American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1866-01-27
THE TIDE TURNING.


address of Gov. Andrews, Of Massachu-
sets, to the Legislature Of that State
There were many men in the South
besides those known as loyal-who did
not like to incur the sponsibiity of war
against the Union; or who did not think
the opportune moment had arrived to
fight "the North" or in whose hearts
there was "a divided allegiance" But
they were not the positive men. They
were with very few exceptions, not the
leading minds, the courageous men, the
impressive and powerful characters-thev
were not the young and active men. And
when the decisive hour came. they went
to the wall. No matter what they thought
or what they felt about it. they could not
stand or they would not stand-certainly
they did not stand against the storm.
The Revolution either converted them,
or swept them off their feet. Their own
sons volunteered. They became involv-
ed in all the work and in all the conse-
quences of the war. The Southern peo.
pleas people-fOught, tolled, endur-
ed, and persevered, with courage,
unanimity and persistency, not outdone
by any people in any Revolution. There
was never an acre of territory abandoned
TO the Union while it could be held by
arms. There was never a rebel regiment
surrendered TO the Union arms until re-
sstauce was overcome by force; or a sur
render was compelled BY the stress of
battle. or Of military strategy. The peo-
pie of the South, men and women, SOL
ders and civilians, volunteers and con.
scripts, in the army and at home, follow
ed the fortunes of the rebellion and obey
ed its leaders, so long as it had any for
tunes or any leaders. Their young men
marched up 10 the cannon's mouth
thousand times, where they were moved
down Ike grain by the reapers when the
harvest is ripe, Some men bad the facul-
t. and the faith in tie rebel cause TO be.
come its leaders. The others had the
faculty and the faith to follow them.
On the subject Of dsfranchsiement he
wisely adds
The doctrine of the President-in the
steps preliminary to recognizing Stale
which is not, and has not been tbeoractic.
ally cut of from the Upion--he r.u:.
recognize its own organic law, antect cent
to the rebellion, need not be contested. l
adhere. quite as strictly as he, to he
cal consequences of that doc'gine. J
agree that the rebel States ought to -1me
back again into the exercise OF their Stale
functions and the enjoyment Of their re-
preventative powet-by the action and by
the votes Of the same body Of votrrs, o.
tenants of political rights and privileges,
by the votes. action or submission OF
whom, these States were carried into the
rebellion.
RECONCILIATION.
am satisfied that the mass Of The think
ing men at the South accept the present
condition Of things in good faith; and am
also satisfied that with the support of a
firm policy from the President "nd Con-
gress, in aid Of the Efforts of their good
faith, and with the help Of a conciliatory
and generous disposition on the part OF
the North-especialy on The part Of those
States most Unidentified with the plan Of
emancipaton-the measures needed for
permanent and universal welfare Can sure
ly be obtained. There ought now to be
vigorous prosecution of the Peace
Just as vigorous as cur recent prosecution
OF The War. We oughs to extend Our
hands with cordial goodwill to C1eet
proffered hands OF the South; demanding
no attitude of humiliation from any; iu-
ficting no acts of humiliation upon any;
respecting the feeling Of the conquered
notwithstanding the question ct right or
wrong, between the parties belligerent.
We ought. by all means and instrument
alities of peace. and BY all the thrifty
methods of industry; by all the re crea~
tive agencies of education and religion,
to help rebuild the waste places, and re-
store order. society and prosperity.
Without industry and business there can
be no progress. In their absence, civil
lized man even recedes toward barbsrism.
Let Massachusetts, bear in mind the not
unnatural suspicion which the past has
engendered. l trust she is able, filed
with emotions of boundless Joy. and graft
tude to Almighty God, who has given
such victory and such honor TO the right.
to exercise faith in His goodness. without
vain glory, and exercise charity, without
weakness. towards those who have held
the attitude of her enemies.
The ofense of war has met its sppro-
pirate punishment BY the hand of war.
In this hour of Triumph. honor and
religion alike forbid one act, one word Of
vengeance or resentment. Patriotism
and christianity urite the arguments of
earthly welfare and motives OF Heavenly
inspiration 10 persuade US to put of all
jealousy and all fear, and to move for
ward as citizens and as men. IN the work
of social and acOnornir ranroa mis- afion-.