Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1867-06-14

1'fAf%@NHN'N1
J. ar @. Parker, Esp:
MY DEAR SIR; Your esteemed favor of the |
10th ultmo was duly received. | was much |
pleased TO have the opportunity to hear
Senator Wilson, and was agreeably surprised
TO meet such fairness and irankness in
politician whom l have been taught TO be-
leve uncompromisingly opposed to the white
people of the South
have maturely considered your sugges-
ton to "wisely unite in efforts to restore
LOUISIANA to her former position in the
Union, through the party now in power"
My letter of the 9th of April, to which you
refer, clearly indicates desire for practical
reconstruction and reconciliation. Practical
men can surely distinguish between practical
reconstruction and reconstruction as an alb
stract question. l will endeavor, however,
with renewed energy, TO meet your wishes
in the matter. The serious difficulty that |
apprehend is the want of that wisdom which
is necessary for the great work. shall be
happy to work in any harness that promises
relief TO our distressed people and harmony
\ to the nation. 1t matters not whether bear
the mantle of Mr. Davis or the mantle of
MIR. Sumner, so that may help to bring the
glory OF peace and goodwill toward men.
shall set out by assuming Il proposition
that ! hold TO be selEevdent, viz The
highest of human laws is the law that is es-
tabished by appeal to arms
The great principles that divided political
parties prior to the war were thoroughly dis
cussed by our wisest statesmen. When ar
gument was exhausted, resort was had to
compromise. When compromise was un-
availing, discussion was renewed and ex-
pedients were sought, but none could be
found to suit the emergency. Appeal was
finally made 10 the sword, to determine
which OF the claims was the true construc-
ton of constitutional law. The sword has
decided in favor of the North, and what they
claimed as principles cease to be principles,
and are become law The views that we hold
cease to be principles because they are oppos-
ed TO law. 1t is, therefore, our duty to aban-
don ideas that are obsolete, and conform TO
the requirements of law.
The military bill and amendments are peace
offerings. We should accept them as such,
! and place ourselves upon them as the start
ing point from which to meet future political
issues as they arise.
Like other Southern men, naturally sought
I alliance with the Democratic party, merely
! because il was opposed to the Republican
. patty. But as far as l can Judge there is
A nothing tangible about it, except the issues
/ that were staked upon the war and there lost
G Finding nothing to take hold of except pre-
u iudice, which cannot be worked into gOOt
Ii for any one, it is proper and right that
should seek some standpoint from whiel
good may be done.
y If | appreciate the principles of the Demo
cratic party, It's prominent features oppose
y the enfranChisement of the colored man, ant
Z, deny the right to egslate upon the subiec
Il OF suffrage, except by the States individually
l. These two features have tendency to ex
y cude Southern men from that party; for TIL
u colored man is already eniranchised here
and we cannot seek an alliance with part!
IL thut XyOul1 restrict his rights The nXclu