The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-04-20

amending the Federal Constitution ITSELF
which thereby amends all the State Consttu-
tions at once. We prefer the swifter process
and safer result of changing by one benefoent
touch the supreme law of the whole land to
the alternative of making beggar's pilgrim
age from State to State asking for justice by
piecemeal. -r "
The Constitutional amendment proposed by
Congress, and already adopted by large pro
portion of the States is halfway measure,
inadequate to the situation, unjust to the
negro, and unworthy of the Republic.
We respectfully move, in its stead, a new
amendment, which, with even-haHded justice,
shall establish the negro's political rights
throughout the North as well as throughout
the South.
Fellow-countrymen, it ought to bring
blush to every white cheek in the loyal
North to reflect that the political equality of
American citizens is likely to be sooner
achieved in Mississippi than in Illinois
sooner on the plantation of Jefferson Davis
than around the grave of Abraham Lincoln.
Conservative Organization In the South.
from the Times
The views we have expressed in regard to
the future of parties at the South, and the
probable formation of an organization indie
pendent of existing parties, and embracing
in the following remarks of the Times of New
Orleans:-
1--WE +, ,rvenUy hope that in the various move
ments for the organization of a conservative,
an ii. rad cal party in this State, care will be
taken TO exclude extremists aud politicians
who have figured cOnspicuously in the past and
recent contests, and to unite and combine all
good and honest citizens in one Iwerful orga-
nization, regardless of old party grounds of divi-
sion. The great mass OF the Union party pro-
per desire TO join in this combination, and all
of The recent Confederate or Secession party are
bound to the same organization, Neither must
repel or discourage the other by any attempt to
eVive old issues and distinctions. There must
be full and frank oblivion of old disputes and
controversies, The votes and efforts Of all are
needed, and are due TO the cause. But those
who are put forward prominently, to lead
and direct such organization, whose names are
published rs officers anu com itteemen, should
far as possible be chosen indiscri Intimately
from all the various parties, Union, secession,
conservative, or radical, who are willing to
work for the common object of all, to wit. the
escue of our State ana city from political
uarples who have descended upon us toplunder
cur subsistence and conspire against our freedom
majority of this great conservative party should
be careful not to give prominent positions in
this contest TO those who have heretofore been
conspicuous in their opposition to the Union
cause. Let the champions OF that cause take
the front ranks In contest against their bitter
enemies, and the enemies of the peace, order,
and welfare of the country! Let their lead and
direction be followed and supported by all
others of all the various parties who, however
divided on other subjects and occasions, are at
least united on the common desire and effort
| % save our State and country"
As we understand the movement proposed,
| it is not intended to be partisan in any sense,
or to compete with the advocates of another
| policy on mere party grounds. The private
| letter we published the other day from Gal
weston correctly indicated, we think, both
what is probable and what is prudent. In
their present position the Southern people
cannot benefit themselves, while they might
fhnir harr
upon the old style of party warfare. For all
immediate political purposes they are power
less, and they are most likely to promote their
material interests, and hasten the restoration
of national harmony, by limiting their efforts
to a full and faithful compliance with the let
ter and spirit of the law. More than this
could not be expected at their hands; and be-
yond this, we presume, the words of our New
Orleans namesake not designed to apply.
They indicate simply an alliance for the pur-
pose of giving effect to the law in a manner
most conducive to the future welfare and hap
piness of the Southern people.
1t is eminently proper that rational, mode
rate men, whatever their past party atiilia-
| tions, should combine to prevent the success
of the demagOgues and tirebrands who would
| ALLEVIATE class from class, and, under the pre-
| tense of extreme loyalty, would lay the foun-
! dations of future trouble. What men have
been is of infinitely less moment than what
! they are. That point which concerns the
country relates to the present purposes of the
people of the South. To heap upon the
| masses disabilities because of the Rebellion,
were to render certain future discomfort and
difficulty. To make sure that they are for the
| Union nolU-that they recognize the supreme
authority of the Federal Government now-
that they accept the conditions dictated by
Congress nooo-and that they are prepared in
good faith to do all that the law enjoins, is the
one essential thing. And this is precisely
what the proposed organization in Louisiana
will accomplish. If carried out in the spirit O
the article we have cited, it will insure the
development of a healthy loyal sentiment
will Illustrate the plans OF partisan incendla
ries, and will inspire confidence in the minC
of the North.
What is talked of in Louisiana will, We
trust be acted upon in other States. In every
one of them, and especially in Mississippi
Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. inhu
ences are at work which prove the existence
| of an element that is constantly acquiring
compactness and strength. 1t is impossible
to note the accessions daily made to the friend
of the law, as opposed to the malcontents VIII
centre their expectations in the Suprem
Court, without feeling that the better portion
of the South is on the side of those who counse
immediate and friendly action. Among thes
| NAV be found persons who are best qualified
to extend the movement for the common
benefit of the South. From party combina
tions they would naturally stand aloof. Tha
which needs their help is a movement superio
to parties. 1t is a movement towards loca
union as well as the return OF reconstructe
States to the Union; and its progress will b
watched anxiously yet hopefully.