The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-28

Letter from General L0ngstreet on Topics
Important TO the Southern People.

From the Atlanta (Ga.) New Era, Dec. 24.l
Below we publish letter addressed by General
James Longstreet TO citizen OF this state, in which
the war horsc OF Lees army calmly and clearly sets
forth his upon political matters. We hope our
readers win peruse the letter carefully that they NAV
fully understand the precise views entertained by
this renowned and much abused gentleman
LYNCnBURG, Va, Nov. "a, $685.
MY DEAR SIR-Your letter OF the Goth ult., after
following me to various points, reached me. Now,
mind IL prepared TO accept opinions that are most
likely III their application TO develop and advance
men seem to have lost sight OF tEe fnndamenIaI
doctrne-the interest OF the peoplen their zeal to
maintain their ideas OF consistency, which consists
In adhering TO old truths whether they work for
veal or for VICE.
regret that am not better prepared to meet
your wishes for information in regard to the future
policy OF our new President. Although have mad
the pleasure OF several interviews with him within
the last few years have not sought to learn his APP
probation OF political questions OF the present the
future. regard his past course and decided charac-
ter as the surest guarantees OF his future The
floating idea that has attached itself TO the minds OF
the many tnat he may yet prove to be democrat Is
Ike manyother specuiatlons that gain circulation and
credence, but only serve TO deceive those who are
creduous enough 10 indulge them. IL we recall TO
mind the events or the last two years we shall re-
member that General Grants position ut one time
was such as TO Insure his nomination for President
by the party that might choose most In accord
with hrs views OF public policy, aud subsequent
events Indicate that his personal popularity such
as 10 have turned the balance In his IL seems
TO me unreasonable therefore, to expect to find him
1T this late day seeking alliance with the old party.
u
and as such he gives assurances OF his adhesion to
the party whose basis Is the Unou and that the in
nuence OF ms administration will be applied to Its
complete and prosperous restoration.
far-minded people must know, however, that
no individual unaided can accomplish this great
purpose. He must needs have the assistance OF the
North, OF the South, OF the East and OF the West.
Having assurances OF cooperation from other parts
OF the country be only wants, that OF the South to
complete the combination which will give TO his adj.
ministratlon happy advent and comfortable antici-
pations OF Its salutary progress.
m nQ Iaaffb a nntf, da,tr
construction there can be no doubt but IL seems to
be difficult TO develop that sentiment so as to pro-
into which chance seems TO have thrown me begin
70 nnd myself, IKE many others, ready with my
theory. As y may interest you give you a concise
useful you are at liberty TO DO so:-
The wealth OF the South lies In It's soil.
II TINS proposition - true It's sequents are equally
l. Labor Ia essential to make that wealth available
2 TO command labor laws must encourage and
protect ".
Also their cosequents.
TO encourage aud invite labor evidences OF protec
ti0n must be made manifest through the operation
OF law upon the labor that we have
Hence IL appears that the value Of our lands de.
pends upon our laoor our labor upon the law and
fore, TO enact and enforce proper laws viii be as
fatal 70 the interests OF the owners OF real estate as
do IL TO avail ourselves Of the only means by when
we may avoid serious depreciation OF our material
interests. That II, this win be the practical result
OF reconstruction. under national Legislation, upon
our interests, 1he moving cause OF that legislation
probably vas security for the future.n Here we
may discover the line that should mark our conpec
ton with reconstruction II begins and ends in our
care Tor home Interests. II viii I've time enough to
begin TO look into the future when we have provided
for the present.
The politicians OF the old school seem anxious to
impress upon the minds OF our young men the i'm
portance ofrsjectng all proportions coming from the
republican party. or else they dishOnor their own
blood and the blood OF their fallen comrades. But
gentlemen should remember that they only dishonor
their comrades when they dsnonor themsev YES aud
that there cannot be dishonor In ready obedience TO
law and proper care for our own welfare. On the
contrary to discard the law and expose ourselves TO
unnecessary difficulties IL akin TO dishonor. IL
Is true that many worthy persons are disfranchised
under the law but the readlest and surest means OF
relief are through the law.
conclude, therefore, that interest and duty and
honor demand that we should place ourselves In a
condition TO support the laws OF Congress. When
we have done so we shall receive abundanty OF helm
RON The Executive and from the other members VI
the government. remain, very truly, yours,
JAMES LONGSTREET.
Mr.. john H. DENT, Cave Spring, Ga.