The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1867-03-30
Timely Letter from Hon. James
Pheian.

We publish below a letter from the
Hon. James Phelan on the question of
the day. 1t is timely, frank and ex-
plicit In a few pointed sentences, the
whole problem of our duty is demon
strated. He counsels the South to ac-
ccpt the terms rendered by Congress,
and thus to save something from the
wreck of our principles; otherwise
all may be lost. He evidently builds
no hope upon the interposition Of the
Supreme Court which many well mean
ing persons really appear to think will
afford the looked for salvation:
ABERDEEN, MISS, March 25 1867.
Messrs. ". q. Taylor, Joshua Green, s. C.
Farrdr, and Others.
GENTLEMEN: You request, for publica-
ton nv views of the course of action,
proper to be adopted in regard to the re-
cent action of Congress, etc.
| deem il unnecessary to be elaborate.
4 statement of my position may suffice.
an pOlC IN fdrOr ~ accepting the terms
rendered bg Congress, as conditions pre-
into the Union. The reason for this, course
would seem to be as palpable as it Is I'M
ansWerable The action required, is no
longer presented as dR dHerRdttre. What
we are asked 10 do is already substantially
done. We are permitted If We choose, to
assist in investing it with proper form.
Something NAV be gained by acquieSence.
| do not perceive that anything cam by
possibility, be lost. It is very certain that
irreparable loss may be sustained by sullen
refusal 4 participation in the tormali-
ties proposed, is no impeachment OF our
patriotism, or pToStration of our Self-re-
spect. No tair-minded foreigner, or nation.
conVersanU with our past history and
present miSfortuneS, viii ever so regard
Il. So long as sacrifice and endurance
may establish or preserve sacred priuci-
pie of individual or national honor-or
prevent the perpetration of wrong-it is
but a manly and heroic ffTRReSS. Ito suffer.
and be strong" When. however, an eX-
tremity is reached at which all reasonable
hope expires, of preserving the principle
or preventing the wrong farther resist
ance may even become criminal; .iyu9HeSS
degenTates into ohStiRdcg, and passion, de-
throning the judgment, prompts 20 deeds,
violative Of the dictates of that just pru-
dence involved in the law of Self-pTeser-
walton. Let those who oppose all partici-
nation by the good and true men of Mis-
SiSsippi in the measures shortly 10 be in-
aueurated among us, invoke all their wis
dom. Should their opposition be ehectual.
in shielding our Frustrated State from the
Head of wars" predicted by Others not
so wise, but equally sincere. They assume
solemn responsibility. God grant them
success in their opposition il their counsel
is for the best. But | cannot agree with
them. discern evil, and only evil, wheth-
er they succeed or fail in the policy which
they defend. / do not doubt that their
counsellings will be unheeded. But any
divisions among US in this perilous crisis
of our fate are 10 be deplored. They may
furnish pretexts for further misrepresen-
tation and oppression, when more kind
" recognition is TO be expected, and the
fulfiIlment of promises demanded. But
am writing more than l designed. five
are wise and just and forbearing lin
weathering this stormy eape,s have hope
that our now wrecked and stranded vessel,
in some coming time, may yet float upon
broad, deep and tranquil sea.
Approaching your complimentary re-
quest. l remain, very respectfully,
JAMES PHELAN.