The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1869-09-02
galitits aud Mews,
Dangers to be Avoided.

Dangers to be Avoided.
In the upheaval of political and social
elements consequent to long war and
incident to the reorganization of nation
al elements, there arc certain dangers to
bs avoided. Especially is it so in vast
country like ours, Inhabited by peoples al.
most as distinct in their personal and ma
tional characteristics ae if they had
sprung from different races. In the game
of "stoop to conquer" which the weaker
party is sometimes compelled to play, the
greatest circumspection should be used.
lest it should undergo some moral meta
morphosis in the course of the contest
that shall seriously impair its native force
and character.
Our friends in Virginia, Tennessee,
Mississippi and Texas-we call them 80
because no man will dare question their
integrity and devotion to the South
have found it necessary, in order to re-
cover their rights as freemen, to form for
the time being political union with men
with whom they do not agree upon the
questions that have of late agitated the
country In other words, they have
agreed to suspend tor the time their hon.
est convictions of public policy, that they
may regain their liberty and pat them
selves in position to be seen and felt in
the great movements of government.
They. do not sacrifice those convictions,
but simply agree to make them practl-
cal effect in the Government. They are
Just and true in theory and vindicated by
all experience, and as such the day for
their resurrection may be looked for
with confidence. There is nothing any
clearer than the proposition that this
Government cannot be successfully ad
ministered upon the principles laid down
by the radical party. They contain with
in themselves inherently the elements OF
disintegration and final expulsion. 1t is
not our purpose now to elaborate them.
But while true Southern men thus
unite for q great public purpose with
those who agree with them on certain vi
tai points, and differ on many others,
they should be careful that the character
of the union be clearly understood BY
themselves as we'll as by others. Assimila-
ton is q principle of human nature
When once in association with men, we
are apt to adopt their vices as we'll as
their virtues. What may now appear op-
posed to all correct views of reason and
right, may through familiarity, appear in
time less odious, if not positively tolera-
BILE. This result is to be guarded against
as we value our character and our peace.
We want no Northern isms and hcresles
engratted upon Southern stocks. Above
all things, we should shun what they
boasting ly denominate "New England
civilization" as the greatest enemy to
truth and our own happiness. Ii we
yield temporarily to false theories and
principles, let it only be that they may
have full scope to work out their utter
destruction. Such is the destiny of error
of every sort. Experience is the great
test of truth and eliminator of facts from
flllacies.
In the second place, let Southern men
guard we'll those distinctive characters
ties that have always drawn q broad line
between them and the people of the
North and made the former, as people.
despite their faults, the admiration of the
world. That lofty independence of char
acter, that love of truth, that chivarous
spirit that will do and dare anything for
the right, that contempt tor everything
that is mean and selfish and groveling
that proud sense of equality with the
highest and magnanimous respect for the
weak and lowly-let these noble traits OF
Southern character be guarded as a re-
ligious trust of which neither overawing
power nor subtle temptation can ever de-
Drive US. Mover sink your identity with
imer who were never your equals in the
field or council, and who were cowardly
enough to Cypress you after you had laid
down your arms.
We advocate hate for no man or people;
wo condemn and eschew the vices and fol-
lies of the North. The fortunes Of war
have decreed that we live together, and
we would do SO in peace, and even in
friendship so far as we may be allowed !;
but we protest against the surrender OF
Southern tone and character, and the
transplantation of New England theories
and sentiments in Southern soil. The
dav we do either we shall be doomed
Savannah Republican.
Cu.,,p1oN FARNER.-We often hear