Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1866-03-15

is, however, the model Bill to be adopted
in reference to all the now excluded eleven
Southern States. The conditions are, how.
ever, very stringent, and must be ratified
again, with covenant against the use of
the power of legislation for the repeal of
such conditions. A storm of indignation
will be raised among the Conservatives
Mr.. Rodgers made minority report with
q resolution for the immediate admission of
the Tennessee representatives to their seats.
.... g.. LEO.
Testimony from the Committee on Re-
construction.
WASHINGTON, March 6, 1865.
A large mass of testimony was reported
o-day from the Committee on Reconstruc.
ton. General B. 81. Grierson testified iD
reference to Alabama, Mississippi and Ten
nessee. Persons with whom be had con-
versed, did not appear to think they had
done anything wrong. Their only regret
seemed to be that they had not the means
to carry out their designs.
Question Is the feeling of hostility to
the Government one which controls great
majority, or only minority of the people
in the regions Of which you have spoken?
Answer: 1t is the feeling of the majori-
ty. At the time Of the appointment of the
civil officers, great many of those who had
served in the army during the rebellion
we're repeutant. There was hardly 10y
al man appointed to civil Office under the.
State Governments. ~
Q So far as you know, bow do Alabama
and Mississippi compare with Georgia and
Tennessee A. l think there is not much
difference-if any, it is in favor of Tennes.
see; think Tennessee is rather more 10y
al State hoped that after the rebellion
they would have been loyal, at least that
they would have accepted the situation sin
cerely; but am satisfied that they do not;
believe there is now an organization exis.
ting throughout the South for the renewal
Of the rebellion; there are many ciroum.
stances or things which have occurred since
the surrender to make me believe it.
Q. Is there any sentiment with regard to
foreign war? A. There seems to be man-
ifested desire 10 have this country involv-
cd in war with France in regard to Msxi.
CO; think in such an event they would
seize the opportunity to turn against the
Government; this is the sentiment of lead
ing men in the South from all can learn,
the spirit of resistance still exists and is as
strong as ever, and in ths event of this
country being engaged 10 a foreign war,
the enemies of the Government throughout
the South mediate, aud would not fail to
seize the opportunity to attempt again its
destruction. This is corroborative of Gen.
Thomas testimony, already published.
Gen. Charles H. Howard testified that,
in his official capacity, he visited all the
cities and principal towns, and every coun.
ty in South Carolina. On being asked by
the committee what was the feeling toward
the Government, whether it was friendly or
unfriendly, he replied that be thought the
feeling of majority Of the people of South
Carolina is not kind, and can hardly be
called friendly. He did, however, meet
with old gentlemen who seemed to show
proper spirit and an uudoubted disposition
to be faithful to their duties as citizens here.
after. But he met with a great many per-
sons who exhibited i'll feeling aud dispo-
sitiou to get around, in any way they could,
the requirements of the Government, espe-
cially with reference to the negro. The feel
ing exhibited toward Union men, those who
have been loyal from the beginning, was au-
mistakably bitter. If the military forces
were withdrawn from South Carolina, it
would be source of great injury to the
freedmen throughout the State No North
ern resident could then remain there unless
be courted the favor of the influential. The
feeling is more intense among the female
portion of the community, without excep-
ton, against Northern men. The condition
of Georgia and Florida was much the same
as that of South Carolina, and there was
hostility against Union men and the imni-
grants from the North. There are some
Union men in Georgia and Florida who
have been always so, but the prevailing sen.
timent, which is bound to control, is simi.
lar to that in South Carolina.
Charles H. Lewis, Esq, Secretary of the
Commonwealth under Governor Pierpont,
said his decided impression in regard to
affairs in that State is that the masses of the
people, and by that term he did not mean
only the laboring CLASSES, but all those per-
sons that are not politicians, were very fa-
vorably disposed toward the Government at
the time of Lees surrender He believed
that very decided efforts have been made
by the politicians to change that feeling
since that time, and be was afraid they had
great deal of success. He believed a ma
jority Of the people Of Virginia would still
be loyal if it were not for publishers of the
papers and the politicians, who, to certain
extent, control public opinion. He believ-
ed that many of the old politicians are en-
gagged in promoting dissatisfaction with the
Government. In reply to question as to
whether be had any reason to apprehend
that schemes are cherished by any Of the
late rebels in Virginia for renewal of the
war or for the establishment of what is
known as Southern Independence. he said
he had no reason to believe there is any
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