Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-06-11
PUBLIC LEDGER.
LETrrR FROM THE HON. A. h.
6rEpHENS.

Alexander II. Stephens, of Georgia,
has q letter in one of the washington
papers to-day, in reply to some criticisms
on his history of the rebellion. He takes
a very gloomy view of the situation, and
argues that we are drifting into CONSOLE
dation and empire Nothing, he says,
can nreyent the final establishment OF
imperialism but determined effort on
the part of the people to preserve Tree
institutions. The remedy, be Gays, is
not in secession. That was tried and
found insufficient; it must be at the bal
iot-box. He calls upon the people OF the
seyeral States to seriously consider
whether they viii maintain free institu-
tons or accept imperialism.
The gentleman whose name heads this
article is the distinguished statesman
from Georgia, we'll remembered as the
Vice-President of the late Confederate
States. The fact that the empire is COM
ing has forced itself upon the attention
of this wise old sage, who proclaims 1t
to the people, as is seen in the above ex'
tract, taken from his own published let
ter. We are not one Of those who are
inclined 10 take gloomy view OF the
coming government but recognize 1T as
the harbinger of peace and glorious pros
perity that must some day dawn upon
the land.
We are not drifting, but have already
drifted into consolidation, which was the
result of the Northern States breaking
down and di,carding States rights, the
fundamental principle of our American
Government. When the Federal Gov
eminent attempted and did coerce the
Southern States into submission after
the act of secession, then these States
ceased to have any independent powers
left, and became consolidated
territory, subject to the will OF Con-
gress. Then the gentleman from Geor-
gia might say that Congress assumed
Temporary conirol, only that the States
might again be restored to their ancient
rights 10 the Union. This was proclaimed
by the conquerors Of the South. But was
the Federal Government in earnest 10 as
suming the authority only that the Fed
ersi Union might be preserved intact as
established by our fathers What is the
situation of Mr.. Stephens own State
of Georgia at this timer We know that
It passed through ell the gradatious OF
reconstruction after the war had
ceased, and was eventually declared
State in The Union. But
rs socn as the people had began
90 exercise the right of enacting laws and
regulating their own internal affaifs. as
was thought they had right to do. Con.
eress declared the State out of the Union
again, or virtually did SO, BY refusing
her representation in that body. Read,
for instance, special dispatch TO the
Courfer-Josrnal of June l0:h, headed
"The Status of Georgia" which says:
lis stated that ia the Cabinet meeting
ves:erday, among the matters discussed
was the status Of Georgia. Attorney
General Hoar submitted the general
scope-of his slows thereon as basis OF
his opinion, called for by the President,
aud the latter made sose suggestions for
the consideration Of Mr.. Hear What
was the fnai conclusion has nos dens-
pired.
Is it not strange that The status Of this
State is yet unknown to The President
aud bis Cabinet, aud that. toe. after Il
has been declared by Congress as part
of the Federal Union It looks as though
Congress assumes the right to declare g
State in or out Of the Union, whenever
it suits the occasion To do 30. This is
absolute and diclatorisl power superior
to any yet attempted to be expressed in
this country since the FIRST establishmeu at
of the old Government We are moi
drifting, but have gone into the mos
complete despotisn that was ever i'm
posed upon a free people. The peop''
10 the reconstructed States are not per
nitted to regulate their domestic affairs
according to their own wishes, but a
dictated and willed BY Ramp Congress
If Mr. Stephens will suggest hOE RnI
when The people may stop thes'
rand strides toward consolidation
we and The entire country woul
listen with the most profound re
spect. The distinguished ex-Yice Pres
dent replies that Il must be done By lh
people at the baIIoi-box. But viii it b
done in this manner That is the CUES
ton. The cause Of the ruling party, nc
longer than last fall, in the Presidentia
contest, was fully endorsed BY larg
majority ofthose who have control OF ih
State. Then, if the North is in favor Q
this consolidation, whst'power is left i
the land 10 prevent il The South is M
ahls IN resist the torrent that OF necessit