The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-10-25
Prosperity or Ruin.

1 ,f' 4AVSRVlASy VA AssAs
4 It is apparent that the condition of thu
South, financially and politically, is fas
improving. The question is, shall that con
dition continue, or shall it give place t.
widespread ruinf
Most persons would at first sight answer
in favor of the former of these alternatives
1t when you come to explain to some O
them the means necessary to its realization
they would hesitate at what they might bs
\ pleased to consider the sacrifice.
We say that improvement at the South
is evident. The,cotton and sugar crops o.
this region show that agriculture is rapidly
assuming much higher character thar
it had before the war. The provision
crop is also great advance over old Gus.
toms. The South is becoming self sustain
ing, notwithstanding the Reorganization Of
labor. Necessity is the mother of inven-
| ton, and the poverty of the people has
taught them expedients and inclined them
to economies that they formerly secuted
This skill and economy are the real basis
of prosperity, and with peace, our farming
population must increase with unparalleled
rapidity in wealth, numbers and consequent
power.
Politically there is as marked an improve
ment. The Southern States are recognized
as being in the Union they will have
their representatives. in Congress, and
though many of those representatives may
misrepresent their constituents at first, yet
the grand point is carried. What becomes
q fixed fact out of respect to carpet-bag
interests, will remain in force after the
people resume local preponderance. Louis
lana, for instance, being recognized on the
same footing as Massachusetts, with the
same status in Congress and in court, be-
cause Warmoth is Governor and Radi-
cal majority in the Legislature, could not be
ruled out if an old resident should be elect
Governor next time, with . Democratic
majority in the Legislature.
Besides this there is manifest subsidence
ofthe war tide. Until very recently the feel
ing Of hostility to us was as strong among
our quondam enemies as during the actual
conflict. In fact, it was expecting too much
Of human nature to suppose that a triumph
ing section, which had been put to so much
expense and loss as the North, which had
only succeeded after several long years Of
doubtful, often almost hopeless struggle,
and which had, been educated SO thoroughly
by that war in feelings of distrust and hos
tility, should Instantly, after it's cessation,
hold out the hSnd of reconciliation to foe
yet grim with the marks of strife, and
should repose childlike confidence in the
loyalty of so formidable an antagonist.
Now, however, social feeling is subsid-
ing into it's old channels. Excitement is
its accustomed party antago-
nisms, and to the same extent sectional an
is being lost sight of. The peo-
pie of the North are beginning to conceive
the idea that the war is really over, and,
what is of equal impo1 lance, they are get
ting heartily tired of the distrust and stag
nation, caused by the quasi war, hitherto
kept up.
Locally, too, the political aspect is far
better. We have found Radical legislation
not SO overwhelming as was expected.
Many of the worst features proposed were
rejected, either through a remnant of con-
servatism in one or both of the houses of the
or by means of the Governors
veto. 1t is not only uncharitable but child
ish to think men wholly bad because their
sense of honor is dull, or to suppose our
selves much better than other people, even
if they are adventurers. The Governor
has, in several instances. exercised his veto
power most judiciously, and ought to have
credit for it.
Moreover, our local opponents have to
contend with domestic element of their
own which must eventually lose them the
day. The ignorance and mental incapacity
of their colored allies and tools are such,
that mere human sagacity on the part of