The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-10-08

Cling now in another way, to accomplish
the same object, and will make as many
sacrifices, and laboras earnestly and per-
sistently as any man in the South to con-
troll the political elements, to devise
plans and projects, and put in successful
operation enterprises that will build up
our poor desolated, and impoverished
country. This is what the South really
needs; this is all the truly patriotic men
Of the North ask and [ will advocate
the best plans, in my judgement, to ac-
complish the object, regardless of who
originates or supports them, Wings,
Democrats, Federals' Republicans, Rad
icats, Conservatives, or Eclectics.
This is all the defence / need. Tell
the people l am still for the honor,
safety, and material prosperity Of the
South, ard while will not cast a
shadow on the graves of our dead, or
extinguish one ray Of the glory Of our
manly struggle, but must bid the lv-
ing look 20 the future, and help build
up our common country from the Allan
tic to the Pacific, from the Lakes to
the Gulf.
Tell them to remember that political
theories, like sectarian (religious) theo-
aies, are principles only in the minds of
bigoted and foolish, and demagogues are
only too apt to misapply these terms,
to mislead them. Constitutions and
laws are subject to changes, by legal
means and by revolutions, and when
changed are to be obeyed; and if the
lessons that experience teaches are not
needed, then are people unfit for self
government, and the sad fate of Repub-
liean Mexico will be our lot. The ex-
tent of the limits to State Rights is az
gued by Thomas Jefferson and Alexan-
der Hamilton, and the right to own
slaves were submitted to the arbitra-
ment of the sword; and in my opinion,
they were decided against us, and neith-
er our honor, nor our interests, require a
contest for them.
I can remember, but too we'll the
years of excitement and injury TO the
country from the conflict on these theo-
ries in Kansas; and our late war, with
its stricken fields, its bloody graves, the
ruin and desolation which followed in
its track, is as indellibly fixed in my
memory as in any mans in the whole
South; and while remembering the
dead past, must receive its lessons,
and not quarrel over dead theories, but
look to the Iire issnes of the present
and future; for (though l may be dis
franchised), it is still my duty to help
restore tranquility, and build up the
| hrol Of tho for
the widows and orphans, my soldiers
and my children's sakes, and on all
practical questions affecting the material
interests, such as Banks, Tariffs, Taxes,
Suffrage, Internal improvements, and
Revenue, will be found as true to the
South as was in her stormiest hours.
All now agree that, by right of revo-
lntion, our States were out of the Fed
eral Union, and our Government was a
de .tdcto Government; therefore, if our
conquerors think that safety or justice
requires that the conditions upon which
these States may be re-admitted into
the Union shall be that our leaders in
the field, and prominent statesmen must
be denied the right to vote or hold
office, and also that political equality
must be extended to the negro, though
we may know this to be grievously mis-
taken craftsmanship, yet we must ac-
cept these terms or do worse, for we
cannot stay out or stop the march of
events, as the power is still in the hands
of our political enemies. A few years
will demonstrate the wisdom or fallacy
of their theories, and during this pro
| hot 81, l. %
broken fortunes, and prove ourselves
worthy to be trusted; therefore, ad
wise you not to NOPE over the past, but
remember our "Lost Cause" only as
the widowed husband remembers his
bride when he looks upon his mother
less children, accept all political privi-
leges that may be granted you, and
then, without being actuated by hatred
or revenge (neither of which are soldier.
ly sentiments,l strive manfully for the
| true interests of your State and Coun-
try, by working to develop her, resources
and increase her wealth.
Should you differ with others as to.
the best plans to accomplish these OBJ
jects, still be friends and colaborers in
one Common Cause. which now should
be, as it once was, the greatness and
glory Of the whole United States. This
is what [ told you at our surrender at
Jacksonport, in June, ls65-this is the
substance Of my letter to Mr.. Prentice
and urge it upon you now and if
for this l am to be mathematical, let
the dogs bark until time shall prove
that have heen ever and always your
friend, NJ. JEFF. THOMPSON. ,.
CoNsANGUINEoUs MARRIAGEs.-To
elucidate the truth ofthe general thesis