consistent
answered. 1.-The more traitors, the more enc
mics for traitors are the worst enemies a couu-
Try can have
.
think both parties were engaged in honorable
warfare. l don't think any the less cfa North
ern man who fought in the Federal army.
consider that the only traitors in the whole
business were those southern men who fought
against the SOUTH
.'Why," said |, ''they looked upon the whole
United States as their country. How can you
blame them for continuing faithful % IL when
you and others were striving % destroy il .''
VERY well, - he replied, with more warmth
than he had yet manifested. Il sag they were
traitors. desPiss them nysrT, raf SHALL
teach my children 10 hot, them fo-rrr-'
DEFNIrIoy or "2Y COUNTRY"
'Anl you think, then sailI, THAT man
should regard as his country the peculiar section
in which be happens 10 live ,''
Certainly, SAID he.
"But, said l, ''jid / not understand You 90
say that you consider the United States as yol-
cOuntry ior the present 40 i-lstt''
"Yes."
'Neu, row suppose a rebellion should break
out against the Government IN New E-Elud,
would you lot assist 90 suppress Do '
"B ! dtiathre "a .Ntc England / vJaLd
r. Idd IrouIHL"
FOREIGN WAR.
"Suprcse the Government should become H.
volvli ia war with a foreign Power ! asked,
"d5 y1u think the Southern people would take
sides against the United S,4t-=7
THAT, said be, "'r1uit iP-Ii rp'u rir-
cuUstl.css, ana upon ri1f nation %, rsr