Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-01-03
THE OBSTACLES TO a CORDIAL RE-
UNION OF THE STATES BRIEFLY con.
SFnERED

UNION OF THE STATES BRIEFLY CON.
SFDERED
The differences that have sprung up betwixt
those charged with the duty of ''reconstruc-
tom are greatly to be regretted, and we have
taken occasion to advert to the fact. that for
much of this delay the South has undoubtedly
to thank itself. Had the men who were
active, originally, i'll leading those States
astray had the discretion to have kept in the
background; had they forborne for season
only, to attempt to shape further the destinies
of communities they had done so much to
ruin, leaving to such Union men as were to be
found amongst them the task of making peace
with the Government they sought to destroy.
the probabilities would have been in their
favor, at least: and the country UNNECESSARILY
advanced toward that condition of real unity
the true friends of both sections earnestly
desire.
And that the Government has used its pre-
negatives with uawonted mildness in dealing
with those who have offended in the highest
degree, everything goes TO prove. Had these
men had any European government to reckon
with under similar circumstances there is no
difficulty at all in knowing how hard would
have been their fate. But when some of the
most active of those lately in arms are caught
up by the Southern people to again direct the
destinies of government they so short q time
since made ii Il merit to bctray. it is not re-
markable that the defenders Of the Govern
ment and the Union look narrowly to their
credentials and antecedents, and are slow to
admit them as controlling agents in the adj
ministration Of the laws.
And if their constituents tell us that certain
Of these leaders have accepted the situation
and are ready TO swear allegiance to the con
stitution, who forget how little the most
solemn oaths and responsibilities bound them
before who has forgotten that day after day
and month after month certain Of them sat on
the floor of Congress plotting deliberately Its
destruction. and this, too, right in the face Of
the solemn oath they had taken to maintain
Its prerogatives and the obligations of The con
stitution? Ii Is said-we know not how trul,
that even Alexander H. Stephens would
have been the successful candidate for United
States Senator from Georgia, but for an int,
nation from Washington that it would not do:
and yet if pre-cminence III guilt is reckoned by
pre-eminence Of position in the defeated con
spiracy to overthrow the Government, this
man was second in this regard only, to the
guiltiest of his compeers.
The Memphis Bulletin displays its good
sense by recognizing the situation as it is; and
in referring to the various attempts made by
Southern Legislatures to dodge the response.
bilitics newly put upon them, II says:
The war made the negro free, and it is
wrong. is unwise, to eyade accomplishment
''of the inevitable fact. Whites and blacks
'may both be sufferers because of these events
!'of the war, but the yictors impose these
''tcrms. and wisdom compels our assent
''Must the future of the South be clouded for.
lever by the incapacity or timidity Of those
who guide its political fortunes? Has the
''press lost its influence or boldness? Arep,eju
''diceS to be feared or Iiattered? Is not the
NECESSITY for assent to a policy prescribed 50
''palpable. even as the least Of evils that there
SHOULD be no tHrthcr evasion of the terms
presented by this and other acts of Federal
'authority?'
fault of Southern Journalists suggested hv
the Memphis papcr-that the South has been
misled to its hurt; aud incidentally, that the
President has been thereby deprived of much
OF his power to aid them, at a time aid has
been most wanted. TO say that they have
submitted, when legislation and other acts
gives the Government reason to fear that let
the old leaders again get commanding posi-
tior on the floor of Congress and they might
insist upon legislation hurtlul to the unity Of
the country, is only a mockery; and until they
act differently, the obstacles to full reunion
it is feared will continue to confront them.
We heartily wish it were otherwise. We
should be glad to see full representations OF
these States in Congress. and all else accom-
plished which could give US assurance of
harmonious future. 1t is best for the happi-
ness and prosperity Of the whole country that
this should be so. But then we must have
i6y0ity, Difference to the Government. and
something like feeling or regard for the
Union manifested, else power 10 guide the
destinies Of the country will be kept out Of the
hands of the South for an indefinite period
The Government did not provoke the ATTEMPT
against its life; but ii will not forget those who
were prominent in the attempt to destroy it,
Lei the States lately in revolt cease to permit
'i'c old onsinoor~ OF mischief Ia make Them
selves prominent, and peaceful solution of
The difficulties will. through the President.
soon be reached