The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-08-24

mankind. IF continued, it must be by the
same means and if the masses of the white
people exhibit the same indisposition to be
educated that they do now, five years will
have transferred intelligence and education,
so far as the masses are concerned, to the
colored people of this district. The social
and political results of such change cannot
fail to lie important, and, to great extent,
decisive of the questions which we are seek
ing to solve. 1t becomes us, therefore, to
guard zealously against any reaction which
may and will check this most desirable pro-
gress of the colored race. In this view,
also, we should ourselves that the reconstruc-
ton we are attempting to set up IN the South
is of a character and possesses the vitality to
encourage and maintain this progress and
perpetuate its results.
These, General, are briefly my views upon
the condition of affairs in this district, and
they furnish the reasons why am pursuing
the course in the administration of my office
which have indicated to you. 1t is not
improbable that may be mistaken, and
that reconstruction forced and hurried may
finally result in equal good. 1t seems to me,
however, that we will incur a great risk by
departing from the course have marked for
myself; and if by carrying out other meas
ures we fail to accomplish the results we all
have at heart, we will have entailed endless
evil upon these people and upon the country
and will have disarmed ourselves of the pow
er to remedy it, am confident that recon-
struction will be satisfactorily accomplished
in this district in spite of the open and act
i've opposition of the disloyal reactionists.-
I can safely say that Alabama will give not
less than 10000 majority of white votes for
reconstruction, and 1 think it may be said
with almost equal certainty that Georgia
will give white majority in the same direc-
ton. Not less than three-fourths of the
colored vote in each of these States will be-
cast for reconstruction. The same remarks
are substantially true of Florida. If have
so earnestly invited your attention to the
danger of opposite results, it has only been
to furnish the data necessary to meet the
case and to justify the course have thought
it judicious to pursue. All the facts that
can hear upon these questions shall contin-
lie to report as they come to my knowledge
1t is, however, my duty to state that in my
judgement the condition of affairs in the
Southern States, even should reconstruction
be satisfactorily accomplished, will of neces-
sity be a reproduction, in more or less
modified degree, of what now exists in Ten
nessee unless some measures are adopted to
free the country of the turbulent and disloy-
al leaders of the reactionary party. While
these persons remain in the country to exer-
else the baleful influence they undoubtedly
possess there can be no peace believe that
in Florida and Alabama the danger from
this cause is less than in Georgia. but in all
these States there is so much danger of the
disorder and violence which mark the daily
history of Tennessee, that it would seem
wise to adopt whatever measures are practi-
cable to remove from the States in process
of reconstruction the causes which now en-
danger loyal government in Tennesse. I
did not venture to suggest remedy Tor the
evil that may be developed. Such matters
merit, and will no doubt command, patient
and careful action and, having
laid before you the facts and my own general
views upon them, I consider my duty per-
formed. 1 am, General, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Brevet Maj Gen. U. S. A. commanding.
Gen. U. S. Grant, General-in- Chief U. S. A.,
Washington, D. G.