The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-04-24
Letter from Wendell Phillips.
from the Anti-Slavery Standard, Boston, Mass


MUsCATINE, Iowa,
Friday April s. 1867. {
Dear Standard-It is of course needless for me to
tell you of my interest in your labors; yet do not
know that have anything else to tell you. Thus far
distant from the centre of public affairs hardly dare
to risk any conectures before your readers 1t Seems
to US off here that the Fortieth Congress dares not
mpeach the President. The patronage Of the Execu-
tive has been too strong temptation for Congressional
virtue to resist How gratefully the members pick up
every little crumb of comfort that can be got from
any slight show of Difference their opinion on the
part of Johnson Again and again have l trembled
lest the parties should raternise; they yielding
nine tenths and he yielding nothing except gracious
phrases.
Still, think we may have great trust in the stolid
obstinacy of Johnson That is a reliance which has
yet failed u.s. and the stock seems nexhaustible
Were he ordinary man, simply mush should be
tempted to despair. A little complaisance with the
temper of the people, and seeming submission to
the military law, would largely reinstate him in public
respect and sympathy. But with his sublime self
conceit and his entire belief that the North is really
with him, think may trust him to astound the
public and exasperate Congress that in due time he
will either be mpeached or wholly crippled in his ex-
ecutive power. The Kentucky and Tennessee mules
the finest in the world if any man doubts it. let
him watch our history the next five years.
Without counting, therefore, much On the virtue or
intelligence of Congress, Iook for constant progress
in the right direction. Lord John Russell, you re-
member talked of the reform bill of 1881 as final
ityn 1t is only halfway house on the Congressional
road from Lincoln Stevens. The train stops there
to wood and water; gets rid Of passengers and
large amount Of baggage go forward at an increased
speed.
ali on. duty is to press constantly on tie nation the
absolute need OF three things:
l. Tie exercise of the whole police power Of the
government hold the South quiet while the seeds OF
Repubiicansm get planted
.. The constitutional amendment securing universal
suffrage i'll spite OF all State legislation.
8. a constitutional amendment authorizing Con-
gress to establish common schools in any State des
tute of them, the States expense.
For these measures must educate the public
mind. These the soil in which the seeds of good
government and equal lights alone be trusted.
But | think must direct care little further
ahead. Johnson is watched, and will be impeached or
crippled. The next Important question is, to whom
shall the nation give the helm for the next four years
IF Democrat gets it We shall lose two-thirds of the
fruits Of the whole war. Ii COMPROMISED has it we
shall lose onehalf. With radicaliSm at the helm we
must have two-thirIs of what we have earned, In
that four years the pressure from business men
for the government to open, in some way and some
conditions, the old channels of mess will be ire
sistible. The Republican leaders 1aving secured Gf
they do secure) PARTY triumph by keeping the South
out of the electoral college of 1863 will give way
The next administration, therefore, must be expected
to settle this question. The bias of that man who
occupies Tile w iltc mouse lliGn VIII De or immense
Importance.
Now the country is drifting into tie presidency of
General Grant-a man of whose political ideas Gf he
has any man tell Us anything. The first as
sertion of bis friends is that he safe man. because
he has no political ideas, and will be in good hands
Alas our present incubus once in good hands
Next time we want man with brains and a heart of
his own--not who depends Oh being girded and
guided "whither he will not" Astounding madness
Republicans tell us they nominate Grant, else the
Democrats will! In these hours, when the nation is
agonsed for existence, take for leader so
lacking in principle that be will suit either party
equally well !! Two armies in deadly ight-one de-
lberatey chooses for its leader such perfect SwiSs
that the other will clutch him if the first does not!
Lineolns fear of Kentucky did infinite harm. |
hope Grants love for it will not be allowed do us
more. Memphis, New Orleans and Baltimore are
enough to show how Grant does his military duty
Do they encourage to trust him with any civil ones
WENDELL PHILLIPS.
FIRE AT LINDEN TExAs-We regret to learn that
fire occurred at Linden, Davis county on Thursday
night, by which the store of Messrs Conally & Mess
was burned, with the entire stock of goods. Nothing
saved but the safe and part Of the books The
building, we learn, was fred by negro
Jefferson Jimplecute.
MINISTER CAMPBELL TO JuAREz-We learn from
the News that the steamer Backbird left Galveston on
the 10th for Tampico, having on board Mr. White,
bearer Of dispatches to Juarez and Escobedo from
Minister Campbell.