The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-03-06
Southern Movements Towards Reco n
structiOn Under the sherman Bill.

stTuCtiOn Under the sherman Bill.
SoME of the effects of the Reconstruction bill
Just passed are already making themselves
manifest. The powerful letter of Ex-Governor
Brown, of Georgia, urging immediate organi-
zation in accordance with the provisions of the
bill, has reused a spirited discussion all over
that State. At meeting held at Atlanta to
discuss the Governor suggestions, resolutions
of endorsement were voted down, when the
assemblage divided, the minority, approving of
he Sherman bill, Withdrawing. The majority
went on to pass resolutions counselling quiet
submission to the bill, but characterizing it as
harsh and unjust. Other advices from Georgia
say that public opinion is divided; but add the
very significant fact, that three 5tourths Of the
papers are in tavor Of the acceptance ofhe bill.
In Virginia Governor Pierpont has heartily
espoused the new measure, and is urging the
immediate calling of a convention under it by
the present Provisional Legislature. Resolu-
tions to this effect are now before committees
in both branches of that body.
In Louisiana Provisional Governor Wells
endorses the bill, and it is said will himself
issue proclamation for the election of a con-
vention in accordance with its provisions,
should the Provisional Legislature of that
State fail to pass a bill for that purpose.
In South Carolina there is no doubt that
Provisional Governor Orr will take immediate
steps for the organization of that State. He
has already virtually committed himself in
favor of the bill.
In all these States there will be a large class,
probably majority of the white population,
that will stand aloof from the movement.
This is not to be regretted. They are the in
corrigible Rebels, and it will be long step
towards permanent settlement of the South
if these impracticable fanatics can be segre-
gated from the masses of the people. The
entire white loyal element of the South, to-
gether with the moderate men who wish to
see peace and quiet restored to the country,
will find themselves allied with the loyal
black population, the ruling element in each
State. The aristocratic fire-eaters will be left
out in the cold. The unity of the achite race 1cM
be broken up. A sound Republican party will
be organized in each of the Rebel States. 1t
will be composed of a majority of the whole
people. 1t will obtain control of the State
organizations.
1t will be the party of power and influence,
and will secure the final regeneration of the
South. Such men as Ex-Governor Brown and
Provisional Governor Orr-men who partlci-
pated in the Rebellion, but who now recognize
the great revolution that has swept over the
country, and honestly accept it with all its
cOnsequences-such men, we say, who iden-
tify themselves with this new popular move
ment at the South, will speedily be relieved
from all disabilities by Congress, and allowed
to participate in the grand work of reconstruc-
ton in whatever capacity the people may see
fit to indicate.
This Reconstruction bill breaks down the
barriers of Southern aristocracy, and sets free
the great democratic forces of society. 1t COM
pletes the work of the war, and secures the
fruits of our victories 1t points the way to a
permanent, because toiSe and just, settlement of
all our national difficulties.