Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-02-07
For the Journal.


GoIpsBoRo', n. c., Jan. %, 1868.
Who can look at the deplorable condi-
ton of the South without blushing with
shame and indignation It is hard for our
proud hearts to be so condescending and
obsequious as to endure the insults AID
abuses that are heaped upon us by our
merciiess persecutors-to submit quietly to
negro domination. To have race Of in
ferior human beings controlling the gov.
eminent of the country, for there is some
probability of its being SO. But we are
powerless. We are in chains. Instead Oh
inaugurating a wise and couciliatory policy
for the reconstruction Of the States---in-
stead of healing the wounds that were made
and are still bleeding still per
sists III their illicit and cruel course to
humiliate and degrade US; and endeavor to
facilitate the tagging energies of our peo-
pie. In their zeal to retain their power
they seem TO be devoid of humanity. Yes,
all fraternal feeling has left them. They
no longer look upon us as brothers, emit
tied to the same immunities that they en-
Joy. They delight in our misfortunes.-
With sardonic grins they look upon our
helplessness. Nothing can dissuade them
from their course-not even the polite
monitions of our worthy Chief Magistrate.
They have usurped the power, the author
ity vested in him, and are constituting the
laws and the Constitution to suit them
selves, and carry out their own evil de-
signs. They are full Of party spleen and
malignity, even to safety. 70 accomplish
their ends they would see the odoriferous
~ negro elevated above Us. They would
multiply our sufferings. They would
scourge us without remorse. They would
detrude and degrade us. They would re-
duce us to abject penury. They would see
want, disgrace and ruin rife in the land -
They are inexorable. They are deaf to the
plaintive voice Of pity.
Oh my country, unhappy South how
long will you be chastised ? When rill
reason return to tbs eXasperated Gends
who hold the reins Of power? You have
drank of the cup OF umiliation--Subn1iS-
sion. You have accepted the situation"
You have 'lostsproperty, power; yes, all,
save IiOuOl. LOU nave 5udlCIGu lldG from
the debris, the ruin OF your country, un-
furnished.
What other sacrifices do our conquerors
demand Have they not satiated, glutted
themselves with vengeance Is their cry
yet to be ruin. destruction? Why are they
SO dilatory about admitting us into che
councils OF the nation? Columbia is anx-
iuus to embrace her daughters, and receive
them again into the family circle. Why
defer the meeting, the reunion Why +?
why does tyranny scoff at reason and JUS
tice Because It has the power to do it,
Congress has the power, and they cling to it
with voracious pertinacity. Aud they will
continue to exercise it un;il the people rise
in their might and protest agajnstit "The
roice Of Tie people must be obeyctl' How
long will this duality continue just as
long as the people submit to it.
Come, freemen Of the North come, at
tired in the habiliments OF peace and friend
ship. Come, grasp your fallen brothers by
the hand and lift them from degradation
and shame. Let our minds be unbiased
by party differences Let US act in concert
and combine our energies. With the Cop
stitution for our chart letus launch out upon
a new career of national glory, actuated by
true and patriotic principles. Let us bury
past animosities and raise a monument
over those cemented by our friendship
and let it stand an emblem of our great
ness, a terror to tyrants, and wonder to
the world. LlGHTHEART.