Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1867-03-30
SOUTHERN VIEWS

That there is a wonderful change going on in
the South is shown not only by recent pub
hshed letters and speeches of leading poll
teiaDs in that section, but by the modified ex-
pressions OF opinion on public affairs in the
Southern press. Many newspapers which
but short time since were violent in their
deBunciatIons of Congress and the Republican
party, have abandoned their defiant attitude
aud are now counseling acquiescence in the
VIII OF the loyal people, as expressed through
their representatives in the National LegisIa-
tsre. That this shows any real change in the
sentiments of the majority Of the white people
IN The Southern States is AT least doubtful But
1t does show that they begin to realize the fac
that opposition to the policy of Congress is the
surest way 10 deprive themselves Of all par
ficipation In the great work of shaping the fu-
fure of the South: ana that they themselves
must conform their action in a meas ure 10 the
altered circumstances brought about by the
political and social revolution tLrougl which
we are passing. or forever be deprived OF all
snare IN the NJ wStafe governmental to ne formed.
as we'll as in national legislation The new
class OF voters will be powerful element in
National and SAFE politics; which fact will do
more than ausht else TO break down Southern
prejudice. Those who aid in the work OF
reconstruction under the late acts of Congress
only because it is expedient 20 do so, NAV, in
time be brought 10 sincerely favor civil and
Political equality, and do from con victiou what
they now do from policy. Such a change O,
sentiment would not be more wohderGu than
that which has taken place in MANY of the
Northern States, and is not improbable, in
view of the present attitude of maBy leading
Southern men. What Northern man, for
instance. goes further than Ex-Governor
Brown, Of Mississippi. who urges the accept
ance OF the conditions imposed IN the Sherman
Il N ri vi.
people have no rights which the conquerors
are bound 20 respect; or, than Governor Pat
Ton, " no urged the Alabama Legislature 10
ratfy the Constitutional Amendment, and
who now writes long letter counseIing
Cheerful acquiescence In the terms of the mill
ta-y Dill! He recognizes the rights of Con-
gress as the law-making power OF the country
and says :-"For some time L have been thor
oughiy convinced that too little consideration
has been accorded to Congress-" He adds:
sit asserts and exercises the right 10 control
.ne Who!e question OF reconstruction. While
tnls mas been 10 me so clearly manifest. have
Sin cere1y regretted to fino such an usfriepdly
disposition toward it. II would have been far
better Tor MS IL, before this, in accepting the
national situation" we mad made proper
coneessions TO Congressional Requirements
The antae6nIsm between Congress ana the
Southern States has already brought Infinite
mischief upon US. and will suffer stiii
more II II does not cease Our State should not
be continued in an attitude of hostility TO the
law making power of the Government |, non
this vital question our peopls should profit by
experience The events of the past fe w mon ths
show IncOn testably that persistent opposition
ana abuse OF Congress tail upon us increased
not ADMIT II are any thing but wise and prae-
tIcal men,