The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1867-03-21

preserve some portion Of the Constitution
and thus save the South from the humilia-
ton of negro suffrage; but the papers inform
sus that an amendment has been made to the
military bill which requires that unless the
States shall themselves have taken. action
that in next September our military ruler
shall order registration of the voters and
hold an election for members to q Conven-
ton. That the South is tod that unless
she re-organize her Government upon She
plan and conditions prescribed by Congress,
that under the power and dictatfon of mil
itary rule it will be done for her. Reason
has been exhausted and justice has plead in
vain for reversal of this edict-a relentless
majority is marching to the accomplishment
of its ends and the South has no power to
resist Does not then the dictates of wisdom
yea more, the instinct of selfpreservation,
prompt us to shake off our supineness and
if we cannot save that Constitution which
is hallowed by all the memories of the past
and sanctiied by the blood and sufferings of
our forefathers, we may at least save some
cherished right and incorporate it in the
new government that is forced on us.
Negro suffrage is no longer debateable
question. Whether it is sanctioned by the
Constitution, whether it is in accordance
with the relation of races, or whether it is
wise, are questions which we are no longer
allowed to discuss. A majority in whose
hands are the destiny of our country de-
mands it, and are now marshalling its SOL
diers to enforce it. But one alternative is
ing it ? / know that the Southern mind re-
coils at voluntarily doing an act SO in con-
fiict with its reason and SO repugnant to its
feelings; but we are in duress, and it is not
for us to enquire what is right, or what is
in consonance with our feelings; but what
can we do to save some of the rights be-
queathed us by our forefathers-to still the
wailing cry that now means through our
land, and to leave to our children some hope
for the future. Let us calmly look at our
situation and reason together, and see If on
the dark waters that surround US there may
not be some white foam" to cheer us. AS
yet but to limited extent prejudices and
feelings have been instilled into the negro,
which would efface and destroy the memory
of the relations heretofore existing with the
whites Is it not then wiser, while these
kindly feelings still linger around his heart,
to show him that we wish to do him ample
jastice-to elevate him in the scale of hu-
manity, and to lead him to his true interest
and happiness, and thus by the kindness
and justice of our acts, show him that his
interest is identified with ours and that we
are his true friends Fix this as the basis
that is to exist between the two races, and
we may hope to return the poisoned chalice
to the lips of those that prepared it for US.
Through it we may hope to regain our voice
and our influence in the councils of the ma
ton, and thus aid in shaping tho Govern
ment to bring back to US some of the
blessings which we have heretofore enjoyed.
But if we stubbornly remain inactive and
permit Northern fanaticism to shape onr
destiny, does not the lessons of the past tell
us that every effort would be used to array
the races against each other, and in the
and hostility thus produced, the
prostitution of the South and the humiliation
of the people would be effected Wiser,
then, would it be to endeavor to make the
negro understand his position, enlighten his
and elevate his moral percep-
tons. Let this feeling of mutual dependence
be instilled in him and when he goes to the
he will seek counsel of those
whom he has learned to regard as friends,
and the South instead of finding it an ele-
ment of weakness, will gather strength from
the enlarged representation it will give her
in the councils of the nation.
In adapting the organic Law to the new
order Of things, would not throw loose the
reins; but would require in those who FORM
ed and executed the laws, such an intellec-
5ual culture that ignorance and its hand |
maid vice, should not be found in the Halls |
Of Legislation or in the Courts of justice.
He who marks the phases of human exist
,nce must be aware that the negro, unless
sheltered by some kind and protecting hand
s rapidly passing away, and like the red
nan of the forest the places that know him
o-day will soon know him no more. If
therefore the State is wise in its legislation
n endeavoring to induce immigration, the
legro in a few short years will form but an
element in its political condi-
ion Let not then our feelings throw too
lark cloud on the future, but let us calmly
et boldly consider our situation and wisely
mploy all the means it affords to restore US
o hope if not prosperity.
1t is true some of the wisest and best of
ur men are excluded from participating in
he reorganization of the country for which
hey made so many sacrifices; but will our
inactive and taking no part in
be councils of the nation help them--is it |
OF rather our duty to endeavor to acquire
lch influence as to rescue their names and |
} do them justice.
Entertaining the views which have thus
1deavored to express, cannot but think |
lat prudence and sound policy would urge I
lie Governor to call the Legislature togeth-
SO that the reorganization of the govern
ent may take place before the iron hand of
ilitary rule shall have demanded it of us. !
this matter think much of the veal or
oe of the country depends upon the prompt
sss with which the crisis shall be met. He T 4
ho stands at the helm must not shrink T
om responsibility, nor must he pause to in
lire whether it is popular or unpopular, :
it with clear and steady look down the
ng vista of the future, he must pursue that / +
urse which the veal and the GOOD of HIS t