The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-03-05

the plan proposed by Congress reject it and
run the risk of faring worse hereafter. We do
not intend to have much to say about the matter
we neither vote nor hold Office under the
bill-but we will merely say at present that we
think it is better for our people to submit to its
provisions and do the best they under the
circumstances.
At the risk of being called 'weak -kneed" we
will express the belief that unless the Southern
people accept the measure as now offered
fscation will be enforced against them hereafter.
Whatever may happen we expect to live and die
in good old North Carolina-the fate of her peo-
pie will be our fate--therefore again warn
them to act with great caution and moderation
Let those who cannot cordially cooperate in the
reconstruction movement quietly acquiesce in the
situation and. above all. let Us endeavor to pre-
serve peace among ourselves.
AS public journalist, and with present
information feel it duty to give this advice
but we shall not quarrel with those who may
differ with US. Discussion among southern men
will do good now.
We advocated the adoption of the Howard
amendment in order to prevent harsher measures.
That plan rejected, and must now accept
the new plan get worse one forced on US in
the future.
Ex- Gov. Brown of Georgia, in letter favor
ing the acceptance of the Congressional plan.
says:
I'VE have the assurance of Congress. in
the passage of this bill, that this shall settle the
question of our admission. We shall never get
better terms. Let comply with them, and be
ready to be represented in the next Congress
soon as possible
The New York Times. leading Republican
paper, whose editor is member of Congress,
contains an article intimating what may be the
result if the South rejects the proposed plan.
The Times says:
BLACK Clouds in the Southern Sky.-One
reason which led many persons to tolerate the
passage of the Reconstruction Bill. who disap-
prove wholly of its principles, the apprehen-
sion that the longer the subject is left open the
more severe and intolerant will be the terms inn
posed upon the South. This was urged last year
as a reason why the South should accept the Con-
stitutional Amendment. but it secuted by the
Southern States under the advice of their pre-
tended political friends at the North. They were
advised by the World and other Democratic
journals not to accept the Amendment and were
assured that neither negro suffrage nor any other
terms severer than the Constitutional Amend
ment could or would be proposed.
We have seen the result of that experiment.
The Southern States, with great unannity, re-
jccted the Amendment, and now they have got
that. with universal negro suffrage and partial
white acknowledgements. and military government
to back them up substitute for it. And
Reverdy johnson. a staunch Democrat and
Southern voted for this bill under the ap
prehension that. if some final action is not now
taken, something still will be forced upon
the country and the South.
1t may be well enough to state that these ap-
prehensons not wholly without foundation.
1t is very well understood that bills in
course of preparation for early Introduction into
the next Congress- providing for s'oeeping con-
fscation ofrebet property in the Southern States.
and for its distribution among the enfranchiSed
slaves for paying claims Of loyal men for prop
erty destroyed during the and for giving
farms to Northern soldiers who will settle in the
South. Mr. Stevens has declared his purpose.
God willing and he living to press such a mea
this upon Congress, and General Banks
in debate declared himself in favor of such dis
tribution of Southern farms among Northern sol
diers the only effectual mode of reconstruct
ing Southern society. 1t may safely be assumed
that the whole body of Radicals i'll Congress will
go for such measure; and it is confidently e1-
pected that the rejection by the South of the
terms proposed will create a fresh feeling of
resentment which will give it popularity and
strength throughout the North. The measure it
self has elements of attraction for many classes.
and is expected to secure the support of the sol
diers in a body.
1t may be supposed that tho Supreme Court
will present final barrier against the ultimate
success of such project But it must be
membered that four members of that court out of
nine would now, beyond all doubt, endorse such
measure and that of the flee who would oppose
it, one, if not two, will probably never again sit
on the bench, in consequence of extreme age and
illness. law was passed. moreover, at the last
session. which declares that in case of the death
of Supreme Court Judge the vacancy shall not
be filled until the whole number of Judges shall
have been reduced by death or otherwise to SereR.
The chances are, there fore that within the next
year the Supreme Court of the United States will
be thoroughly in the hands of the Radicals
Congress is
RATHER LATE.-In the House of Commons,
last week, one of the members from Chatham
county, asked permission to record his vote in
favor of tie Howard Amendment. This was
decidedly amusing when it is remembered that
the Legislature voted on and rejected the amend
ment two or three months ago. Objection being
made, permission not granted. The gentle
man ought to have formed his good resolution
earlier. We guess there are many others who
are sorry they did not favor the Amendment be-
fore worse measure was adopted by Congress.
It is too late to pray after the Devil comes
n6~ The Marlborough House at Raleigh, n. c., is
now under the management of Mr. W G. Riddick
who has made great improvements in the establish
ment. The table is well supplied with the best the
market affords, and Mr. Riddick and his assistants
are attentive and accommodating.