The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1868-10-10
The Feeling ait the south.

The telegraph has referred of late several times
to a conference at White Sulphur Springs, Nir-
ginia. between General Ro>ecrans and several of
the Generals and prominent men Of the South,
on the political feeling held by them on the great
questions of the day, but more especially on the
negro question. The correspondence between
the parties has been published and is quite
lengthy. General Rosecrans addresses General
Lee a letter asking his opinion on the present
state of affairs at the South. The reply, which
is dated August Goth, is written in n mild and
friendly spirit, and is worthy of being read. 1t
was signed by Generals Lee, Beauregard, Stuart,
Mr.. y. III. Stephens, and some twenty or thirty
other prominent Southerners. We quote the
more important part of this reply, which, if sin
Cere, as it no doubt is, must have a good effect
With this explanation We proceed TO give to You a candid
statement Of what We believe % be the sentiment Of the South
ever opinions may have prevailed in the past in regard to African
believe that we express the amos; unanimous Judgment of the
southern people when We declare that they consider that the
in god faith, to abide by that decision,
At the close Of the war, the Southern people laid down their
arms, and sought to resume their former relations with the
United States Government. Through their State Conventions
they abolished slavery, and annuled their ordinances of seoes-
sion, aud they returned 10 their Peaceful pursuits with IA sincere
purpose 10 fulfill all their duties under the Constitution Of the
United States, which they hAd sworn to support II their &C
lion in these particulars had been met in a spirit of ftAnkness
and CorUilltN, We belcNe nat erS low n Oh CltatlO
would have passed away, and the wounds Inflicted by the war
would have been in a great measure heated. A. far as We are
toward the Government Of the United States, but they complain
that their rights, under the Constitution, are withheld from
them in the administration thereof Their idea that the south
en people are hostile 10 the negroes, and would cppress them II
it we're in their power to do 50, is entirely uniounded- They
have grown up in our midst, and we have been accustomed
from childhood to look upon them with kindness The change
in the relations Of the two races, has wrought no change in our
feeling toward them. They stnl constitute the important part
the Souih woaId be comparatively uaTroiuctive. Without the
employment which southern agriculture affords, they would
- fwFa Of tha Means If mf-f..auT and lA-urna raur.ar-
M higher m NJ would. therefor. proasr, The whites Of he
South 10 extend 10 the negroes care and protection.
The important fact that the two races are, under existing
apparent to both, and We believe thar, hut Tor influence exertod
TO stir up the passions Of the negroes, the relations of the TWO
races would soon adjust themselves on a basis OF mutual kind
ness and advantage.
any system flaws which would place the political power of
springs from no feeling Il enmity, but from a deeIrseaied con-
or other qualifications which are necessary To make Them safe
repositories Of political power. They would inevitably become
mislead them, to the serious injury OF the public.
The great want Of the Souih Is peace. The people earnestly
desire tranquility and restoration Of the Union. They depre-
cate disorder and excitemen; Is the most serious obstacle 10
the Cons,ituti6n. They desire reIsi from oppressive misrule.
Above all, they would APPEAL TO their countrymen for the rees-
adjustment in the Southern States Of that which has Justly
been regarded ~ the birthrght Of every American, the right of
sefsoverunlent. Establish that on a firm basis, and We can
safely promise, on behalf Of the southern people, that they will
faithfully obey The Constitution and laws Of the Unitsi states,
treat the negro with kindness and humanity, and falhh every
duty incumbent on Peaceful citizens loyal TO the Constitution OF
their country"
While there is no doubt that this document has
been issued TO have an influence on the Presiden-
tial election, Yet it is believed that it expresses
the views of the more intelligent classes at the
South. The bitter and deadly hostility to the
black race which is springin z up there, andwhich
is destined to make trouble, prevails chiefly
among the more ignorant classes, such as are go
wildly oaricaturcd by Nasby'- keen pen.