Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-09-11

vised, the people Of the South entertain no un-
friendly feeling toward the government of the
United states, but they complain that their
rights under the Constitution are withhold fron,
them in the administration thereof
The idea that the southern people are hostile
to the negroes, and would oppress them If n were
in their power to do so, is entirely unfoundeI
They have grown up in our midst and we have
been accustomed from childhood to look upon
them with kindness. The change in the rela-
tons Of the two races has wrought no change in
our feelings toward them. They still constitute
tne important part Of our laboring population.
Without their labor the lands Of the Soutb
would be comparative unproductive, and without
the employment which southern agriculture af-
fords they would be destitute of the means Of
subsistence and become pauptrs, dependent on
public bounty. Self-interest, even if there were
no higher motives would therefore prompt the
whites Of the South to extend to the negroes care
ana protection. The important fact that the two
races are, under existing circumstances neces-
sary TO each other, Is gradually becoming ap-
parent to both, and we believe that but for the
influences exerted to stir up the passions Of the
negroes the relations of the two races would som
ADJUST themselves on basis of mutual kindness
and advantage. Il is true that the people of the
South together with the people Of the North and
west are for obvious reasons opposed to any svS-
TEN Of laws which would place the political
power of the country in the hands Of the negro
race, but this opposition springs from no feeling
OF enmity, but from deep-seatei conviction
that at present the negroes have neither the in
teligence nor the other qualifications which are
necessary to make them safe depositaries of poli-
teal power. They would inevitably become the
victims Of demagogues who for selfish puru.se-
would mislead them, to the serious injury Of the
public.
The great want Of the south is peace. The peo-
pie earnestly desire tranquility AMI the restar,,
ton Of the Union. They deprecate disorder and
excitment as the most serious otsticl. To- their
prosperity. They ask a restouration Of their
rights under the Constitution ; they desire relief
from oppressive misrule above al they would
appeal To their countryueu for the re-est.hlish-
ment in the southern states Of that which has
justly been regarded as the brthright Of every
American-the right Of seIf-goyerumeui E.rl-
blish these on 4 firm basis. and We can safely
promise on behalf Of the southern people. ,h.it
they will faithfully obey the Cousti.uton and
laws Of the United State, treat the ue.,ro., with
kindness and humanity, and fulfil every duty
incumbent on peaceful citizens, loyal to the Cons
titution OF their country
We believe that the above contains a ,us.in,t
reply 90 the general topic. embraced in YOUR let
ter, and we venture 10 -ly, on behalf OF the
southern people, and Of the officer, and soldiers
of the late confederate army, that they viii ..n-
eur in all the sentiments which We hay. cx.ra--
sed. Approaching the patriotic motive wL,h
have prompted your letter, and reciu~,-arIug
your expressions Of kind regarl, We have The
honor to be.
Very respectfully and truly,
RoREEr T. LIZ