The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1868-05-05
"A PROCLAMATION of War by the Rebel
Leaders against Rem blieansI

ged in business, makes the following procla-
nation: O.
We must taboo and ignore all apostates
10 their color and kindred. We must give
the preference, in all our business transac
hons, to merchants, traders. mechanics, and
laborcrs who stood by their race and friends
In the late struggle"
An appeal like the above strikes at the
very root of business and destroys all con-
hdence between men of opposite parties. 1t
Is proclamation of social and business
var without regard to race
N" one deplorcs the condition of the
country more than we do. But the re-
sponsibility for existing distresses and for
tins spirit OF prescription is not with u.s.
Inc Republicans have simply carried out
their political principles. They have done
THIS at the call of the nation, as the only
means OF restoring permanent civil govern
menf for the good of all, and they have been
actuated by charity to all, and by malice
towards none" Many of the people of the
State are in deep distress Thousands are
pennlless and breadless, without employ
ment, and with no prospect of employ
ment. Hundreds are in starving condition
Every good citizen should exert himself
unoer such circumstances to allay strife, to
Danish resentment, to heal the wounds of
war, and to encourage the people of all
classes and colors to improve their conGi-
ton. Confidence between man and man,
instead of being still further impaired
should be strengthened in every practicable
way. The starving should be cared for, no
matter what may have been their political
views or course, and labor should lie en-
couraged without regard to the political
status of those who may ask for labor. The
writer of this has been in public life twenty
five years. He has been, for most of this
time, decided partizan, and has given en-
ploymcnt to scores of voters; yet he has
never even asked one of his employees how he
was going to vote, and he has never proscr1-
bed or punished an employee for voting his
honest sentiments. But this should not
prevent him from protecting his friends, nor
from retaliating in just and manly way on
those who would refuse labor to man, or
starve the poor on account of their political
opinions.
The Rebels have the advantage just now in
the ownership of the lands and in the means
of business that enable them to give employ
ment to labor. 1t seems they are determin-
ed to avail themselves of this advantage
without regard to consequences by sys-
TEN of prescription towards their opponents
the most cXacting and merclcss in its char
actcr. Their minds are clearly and finally
made up to this course. We regret it, but
it is 81. Ii we could alter it, we would Ii
we thought any appeal from us would move
them VIC would make it, but we feel sure it
would not.
What then2 AU political 1oo,cer in this
State trW soon pass into Republican hands.
We shall soon have all the prestige, all the
patronage, and all the power of the nation
al and State governments on our side. We
mnst protect ourselves. A savage war.
which would scourge honest labor from
fields and workshops, and from domestic
and public employment, on account of polit-
ical opinions honestly entertained and hon
estIy voted, must he met in a. spirit Of just,
erncting, persistent retaliation. If Repubi-
cans, whether humble or exalted, are ta-
booed and ignored" they must do the same
in return. If the savage makes war upon
you with the tomahawk and scalping knife,
you must fight him with the same weap-
ons, or expect to he destroyed. Rcpubli
cans must also give the preference in trade
and business to their own friends. Every
Office and every employment, from the low
est to the highest, must be in Republican
hands. No man who is not an open
and avowcd Republican must be per
mitted to eat crust of bread from
Town, County, or State Treasury.
Every social, every pecuniary, every indus
to augment and exalt the Republican party,
and to depress and destroy the Rebel party.
The militia must be organized and placed
solely in loyal hands. The Justices of the
Peace soon TO he appointed by the Govern
or, must all be fire tried Republicans. Tax
es must be levied to support those who are
starving. 1t is true. they will fall equally on
the Republicans and the Rebels, but the for
mer will have all the offices, will handle the
taxes, will hold. the reins of government
and thus they will not feel this pressure as
their Rebel enemies will. Public works
must be undertaken, which will give en-
ployment to surplus loyal labor. The
national government will step in to aid the
State, in this work of protecting and uphold
ing the laborlng, worthy poor of both races.
And in these ways, and in every conceiva
ble way that is just and honorable, Republi-
cans will he protected and sustained in this
savage war which is waged upon them by
the Rebel leaders and these latter, instead
of profting or prospecting by the unchristian
course they have adopted, will find in the
end that their only reward has been the
bitter ashes of revenge. We know there
are some high-minded, honorable men,
identified with this very wicked Rebel party,
who do not sanction this course, but whose
feelings revolt against it. We say to these
A. IO,l,