The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-07-17
LET Us BE up AND DOING.

What We want most at this present moment,
is peace In this all agree; however We may
differ as to the means best adapted for the
speedy attainment of that boon. There ought
to be by rights, no such difference, as our duty
is very plain. When the war closed, we were
left at the mercy of the conquering power, and
we are still at the mercy Of that power. There
is, therefore, at this time, it seems to us, no
question more impracticable, and in certain
sense injurious, than continued harping upon
and criticising of the action Of Congress, daily
iteration of old and hackueyed phrases, that
such and such an act of Congress is unconsti-
tutional that Secession is at last triumphant ;
that the legislation of Congress has by impli-
cation, at least, acknowledged the right of se-
cession, etc., etc. The mooting Of such topics
at this time, can subserve no good purpose.
Nor is this ALL 1t is positively hurtful, in that
it keeps alive spirit of irritation and dissat-
isfaction, and however little such may be the
design, the effect is that it will generate per-
sistent though tscit opposition to the measures
of reconstruction. This is very much to be
regretted.
Already we see the effect such teaching has
had in those States whsre registration has
been in progress, and in some even concluded.
In Louisiana, we, find the negroer hrgely in
excess, because they availed themselves of the
privilege of registration, whereas thousands of
the whites, foolishly and culpably, disdained to
have their names recorded. Weak and short
sighted policy. There is not one who thus
trifes with his birthright who will not bitterly
repeut it. If they injured themselves alone,
we should let it pass. But this is not the case
In sta5ing away from the Office of registration,
they hot only lose sight Of their own interests,
but, i'm, like manner, of those of their friends
and fsileY-citizens, of their State and their
country. This no man has right to do. He
may exile himself, if he so desires. But, as
long as he remains in o community, he owes q
duty to it, the performance Of which society
has right to demand.
Such duty at this time is registration; and
we mention this now, in advance Of the sitting
of the Boards in this Military District, and
shall frequently recur to the subject, that our
people may be reused to its Importance. In
Georgia and Virginia the case has been similar
to what we stated above of Louisiana. This
could not have been the case if there was not
either great apathy on the matter, or positive
opposition to the present scheme Of reconstruc-
ton.
What better means Of escape from our
present difficulties is proposed by those who
oppose the congressional plant We mean
what better scheme, likely to be carried into
effect None whatever. Considerations OF
therefore, no less than Of duty
demand of all Of us, to submit, with dignity
and fortitude, to the requirements Of the Con-
gressional enactments. Any relief from our
present disabilities must come from the peo-
pie of, the North. Our cha6ng and champing
will only make matters worse-has already done
So. It is for us, in this exercise of the high
est practical wisdom, to make the most Of
things as we fud them, and not to exhibit an
impotent and childish frenzy because things
are not as they were or as wc would have
them. Let us be men let us be practicable.
Let us exercise the same common sense here
that we bring to bear upon our daily busi-
ness. Our fortunes are shattered enough
already. let us not shiver them utterly by
rushing upon impossibilities.