The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-03-27
General Longstreet's Views.

The letter of General Lo%NGsTREET to
the New Orleans Times is a very plain and
straightforward statement ofthe situation OF
the South and its proper policy-indeed, the
only course left it. Military commanders,
who ore presumed to be men of chivalry
and honor, and not prepared to do any,
thing to compromise either, are neverthe-
less practical in all cases where an issue is
made up. Have you power to resist
Have you men, money, and stores? If
you have these, fight if you have not, why
submit frankly and manfully. This is the
sentiment of the soldier. He don't under
stand alteration and defamation at such
a time-he looks upon it as no better than
an old woman's scolding. AS far as we
have heard, the prominent military men
are very nearly unanimous in their
opinion hat the South should conform to
the Sherman law. 1t is no inconsistency
in those who refused to do what they were
at liberty to do or not to do that they pro-
coed afterwards to do that same thing
when forced upon them. The Sherman
law without the supplemental bill was as
much a law of force as it is now, with it.
Therefore, not knowing that that supple
mental bill would pass, the Virginia Sc
nate was right in proceeding to comply
with the law. The passage Of the supple
mental bill rendered unnecessary the com
pletion of what the Legislature had begun,
as it provides a machinery which super.
sedes the legislative action, and saves us
from all doubts and the dangero of "running'
two conventions. This is gratifying, but
in no wise impeaches the wisdom or inte-
gritty of the initial step taken by the Sc
nate, which, in the absence of the supple
mental bill, was absolutely necessary to
save the State from trouble and danger by
reserving in the hands of the real people OF
Virginia the direction of the perilous
proceeding of calling the convention and
modifying the Constitution.
There are still some editors who are
quarrelling with the Senate and the press
for precipitancy, and for not waiting fol
something to turn up. They will quiet
down after awhile. They cannot stop in
the midst of the column that is swept
along by force to a certain destiny. Mad
at the situation, they may fret and quarrel
with those nearest them, who can no more
stop than can they themselves, but after a
time they will give up scolding and get OF
very well.
The following is General L~oNGsTREET's
brief and forcible letter
"NEw ORLEANS, March Is, 1867.
"In your paper of yesterday you have
expressed a desire to hear the views o
several gentlemen upon the political condi
ton OF the country. i find my name men
toned among the list, and proceed with.
ont hesitation to respond. As have never
applied myself to politics, | cannot claim
to speak TO the wise statesmen OF the coun-
try who are devoting their energies to the
solution Of the problem which agitates the
public mind. / can only speak the plain,
honest convictions of o soldier. 1t can
hardly be necessary, at this late day, to
enter into a discussion of matters that are
usually brought up in arguing upon the
proposed plan for reconstructing the
Government. Indeed, / think that
many of them are not pertinent t.
the question. The striking feature, and
the one that our people should keep in
view, is that we are a conquered people.
Recognizing this fact fairly and squarely,
there is but one course left for wise men to
pursue, and that is to accept the terms
that are now offered us by the cOnquerors.
Ihere can be no discredit to.a conquered
people Tor accepting the conditions offered
ny tne'r cohqaerors, nor is there any occa-
SION lot q feeling OF humiliation. We made
an honest, and | hope l may saw a cred;ts-
BILE, hight but We have lost. Let ms come
forward then, and accept the ends involveS
In the struggle. Our people earnestIv de-
sire that the constitutional povernmant
shall be reastablisbed and the on,v maons
to accomplish this is TO comn,y with shs
requirements Of the recent cororsSs;oan,
legislation. 1t is said by some that Tna
gress viii not receive us even af,ar !. I'm
complied with their conditions hn, = ass
find no sufficient reason for enterta;n;n,
this proposition for a moment. / canno
admit that the representative men Of
great nation could make such a pledge Il
bad faith. Admitting, however, that Their,
Is such a mental reservation, can that b
any excuse for us in failing to discharg
our dutyf Let US accept the terms, as W,
are IN duty bound to do, and IL there Is
lack Of good faith, let 1t be upon others
Very respectfully. yony ohedient servant