The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-02-24
AMONG THE REcoSsTRucTED


We published some days ago, and reviewed
editorially, sundry indications of the present
state Of feeling in the South, as shown by
reports Of persons who had travelled exten-
sively in the territory of the late Confederscy,
and by the spirit Of the press, as shown by an
editorial in the Richmond Examiner. Our
remarks then made were stigmatized by n
Democrat of this city, in published article.
"a 'bitter, disorganizing slang" 1--WE think
those were his words, and hepro5ably didn t
deem the Examiners article as very bad after
all So did not General Grant think. for he
suppressed that paper, and did it, it is said.
on account Of the very article to which we
then referred. The following is the expert
nal, who has been staying in Dixie. Many
Of the statements made by correspondents
may be overdrawn, but it is we'll for our peo-
pie to learn, if possible, the true situation OF
affairs in the South, and the fact that 40
many observers unite in statements similar to
those given below, prove that there is a large
element Of truth in them, and that Southern
loyalty Is Of dubious style:
After sojourn of thirty days in the State
of Mississippi, | have gathered some ideas OF
reconstructed people, that It may be well
TO tell to others. This visit has opened up
the condition and state of mind OF the people
of that section to nov view, so differently from
what expected and had been told did exist,
that1 have determined to lay my experience
before you.
had been led to believe that the rebel,
after having submitted the question of differ
euee that existed between the North and the
Sonth IL the arbitrament of arms, and the
matter in dispute having been decided against
him, had taken the oath in all honesty, kissed
the bible with earnest vigor, planted the old
flag over the obliterated ''stars and bars.
and with devoted love for the Constitution,
laws and Government of the United States.
was acting in good faith for the good of the
people and Government. did believe like
wise. that they had been persuaded into the
opinion that we were not entirely set of C ow-
ardly Yankees, and that we had earned, and
IN measure erJoyed their respect. But in
all this | was wrong.
Had spent my time in the large river
towns, should never have learned but that
Mississippi was indeed reconstructed and
taat Sue deserved TO be represented IN Con-
Etc>s. aud treated IN All respects Ike one OF
the sisterhood Of loyal States, but went into
Ike Interior. and while rdiug in cars. moving
around on horseback or on foot among the
plautations, sitting IN bar rooms and public
places, ] have taken especial pains TO keep
my hair off my ears, and the brsm of my hat
above my eyes, and believe | have enjoyed
unusual opportunities for learning the true
sentiment Ct the people. And find that they
s:e rebels rov If they ever were : that they
are now, If ever, antagonistic to the Federal
Government that they will be governed by
1t just SO much and just SO long as they are
compelied to be, and no more and no longer.
They are waiting day, and believe intend
10 hoid themselves ever ready to start in again
on their own account should favorable oppor-
tunity present or Join any foreign power with
"hicn we may become involved in q wa, 10
break up the government / have heard the
desire expressed that We may get into wal
with France over the Mexican question. and
/ have heard the intention avowed, by those
who have taken the oath, to take up arm,
for France should there be such war. They
speak Of the Government not - though they
bad part and parcel in it, but a. the .Yanke,
Government; not of our flag, but tn,
Yankee Haa:'' not Of our army, but the
land the protsne use m oath here (-"1 anke
soldiers" The sight Of negro with
Federal uniform is all they can endure, Will
they entertain disgust fully equal for hi
officers.
! have endeavored to make you nDderstanl
the true feeling Of the great mass Of the peo
pie met in every day Hls. Speeches srs frs