The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1865-1866, 1866-04-20
Mr.. DeBow's Testimony
Before the Congress-
ional Communications
dition and prospects of
the South.

J. D. B. DeBow, Esq, having re-
Gently returned from an extensive
Southern tour, was summoned as a
witness, few days since, before the
Congressional Joint Committee Of Re-
construction. He testified upon several
leading points, We are informed, very
much as follows:
The SOUTH AcQUIEscEs.-There seems
to be general, nay, universal acqul-
escence in the results Of the war, though
much dissatisfaction prevails in refer
ence to the course pursued by Congress.
The people have fairly and honestly
tried the experiment Of secession, and
are satisfied with the result, and there
is no disposition in any quarter, in any
shape or form, to embarrass the United
States Government, or to refrain from
the performance Of all the duties Of cit
izenship. Those in favor Of or opposed
to secession are agreed that it is our
best interests to accept what the gov
ernment has done in reference 10 the
negro, as well as in reference to other
matters.
The Freedmen's Bureau is universal
ly complained Of as great evil to the
whites as well as the blacks, and has
been the cause of much heartburning
and feeling of hostility which did not
exist at the time of the surrender The
hostility is not serious and would speed
lily yield on the adoption OF liberal
| measures by Congress.
MILITARY FoRcE.-None whatever is
required at the South, except what the
States themselves would furnish. Or
der has been completely restored.
TREATMENT OF UNION MEN.--Ihcre
is prejudice against those whe re-
NAMED in the South and pretended
fealty to it, but who now, for interested
motives, set up that they were always
loyal to the Union. Much deception
Of the kind is practised. Union men,
who left the country for that reason,
and took no part in the war, are res
pected when they return. The preju-
dice never amounts to hostility, and no
one would be molested on that account.
1 know of no exceptions. Such persons
require no protection. There might be
some little unkindness Of look or en-
preston towards them, and they would
not expect freedom of social intercourse.
No attempt would be made Ivy any one
to interfere with their personal and 10
litical 1ights-1lulo whatever.
TREATMENT OF NORTHERN MEN.-Ihe
secession nlcll-the men who were ia
the WARFARE gem rally ruined, and
their families dcstitu e; and there is,
for this reason, disposition to sustain
them if they undertake any business.
Actual sympathy with their opinions
must, Of course, have its weight. On
the other hand, there are many. who
are in hourishing Eusiness-Northern
men, who came to the South during or
since the war, and who conduct the
most extensive and lucrative operations.
The discrimination, where it exists, is
merely social. At present it is well
marked. I have never known 1t to
take an offensive shape. There is cool
ness, reserve, but nothing more. La
dies at parties may not receive the at
tentions of Federal officers, yet the fes-
tivities go on in the same room, and
no unpleasantness occurs. The feel
ing is stronger than it was. 1t is the
result of political causes. 1t will wear
away. -
WILL TIE SOUTH SUPPORT THE UNION
AGAINST FOREIGN POWER ?-Many
young men might be tempted to fight
against the flag; but ninety-nine In the
hundred of the people are sick OF war
and would sustain the United States,
beyond a doubt; if not from affection,
at least from q conviction Of the over
whelming power of the Federal govern
ment. After the results Of the late
war, they would know any opposition
to be hopeless. Besides, all foreign
powers are hated and despised, because
of their course towards the Confederacy
and would never be trusted and none
are believed to be able to cope with
the United States.
Do THE PEOPLE EXPECT Pay FOR THEIR
SLAVES ?-This matter is sometimes
discussed, but no expectation OF the
kind exists. It would be difficult Of
discernment between slaves and other
property; and the conflict between
claimants would defeat any scheme.
The nonslaveholders-the vast majority
would ask why pay for slaves and
not pay us for our property too?
PoL1T1cAL ELECTIONS IN FUTURE.-
There are so few men on the Union
side from whom the choice could be