Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-03-29

It is d matter for congratulation thai
Congress, in its desire to punish the South


Il is d matter for congratulation thai
Congress, in its desire to punish the South
eru States by Destroying al! civil govern
,nents therein, Instituted III their stead
military governments rather Ghan those un-
der the control Of Radical politicians from
the North; OF, worse still. Of those IN our
own midst native here and to the manor
born" Under tho latter not only could
there be 10 confidence felt for security to
person and property, but there would
be inuugurated the most bitter and relent-
lees persecution to those who regarded po-
litical honesty and personal probltE synony-
nous terne and refused to stultify them
selvea for party purposes Or individual
prefcrmcnt The political gloom which
hangs over Missouri. Tennessee and West
Virginia, would cast its blighting shadow
over all the Southern States. Instead OF
the Acknowledgement in this State OF eight
thousand of orr best and most Intelligent
citizens eighty thousand would fall under
tho ban of our sclf-righteous rulers.
As it is, however, under the officers APP
pointed by the President, we may expect
the amplest projections, and so lar as Is
consistent with the legislation OF Congress,
respect for the rights and feelings of the
people. The official orders of Generals
Sickles and Schofeld, in assuming COM
mand of their Districts, are such as to war
rant on the part of peaceful and lawabiding
citizens, proper respect for their rights,
and protection in all their social and busi
ness relations. The officers commanding
the five Military Districts composed of tho
ten seeding States, are responsible, not
only to just and humane Commander-in-
Chief, and high standard Of professional
pride and honor, but to posterity, which is
the most powerful incentive that actuates
the actiona of wise and conscientious rulers,
civil OF military.
We have, therefore, cause for congratu-
latiop that the Radicals did not throw us
under the authority of some Of their faith
full and subscrvient tools, to control the
Southern States, as the interests Of party
demanded To this end, however, will we
come, unless that portion Of our people
who aro not DISTINGUISHED exert themselves
to prevent it, and by concert of
action and thorough organization, they
unite their strength and use their influence
in opposition to the political vagabonds
who are now attempting to ride into power.
Such men are already at work, and yes
terday, ut Raleigh, Gov. Holden and his
chosen friends were to have met III mass
meeting 10 organize III the interests Of tbs
Radical party. We must not sit IN dan
gerors idleness, but make AL honest and
active effort to Bavo the State and its Con
atitutlon from the corrupting grasp of these
political highHaynlen. In 4 inst sdmln-
istration Of his military duties General
SiekIes ought not and will not DO anything
to foster political organizations, OF 1850 his
power to bolster up men who have no in
f1uence moral o. political Those who are
not diBfranchisc1 by tbs act Of Congress
will be allowed all tho privileges granted
by that ;.:t + .Iongress i5c honc5t in its
programme, it cannot refuse to confirm
what is done consistent with its legislation
ami approved by its chosen officers
Let us, therefore, go to work at once ;
| let our best citizens interest themselves.
This is not question of mere politics, but
Of vital social importance-it is not for to-
day, merely, but for all time to come by
our prudence, our activity and our labors
now, our children and cur children's chill
dron may bless or curse us. We certainly
cannot afford to waste time IN useless spec
ulation and regrets; we must act a cnce,
for soon it will be too late. Let rs comply
strictly with the legislation Of Congress
and the orders of the military commander,
but let us retain, as far as we are able, the
old landmark Of the past. II we ever hope
to breast the surging waves which now
dash over the Ship of State in resistless
fury, and anchor again III safety in the
harbor of Peace, we must never lose the
compass and anchor presented by oui
fathers for use in times like the present