The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-10-17
Gen. Hampton ON the Crisis.


We extract from the address of our dis
tinguished fellow-citizen, recently deliver
ed before the 'sSoldiers' Association" of
Walhalla, tho following paragraphs, which
we commend to the careful perusal of our
readers:
have placed before you tho record of
the South and that of the North Let tho
world decide which is entitled to honor
which to shame. l have drawn in dark
colors, but, alas, in too true ones, the con-
dltion of orr country, and now turn to
the discussion of what should be our po-
licy. In the anomalous condition III which
we are placed, it Is a matter of great dif-
tculty to mark out the proper course for
us to pursue, but there are certain cardinal
principles Of which wo should never lose
sight, The first of these is, that as we ac-
ccpted the terms offered to us by the
North i'll good faith, we arc bound by
every dictate of honor 20 abide by them
fully and honestly They are none the less
binding on us because the dominant and
INSCRIPTIONS party at the North refuse to
accord to us our just rights. Let us, at
least prove ourselves worthy of the rights
we claim; let us set an example of good
faith, and we can then appeal, with double
effect, to the Justice and magnanimity of
the North.
These virtues, 1 would fain hope, arc not
there are brave men there, who are battling
for justice, for constitutional liberty, for
the equality of all tho States, and for the
rights of the South. Tho only hope, not
alone for the South, but for freedom itself,
on this continent, lies in the success of
TINS party, We are their natural allies,
and would sacrifice much-whero honor
and principle arc not invaded, and then l
would not yield one jot or tittle-to
strengthen their hands i'll the great con-
test which is soon to decide the fate of
constitutional liberty and republican insti-
dent of the United States has lent tho
great influence which his high position,
his strong intellect, his firm purpose and
his indomitable will, give to this new con-
servative party, and to his support every
Southern man should rally cordially.
We may, perhaps, feel that he has not
gone to the extent of his power, or of our
expectations, In carrying out his policy to
its legitimate ends, but we cannot forget
that he has been the only bulwarl1 to stand
between oNr unhappy country and certain,
lrretrlerabic and everlasting ruin. But
tor hm the horrors we endured during the
war, would have been far surpassed by
those of peace. And, though differing
with him IN many points, 1 chccrfully ac-
cord to him the highest praise for the
brave and patriotic stand he has taken in
defence of the South and of the Constitu-
ttOiA. Allclc lS oue OIIcr point on Which
there should be no misunderstanding as
to our position, no loop on which to hang
possible nlsconstruction as to our views:
and that is the abolition of slavery have
already lntimated that the mode by which
the North. secured the acquiescence of the
South IN the cons'Inlmation of this purpose
was breach of faith on her part
" all The Inconsistencies of which the
North has been guilty-and their namc is
lcSlon-nonc Is greater than that bv which
she forced the Southern States, while ri
Sldly excluding them from the Union. to
ratliy the constitutional amendment abo-
NshlnS slavery, which they could do lc-
gally only as States of that Union But
the deed has been done, and |, for one. do
honestly declare that L never wish to see it
revoked. Nor do l believe that the people
of the South would now remand the negro
to slavery, If they had the power to do so
unquestloncd. Under our paternal care
from mcro handful, he grew to be a
mighty host. He came 30 us heather,
we made hlm q Christian. Idle, vicious,
savage, IN his own country; in ours, he be-
came industrious, gentle, civilized Let
MS history as slave be compared, here
after, with that which he will make for
himself as freedman, and by the result
OF that comparison we are willing to be
Judged. \ great responsibility is lifted
from our shoulders by this emancipation,
and we willingly commit his destiny to his
wv II Ai.tiltso, llOpliS tLdC lie may prove NM
self worthy of the new position in which
he has been placed. AS a slave, he was
faithful to us; as a freedman, let us treat
him as friend. Deal with him frankly
kindly, and, my word for it, he will reci-
procatc your kindness, clinSing to his old
home, his own country and his former mas
tcrs. IT You wish to see him contented
industrious, useful, aid him in his effort to
elevate himself in the scale of civilization
and thus fit him, not only to enjoy the
blessings of freedom, but to appreciate it's
duties.
The essential points, then, in the policy
we should pursue, are, it appears to me-
these: That we should fulfil all the obli-
cations we have entered into, to the letter
keeping our faith so clear that no shadow
of dishonor can fall on us; that we should
sustain Mr.. Johnson cordially in his policy
giving our support to that party which raj
lies around him; that we should yield full
obedience to the laws of the land, resery-
ing to ourselves, at the same time, the in
allenabc right of freedom of speech and
OF opinion; and that, as to the great uues-
ton which so materially affected our 1nte-
rests, the abolition of slavery, we should
declare it settled forever Pursue this
course steadily; bear with patience and
dignity those evils which arc pressing hea.
Willy upon you. Commit yourselves to the
guidance of God and, whatever NAV be
your fate, you will be able to face tho fu-
ture without self-rcproach.