The Portland daily press., 1866-03-09
CONDITION OF THE SOUTHERN
STATES '' i5'Aae.V
Testimony Of Generals Thomas and arierson

The important evidence submitted to Con-
gress on Tuesday by Mr.. Boutwell,, from the
Committee on Reconstruction, is of nature
demanding the most thoughtful considera-
ton, This evidence seems sufficient to estab-
fish beyond question, first, that Alabama, Mis-
sissippi, and a great part of Tennesree are to
all intents and purposes as much in rebellion
as they ever were; that no genuine and trust
worthy spirit Of loyalty exists there; that Sc
cret societies do exist there, extensive in their
organization and sympathized with by the peo-
pie, the object Of which is to embarrass and
thwart the plans Of the government, to get rid
of the Freedman's Bureau, and of the Federal
army. preparatory to recognizing their State
Militia under the old rebel officers; and under
the false pretense of submission and Union
ism to seek to gain such favor in Congress as
to repudiate the national debt, and stir up a
foreign war of which they could take advan-
take to secure their Independence. All these
purposes are distinctly shown in, the evidence
given by Generals Thomas and Grierson, men
whose sources OF information have been am
pie, whose Judgment is sound and whose testi-
mony can in no way be impeached. On be-
ing questioned as to what he believed to be
the nature and objects of the secret societies
referred to, Gen. Thomas replied: .ll
10 A. To embarrass the Government of the
United States in the proper administration Of
the country by endeavoring Or making strong
efforts to gain any important concessions to
the people. of the South If possible to lepudi-
ate the National debt incurred in consequence
of the rebellion, or to gain such an ascendan-
CIV in Congress as to make provision for the as
sumption by Congress OF the debt incurred by
the rebel government oaL 90 q gs5 700 a
Also, to involve the United States Govern
ment in war, if possible, and to take advan-i
tage OF the first blow that occurs to strike for.
the independence ofthe States lately in rebel
lion. -91
The statements of General Grierson, the
great cavalry leader, are of the same tenor
We give the concluding portion of the ytesti-
mony of the latter as reported by telegraph:
: have mentioned something in regard to
organizing the militia. There seems to be a
great desire on the part of the Southern peo-
pie for that and to remove the freedmen's Bu-
reau. There is an intense hatred to it and its
officers. 1t is looked upon as a disgrace in
that country, by these who now control, to be-
long to the Federal army; but on the other
hand, to have been an officer in the Confeder-
ate army, is passport to success everywhere
in the South. -,-.-..- -. =,
believe that IL the militia system is carried
out it viii be organized into brigades and di-
visions, and will be offcered throughout by
rebel officers. tried every way could to get
correct information of the people and to Judge
them without any unkind feelings. osG lss
hoped that they would be loyal, or at least
that they would accept the situation sincere v,
but I am satisfied that they do not. believe
that there is an organization now existing
throughout the South for the renewal of the
L B3tUIJd51 ia
Many circumstances or things which have
occurred since the surrender make me believe
70. have statement from men that are OF
.he present State Representatives of Alabama
who say that an organization does exist
throughout the whole South for that purpose
and 1 learn from other parties that the His
torical Society have something to do with it.
4 You may have observed notices OF very large
attendances at the Historical Society meetings
in Georgia and Alabama. Gov. Patton was iii
Huntsville while was in command, but he
did not call at headquarters. He seemed to
be congratulating the people in regard to his
success with Ih0maS as TO the removal Of the
troops from there, and as to the organization |
Of the militia. He told them it would be Or
yanized Immediately; ), in fact, he appointed |
Colonies to whom he was to send commissions
md, Think, before that Gov. Parsons had al |
10 sent commissions to them. These officers |
whom he commissioned were, SO far as know,
I'D officers in the rebel army. ssf,'4a |
U. Wnat Is the pubic sentiment in regard to |
! foreign war? 8st'iA eco >A
A. They seem to manifest great desire to
AVE this country involved IN war with France
n regard to Mexico. / think that, as gener-
Il thing, in case ofsuch an event, they wo uld
'eize that opportunity to turn against the
Ofcourse there are exceptions;
5ut that is the true sentiment of the leading
people of the South, or those who have con-
rolling influence; and tits my firm belief, after
Ill l have been able to lea: of the Southern
people, during the war and since the surrender
hat the spirit of resistance still exists there as
trong as ever, and that in the event of this |
country engaging in a foreign war, the enc
mics Of the Government of the United States |
throughout the South do mediate and will |
lot fail to seize that opportunity to attempt |
gain its destruction T-l3-a-E II