The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-12-18

II 1t is stated that Ex-Gov. Holden and 9th
ers have gone to Washington by invitation of
leading members of Congress. We have all
along feared that it was the design of Congress
&c remand the Southern States to Provisional or
Territorial Governments A question of that
sort is now under consideration. Hence we have
given such advice as thought would tend to
avert further trouble and difficulties.
In another column will be- found a synopsis of
Bill introduced by Mr. Thad Stevens for re-.
organizing our State Government.
The Raleigh Progress twhose Editors fought
in the Southern army until Gen. Lee surren-
dered) says:
The advices received from Washington up to
this moment. confirm our previously expressed
opinion: that the South has earthly hope of
better terms of reconstruction than those already
offered. We are panied to find this the case,
and have full realization of the wonderfully mel
ancholy difference between the generosity and
patriotism of earlier northern public and
those who on the stage of action. But
this knowledge does not change the stubborn
fact. that the dominant party in Congress are
more than ever resolute in their purpose to carry
out their programme Thus early in the session,
it has been shown that no regard is to be had to
the recommendations of Mr. johnson. He is
merely cypher and the Southern Statos SO
many conquered provinces. In less than forty
eight hours after assembling. half dozen mea-
sures affecting the South have been developed
and given such direction inSures their maturi-
ty for action as early as practicable. Not the
least interesting of the series is the proposition
destroy present State governments and resolve
us into the condition of territories. Whether
this extreme revolutionary scheme can command
support sufficient to give it effect is a question
We do not pretend to answer. 1t is evident how
ever, that the fool hardy press, and certain
class of public men in this section, have had
very large influence in destroying northern con-
Eervatsm. The former have teempd with moth
ing but bravado and senseless harangues against
men who could not matters after their fashion.
The latter have been So solicitnus for the fat
places of the land-for the ..loaves and fishes
for the qualification of inordinate, unreason-
able ambition-as t" exhibit little no concern
for their section. and certainly not particle of
attachment to the Union. This has confirmed
radicals in their opinion that not recon-
sructrd;-that rusty. corr"ded, corrupt politi
clans are more anxious for restOra ion to posi-
tions Of emolument and trust, than they to
secure the glory honor prosperity and peace of
the country.
and good faith of the mass of our people and
sanguine that this is especially true "a to late
southern army officers and soldiers.
What Congress will or will not do, remains to
be We satisfied. in the meantime. that
the happest results would have flown from the
choice of different men tn iDaugurate southern
representation i'm that body. A nlaj,rity of the
people thought otherwise and respect their
decision. though deny its wisdom. The best
that can be done is to bury old feuds and
show. however widely may differ to present
policy. that there is no unnecessary disposition
to make past party distinctions the basis of
future operations As to Secession and Unionism."