The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-04-13
REGONSTRU CTION.
THE VIEWS OF EMINENT MEN.


Rebuilt by the most Skiiful Artist,r
From the NeW Orleans Times, 9th.
II is with much qualification we publish the
following interesting correspondence between
the most eminent jurist, one of the soundest
and most logical minds in the South, and the
general and soldier who was regarded by
General Robert +. Lee as his most reliable and
able lieutenant throughout the memorable
campaigns in Virginia. The writers are Judge
John A. Campbell, who was regarded as
second only to Chief Justice Taney on the
Supreme Bench of the United States before
the war, and General James Longstreet, the
commander of the famous Longstreet Corps
of the Army of Northern Virginia. Their letters
are full OF wisdom and sound counsel. They
emanate from men who have given the very
highest evidences of their frmness and devo-
tiOn to the South, and whose present position
OF distranchisement by the Military bills
excludes all idea Of interested views in the
counsel which they give. The Southern
people may safely follow the lead and guidance
of such men,
NEW ORLEANS, April 6.-To the Editor of the New
Orleans TimcS:-Since your publication OF my letter
many questions have reached me TO the prospects
of political future and duties this crisis,
My former letter was Intended to meet all questions
venture. in a feid entirely new 20 him. have no in
cnatlon however TO avoid duties or responsibilities
But to attempt, at this time, general discussion Of
the merits dement's of ali matter that is thought
TO be material TO the subject which absorbs our in
my disposal, Besides, such discussion would leave us
just where our armies surrendered 1 must ask,
therefore, that those who are inclined to consider my
views Will excuse the "6luntness OF a soldier" 49,
The surrender OF the Confederate armies in 1865
l. The surrender of the claim to the right OF Sc.
cessiou.
T. The surrender of the former political relations
g. The surrender OF the Southern Confederacy.
by the Confederate armies There they should have
been buried The soldier prefers to have the sod that
ivag m pyh hnn he is rna
political questions of the war should nave been buried
cherished objects Of This earth, blood OF our blood
e S GTE % u GSS eny as ordained @ by
it be with this dead matter. 1t he last funeral
formed, let with due solennity, proceed to the
discharge of that painful duty and let deposit in
The better prepare ourselves for a return to the
1t may be we'll to remark that our efforts at recon-
structi0n will be unless we embark In the
mand success. Great deeds are not accomplished by
Sn od Of We ms they be
with diligence and with united resolution II we hope
comfortable issue from the difficulties that
The Fabian policy to be the one most in favor
among us; tamiarly termed the system of mastery
rIety rom the fact that dlstingushed Roman Gene
pinned army by his superior strategy aud tactics de-
layed the pToeress Of the marsh OF the
dition TO employ mastery inactivity" without the
standing We might better be iikened unto the bird
that conceas its head in the sand once begins
ie alone ii the Vast desert VINO are no"
pe6n %s we ho to S @
obstacles that may be likely to Impede our progress
the opinion that prevails to some extent among our
people taaG we eannSt 40 WaSeg au rS tn9 @ the North
feelings, with regard to themselves, may be found
nnGer Which they should sTiVe 70
GsuTe and each Should chaFs hey eT
Pect u In return, Let us, then 9eglp 70 dspel the
late to go back to look after our rights
tlcal importance for us to know whether have
process We know that they are gone, and that the
only available law Is aIat @ M IaW W. ana the only right,
law, the greater will be our confusion. Law best is
attempt TO recover them under doubtful laws and
Some think that the question resistance is admits.
sibe in defending our course OF action. But this is
reasonable hope of successful resistance, For when
PREPARED it show to the world just cause OF war What
cause can we claim unless we say that we did not
our duty resolves itself into two very simple propo-
stlons M W or Toni our present en- e
faith to the General Government under the process
foreign Government, Those who determine to re;
main should speed t6e woT6 TX OF 3Rs and
and choose their own officers for their execution
been informed nom the highest authority that am
one OF those who VIII be the last to receive amnesty M
hazards OF revolution, and have no better cause of
complaint than those who have lost their slaves.
It Is frequently said days, that constitutional
goYenment is failure, but the cause and effect are
notappreciated. If there failure the fault is with
the people, not with the Government. A unatlc may
destroy the most magnificent edltce but 1t only
be rebuilt by the most skiltul artist.
am gratihed TO be able to hand you q letter from
Hon. John A, Campbell, He kindly permits me 70
his letter AT my pleasure.
am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES LoNGSTREET.
NEW ORLEANS April 5.-General-I have received
your note relative TO the conditions on which the
of the military bills and have considered of the pro-
priety OF the expression Of some opinion on the sub;
by the citizens OF the Southern states comedies with
The military bills have become operative as laws
IN States. The President, after exhausttng his
his executive duty enforce their faithful execution
Ten States are now submissive TO form OF govern.
ment unknown to the ConStution OF the United
for its organization and distribution upon Congress
II is quite fair conclude that no arrangement of the
judicial power would be suffered to remain that
seriously incommoded the enforcement OF these mea
power under its present organization is adequate 20
afford substantial relief In the existing emergency
If the opinions OF the courts were as taVorable a
regard It as an inexorabe factithat there is nc
military bills that will have any other operation
than to increase the existing anarchy. -,
States with large EXCEPTIONS the means OF restoring
the supremacy OF civil order and 70 terminate tht
conditons are harsh and rigorous: that they violate
the fundamental law of the United States and tina
thew promise for the future much OF insecurity ant
instability. But these admissions do not change tn
aspect Of the question as now presented nor Go the
measures open 10 them that Will best promote th'
the ',Sneient aud honorable who have
Interest in the permanent welfare OF these Southern
States-those who are mindful Of their honor, AM
would advance their prosperity and happiness-thos
whom the inspired prophet denominates as TN
a pnno of daCOQteQt,