The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-01-16
TUESDAY, JANUARY l6, 1866.
The latest AcrObatic Attitude OF Hon.
John Bell.

sent the spirit of the Scottish forefathers re-
clining on the bosom of the wind, and howl
ing forth the tale Of their wrongs for the
special edifcation Of posterity. 1t would
seem that the force Of this imagery has stirred
the Hon. JOHN BELL, OF Tennessee, and that
jealous of the monopoly heretofore exercised
by the primeval bards, he enters into tour
Dament with them to see which can complain
the loudest, and hold forth their grievances
the longest. Although the hardy life of the
Highland ancestors must have secured for
them strong lungs, and a great amount OF
breath, yet still we cannot doubt that the
Chevalier DE BELL the victor We should
Judge that his is long continued silence has been
devoted to diary-keeping Of his wrSngs, and
that he stands ready to-day to food us with
the narrowing recital. Be that as it may, so
far he has only threatened, and in his letter
which we published yesterday, he declines for
the present to veDtlate his wrongs, because
''the task was one which was beyond his
strength" and it is delayed for the present be-
cause ''of the extreme irritabilitY of his ner-
vous system" He, therefore, after giving us
three columns of finely printed matter, is in
duced to "reserve further remarks for sub
sequent article" The present one is quite
enough in its way, and should the authors
health be endangered by continuation, we
hope he will not jeopardize his valuable life
even for the national good.
About five years ago, JOHN performed the
famous double equestrian feat of riding round
the political ring with one foot on loyal and
the other on a Rebel charger. Finding the
position a strained one, he abandoned loyalty,
and became firmly seated on the side OF Re-
bellon. Since that time his efforts have been
mainly directed towards reaching the other
horse, and to-day, Judging from the tone of his
letter, he has so far succeeded as to have once
more assumed the double position so
strikingly presented by him in 1861. His let
ter is an effort to favor the North, without ex-
citing the South, and consequently he breaks
forth into eulogies over the policy of ANDREW
JOHNSON. Yet, after bestowing the warmest
commentator on the system OF restoration,
he announces that the South is at present
under despotic government; that its tyranny
in many instances is CALLING, and the indigni-
ties to which the high-spirited Southerner is
subjected most unbearable and degrading;
adding, however, the cheerful declaration
that the condt tion in which they are placed is
irremediable, aud by way of raising future
hopes, assures them "Lhat the darkest DAYS
have probably not yet arrived" All this
savOrs decidedly OF plagiarism, as it is evident
that Mr.. BELL has taken Mrs. Gummidge of
"David Copperfeld" notoriety, as his proto-
type. He, like the poor lone woman" recog-
nizes all the agonies of his position, but can
find no relief except in groanS.
From what we h ave said it must be evident
that the tone adopted by the illustrious JOHN
is not such one as is calculated to rouse the
dropping spirits OF the South. Having thus
assured them that their present position and
future prospects are irremediably horrible, he
goes on to speak to them in regard to the
leading questions of the day.
In this part of his letter is found all the real
common sense which that document contains
Speaking of negro suffrage, he advocates its
extension in the Southern States. He then
speaks calmly and dispassionately, andygives
forth advice which is SO at variance with the
tone of views he has heretofore advanced as to
be remarkable. He frankly says:-
II am not informed WDaJ are
required at the present time in Massachusetts,
But few years ago, believe, property to the
value of two hundred and fifty dollars, and to be
able to read and write, entitled the free men o
color to a vote. A grant of the right OF suffrage
TO the Southern free men OF fcOLOr upon such 6asiS
or standard OF merit cannot be dangerous. 1 an
persuaded oCoatld be entirely safe and proper"
When we see men who, like JOHN BELL
have heretofore stood up for white sovereignty
and who have never uttered decided opinion
in their lives, without retracting or modifying
it the next minute, coming forth boldly OF
a side which, six years ago, would have insured
a trial before Judge LYNCH, we may vel
hope that there is good time coming, whel
prejudice shall yield to reason, and tyrann,
bow voluntarily before justice.
To the issue of admitting negro testimon.
he also yielded assent, although, strange t,
say, a less willing one than he did to tn
extension of suffrage While acknowledged
that, "after all the reflection can give the sub
ieCt, believe that the concession of this righ
to testify in all cases where the black man !
concerned, is necessary to the security of hi
own personal rights; and, it is my opinion
il he were allowed to testify in all cases,
would not be attended with the Inconvenience
or disadvantage that is generally apprehended,
he at the same time goes into a length
defense OF the unnatural and tyrannical antips
thy which has heretofore existed, and doe
still exist in the South. The bitter oppositio