The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-07-14
Feeling at tho south.

president OF one of the principal rail-
roads there. He represents the feel
ing of insecurity in that section,
growing out of the threats of con-
tiscation and disfranchisement, and
other manifestations OF hostility, by
the majority in Congress, or the
prominent leaders among them, as
having most injurious effect on the
enterprise and industry of the
country. He says that the violent
language indulged in by the leading
Republicans, together with the gene
raj tenor of hostility towards the
South exhibited by the radicals, has
caused general apprehension that if
this party succeed in carrying the
Northern elections, new scene of
persecution will open en- the South;
that even upon the subject of pardons
the impression is +lat they will have
no effect if the President is defeated
the result of all of which is an I'M
Willingness among large portion Of
the business men of the country to
engage in important enterprises, as
they think it best to rest on their
oars and to watch the course of
events, especially as any signal sue
cess IN acquiring fortune might only
subject them to- more danger of per-
secution.
The high character and intelligence
OF our informant satisfies us of the
truth of this statement, especially
when 1t is so consonant to human
nature. During the middle ages the
Jews lived III this constant sense Of
insecurity, and were at great pains to
conceal their wealth. Those who are
familiar with Ivanhoe remember what
strong picture of this persecution
and alarm is presented in the charac-
ter of the rich Jew, father of Rebec-
ca. one of those historical portraits
which the genius Of the great magi-
clan has rescued from the dim
shadows of the past and stamped
with the impress of Immortality. The
same thing exists now, so travellers
tell us, with the posterity of Gods
chosen people i'll the Eastern lands,
where the unbridled tyranny of
power leaves them no security for
wealth but the appearance of poverty.
Hence, In Palestine at this very day,
IN the delightful seats where their race
once held regal sway, they are obliged
to conceal their wealth, if they have
1T, with the appearances of poverty,
to shield themselves from the rapacity
of their unscrupulous masters.
And yet this is, in n certain sense,
the sad condition of the people of the
South. And have not the South
cause, ample cause, for this feeling
OF insecurity? Do not the party
leaders in possession of the lesisla-
tive department of the Government
constantly denounce the Presidents
noble and profound policy of mag
unanimous craftsmanship? Have not
some of the chiefs Of that party
openly threatened confscation of the
South? Did not Gen. Butler, i'm
memorable address to the Soldiers
National Association, point out how
their services might be requited by
starting with confiscation at Ar
ington, and going South? Are not
the organs of this party constantly
circulating religion of hatred against
the South? Does not the Congress
refuse in any degree to modify the
test oath required of lawyers practic-
ing in the courts of the United
States, so that one class of the peo-
pie of the South are debarred from
pursuing their legitimate calling?
Under all these incentives to alarm,
it would be strange indeed if the peo-
pie OF the South were not possessed
with this feeling of insecurity to
which we have been alluding.
Now, what n spectacle does this not
present in the middle of the nine
teenth century, after the sublime
truth .'of peace on earth, good will
toward men, has been so long in
culcated from the sacred affairs of our
religion!
Can anything be imagined more
unfortunate than the existence of
this feeling of insecurity?
1t is the interest Of the North that
the South should prosper materially.
because the South furnishes the most
profitable vent for the productions of
the North
Looking at the immense maeni-
tude of our national debt, destined,
before it is closed up, to attain the
gigantic proportions of four thou
sand millions of dollars, it is matter
Of the first importance that the
industry, enterprise and productive
energies of the South should receive
their very highest development, that