The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1867-03-20
Letter from w. M. Garland, Esq.
SUMMIT, March ~, 1867.

quaintance l. ON yesterday, addressed yo
on the important question which is nov
agitating the public mind and requested ri
expression Of your opinion. In TINT CON
munication expressed the opinion that !
would be suicidal for the South to remain
longer inactive. That SO long as there wa
hope that the President could withstand tn
torrent of Radicalism that was sweeping
over the land, or that public opinion at TIL
North would DO aroused to do Justice to tn
South that we might remain quiescent
relying upon the Justice Of our cause bu
that now when the power Of the Presiden
to shield us was gone and tho last bulwark
Of the Constitution had been broken dow
by triumphant majority, that the sterr
necessity for tho South to take action wa
upon her and that she could not shrink from
meeting the issue without an abandonment
Of every hope for the future. In my lettOl
l expressed some lingering hope that tn,
President and the Supreme Court might yet
preserve some portion of the Constitution
and thus save the South from the humilia
ton Of negro suffrage; but the papers inform
us that an amendment has been made to tht
military bill which requires that unless tn,
States shall themselves have taken actor
that in next September our military rulel
shall order q registration Of the voters ant
hold an election, for members to Conven
tion. That the South is told that unless
she re-organize her Government upon tn,
plan and conditions prescribed by Congress
that under the power and dictation of mil
itary rule it will be done for her Reason
has been exhausted and justice has plead in
vain for reversal of this edict--a relentless
majority is marching to the accomplishment
ofits ends and the South has no power to
resist. Does not then the dictates of wisdom
yea more, the instinct Of selfpreseryation
prompt us to shake off our supineness and
five cannot save that Constitution which
is hallowed by all the memories of tho past
and sancti6ed by the blood and sutlerings OF
our forefathers, we may at least save some
cherished right and incorporate it in the
new government that is forced on us.
Negro suffrage is no longer debateable
question. Whether it is sanctioned by the
Constitution, whether it is in accordance
with the relation Of races, or whether 1t is
wise, are questions which we are no longer
allowed to discuss A majority in whose
hands are the destiny of our country de-
mands it, and are now marshalling its sol
diers to enforce it. But one alternative is
left the South, and shall she pause in adopt
ing itl know that the Southern mind re-
coils at voluntarily doing an act SO in con-
tiict with its reason and SO repugnant to its
feelings; but we are in duress, and it is not
for us to enquire what is right, or what is
in consonance with our feelings; but what
can we do to save some of the rights be-
queathed us by our forefathers-to still the
wailing cry that now means through our
land, and to leave to our children some hope
for the future. Let us calmly look at our
situation and reason together, and see if on
the dark waters that surround us there may
not be some white foam" to cheer us. As
yet but to limited extent prejudices and
feelings have been instilled into the negro,
which would efface and destroy the memory
of the relations heretofore existing with the
whites Is it not then wiser, while these
kindly feelings still linger around his heart,
to show him that we wish to do him ample
jnstice-to elevate him in the scale of hui
manity, and to lead him to his true interest
and happiness, and thus by the kindness
and Justice of our acts, show him that his
interest is identified with ours and that we
are his true friends Fix this as the basis
that is to exist between the two races, and
we may hope to return the poisoned chalice
10 the lips of those that prepared it for us.
Through it we may hope to regain our voice
Ind our influence in the councils of the ma
ton, and thus aid in shaping the Govern
nent to bring back to US some Of the
blessings which we have heretofore enjoyed.
But if we stubbornly remain inactive and
permit Northern fanaticism to shape our
lestiny, does not the lessons of the past tell
Is that every effort would DO used to array
he races against each other, and in the
and hostility thus produced, j the
'rostrtaion of the South and the humiliation
f the people would be effected Wiser
hen, would it be to endeavor to make the
egro understand his position, cnlighten his
and elevate his moral percep-
ions. Let this feeling of mutual dependence
Q instilled in him and when he goes to the
allot-box, he will seek counsel of those
yhom he has learned to regard as friends,
nd the South instead of finding it an ele-
lent of weakness, will gather strength from
he enlarged representation it will give her
4 the councils of the nation.
In adapting the organic law to the new
rider of things, l would not throw loose the
Gins; but would require in those who form
d and executed the laws, such an intellec-
nal culture that ignorance and its hand
raid vice, should not be found in the Halls |
Legislation or in the Courts of Justice
He who marks the phases of human exist
nee must be aware that the negro, unless
heltered by some kind and protecting hand
J rapidly passing away, and like the red
ian of the forest, the places that know him
,-day will soon know him no more. If /
therefore, the State is wise in its legislation
/ endeavoring to induce immigration. the
egro in few short years will form but an !
element in it's political condi-
on. Let not then our feelings throw too
ark cloud on the future, but let us calmly
OF boldly consider our situation aud wisely
nploy all the means it affords to restore us
, hope if not prosperity.
II is true some of the wisest and best of
lr men are excluded from participating in
le reorganization of the country for which
ley made SO many sacrifices but will our
'maining inactive and taking no part in
lie councils of the nation help them-is it
1t rather onr duty to endeavor to acquire
lch influence as to rescue their names and
do them justice.
Entertaining the views which have thus
ldeavored to express, cannot but think
at prudence and sound policy would urge
10 Governor to call the Legislature togeth-
so that the reorganization of the govern
emit may take place before the iron hand of
ilitary rule shall have demanded it of us. I
this matter think much of the veal or
De of the country depends upon the prompt
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