The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-04-09
COLUMBIA.
Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1867.
Wise Counsel.

benefit of their counsel to the people
of these States in the present condi-
tion of their public depression. We
have already published the opinions
of Generals Lee, Hampton, Beaurc-
gard, Longstrcct and others. We
have now before us an address from
tho Legislature of Louisiana to the
people of that State, which will mp
ply with equal force to tho people of
oil tho other Southern States which
como under the operations of the
reconstruction bills of Congress.
The Legislature, in this address,
says that tho measures of Congress
precipitate upon the people of the
State the consideration of moment
ous questions, affecting not merely
their present and future welfare, but
involving the very political existence
Of the State. In this emergency, the
Legislature says that it becomes abso-
lutcly necessary for the people to
determine forthwith what line of con
duct it is most proper for them to
pursue. The address very properly
says to the people that the subject
matter is placed beyond the pale of
Legislative action by n power over
which they have no control; but
after referring to the measures, and
after giving them sober and serious
reflection, the members concluded to
give their constituents the benefit of
their advice
We make the following extracts
from the address, and commend them
to the consideration Of our readers:
eve exhort tho people to organize
thoroughly, and take an active part
in all elections, under whatever au-
thority they may be held. Avoid all
semblance of opposition to the free
and fair suffrage of every man having
the right to voto under the authority
Of Congress.
"Lct there be no collisions or con-
tlicts of any kind.
'Avoid discussions among Your
selves.
"Bring forward rs candidates citi-
zens in whose wisdom, discretion and
courage you can place implicit conf
dence, and whose qualifications shall
conform, rs far as practicable, to the
requirements of Congress. Suppress,
as far as possible, the consideration
of all questions which may lead to n
division of opinion among you.
''Look to the characters of the men
whom you elect.
''Do not seek to bind them in adj
vance by any particular course of
policy, the wisdom and propriety Of
which must Mt last be determined by
the "logic of events" but leave them
free and untrp mmeled to act as their
judgments may dictate, for the into
rest and honor of the State.
''Let moderation and temperance
guide you in counsel and conduct.
Restrain and control the ebnlIitions
uf inconsiderLte, rash md turbulent
men, who may precipitate collisions,
from which nothing but injury to the
State and people can possibly result.
''Use all fair and legitimate means
within your power SO to influence and
direct the suffrage rs to elect trust
worthy men to Office, and thereby to
prevent the power of the State from
railing into unworthy hands; but at
tho same time, be sure that your
choice shall bo respected, and that
the men so chosen shall be clothed
with authority which mono can ques-
ton"
From t friendly and temperate
tone of all tho orders issued by the
Generals commanding tho military
districts, SO far rs they have been
published, we are of opinion that, if
such counscls rs tho above and those
Of tho Intent leaders of the people,
are acted upon and followed up ho-
nestly nnd faithfully, the work of
reconstruction will proceed without
let or h;ndrance, and the State Go
yernments bo re-organized in con-
formity to the requirements of the
law. There need not be any obstruc-
ton to the peaceablc and orderly pro-
grcss of events under that law, if the
people will aid the authorities in car
rying out the law. There should be