The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-03-26
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1866.
The Advantage OF Travel Between North
and South

the rolling stock destroyed by war is being
once more supplied; that the busy works of
Northern mechanics are furnishing locomo-
tives. cars, and all the paraphernalia so indis-
peUsable to comfort in these luxurious days;
aud when we hear of this return of the good
times of peace, we ore glad, not SO much be-
cause of the business communication, the
rapldity of transportation, or cheapening of
freight, as because of the increase in the num-
ber of travellers which the facility Of travel
will create. What is most needed just now in
our land is that Americans should know
Americans. If the proper study of mankind
is man, surely the proper study of a nation
should be ITSELF The war which has eS-
tranged our land has divided us for five years
not only in sentiment but in physical acquaint-
ance. We not only are now unaware of the
political news of the South, but we are wofully
ignorant OF the characteristics of the South
ern people. Those of us who have never been
brought into contact to any great extent with
the planters, believe that Southern gentle
man is Of the type represented to us on the
stage-a TALL sallow man, with a Panama hat,
dark features, and evil temper. The poor
whites are dirt-eaters all, and held by us to
be a little lower than the negroes. And
such is the popular estimate Of the Southern
population. While our citizens hold such
views, our soldiers view them in an equally
untavorable hight. They last met them in
the heat of battle; the cause of the Rebellion
was sinking, or had lust sunk. They were
wild with rage at defeat, or mad with fear
that their cause was lost. Hence, when
seen, they presented anything but the placid
calmness which would naturally insure con-
f1dence, and hence it is that the soldiers dis
trust the Southern people.
What is now needed, is that their elements
be well shaken. This wine and water have
been distinct long enough. Now let them
be well mixed. We know not whether such
mixture will promote good feeling; we do not
know whether its effect will be beneficial,
but we know that it is necessary. AS long as
we stand gazing at each other, and separately
gloating over the others faults, so long will
no true union be secured. We must rub off
these asperites by contact Let the file OF
intimacy round the points Of prejudice, aud let
us see our fellow citizens as they are. Some
accounts picture them sitting in true pastoral
simplicity, under tie vine and fig tee, re-
clining in attitudes Which would delight a
sculptor and holding views which, for peace
and goodwill, would have been incorporated
by Virgil into his "Bucolics." Another tale
tells of giants and semi-cannibals thirsting for
negro and Northern blood. The Unionist
dares not leave his home without danger of
being shot; the spy is at every door; barba-
rism rules supreme, and treason is still rampant.
ALI of these views are positively declared to be
true by their respective friends, and all have
numerous and seemingly sincere supporters,
And how are the people of the North to de-
eide? There is but one remedy, personal and
business contact. This will secure trade
and commercial relations, and the improved
travelling facilities will bring the people
Of the two sections together. We see
no other remedy, and believe that this
one will at least do away with that
feeling Of dislike which is only augmented
by ignorance. There are good qualities in
both sections, and time, travel, and further
enlightenment will act as sovereign balms to
heal all wounds, and make a union in heart
and sentiment, as well as one in nationality.