The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-01-06

His estimate Of Gen. GranEHis plan of
Reconstruction-The Laics Of Congress
should be supported.
Gen. james Longstreet has written the
following patriotic letter, which we copy
from the Atlanta (Ga.) New Era. 9'7 g
LYNcnBuRe, Va, Nov. "a My Dear SIR !.
Many of our Southern men seem to have
lost sight of the fundamental doctrine the
interest ct the people-in their zeal to main
tam their Ideas OF consistency, which con-
sIsts in adhcring to old truths whether they
work Tor veal or for woe. regret that
am not better prepared to meet your wishes
for information in regard to the future
policy of our new President. Although I
have had the pleasure of several interviews
with him, within the last few years, 1 have
not sought tc learn his appreciation of
political questions of the present or of the
future. regard his past course and de-
cided character as the surest guarantees of
his future course The floating idea, that
has attached itself to the minds of the many
that he may yet prove to be Democrat, is
like many other speculations that gain cir
cuIation and credence; but only serve to
indulge them. If we recall to mini the
events OF the last two years, we shall remem-
Der that Gen, Grants position at one time
was such as to insure his nomination for
President by the party that be might choose
as most in accord with his views of public
policy; and subsequent events indicate that
his personal popularity is such as to have
turned the balance in his favor. 1t seems
to me unreasonable, therefore, to expect to
find him, at this late day, seeking alliance
with the old party. His antecedents clearly
mark him as a National fr.,,, and of suef, he
gives assurance of his adhesion to the marty
whose basis is the Union, and that the in
huencc OF his administration will be applied
to its complete and prosperous restoration.
fair-mlnded 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 as
surances OF cooperation from other parts of
the country, he only wants that of the South
to complete the combination which will
give to his administration happy advent.
and comfortable anticipatious of its salutary
progress That the people of the South
desire practical reconstruction, there can he
no doubt; but it seems to be difficult to
develop that sentiment so as to produce
practical results. Drifting along in the
channel into which chance seems to have
thrown me. 1 begin to find myself, like
many Others. ready with my theory. As it
may interest you, give you concise state
ment of it. If yon find that you can make
it useful, you are at liberty to do SO The
wealth of the South lies inits soil. If this
is true, its sequents are equally
So
1. Labor is essential to make that wealth
available. To command labor, laws
must encourage and protect it. Also their
co sequents. To encourage and invite labor,
evidences of protection must be made mani
fest through the operation of law upon the
labor that we have. Hence, it appears that
the value of our lands depend upon our
labor, our labor upon the law, and the law
upon u.s. A failure upon our part, therefore,
10 enact and enforce proper laws, will be as
fatal to the interests of the owners of real
estate as confiscation. And yet, all that
Congress asks us to do is to avail ourselves
OF the only means by which we may avoid
serious depreciation of our material interests
That is. this will be the practical result of
uIIIcT UdtfUndf~ -fCs,fSfat1OD,
upon our interests The moving cause of
that legislation, probably, was security
for the future" Here me may discover the
line that should mark our connection with
1t begins and ends in our
care for home interests. 1t will be 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 Importance of rejecting all
propositions coming from the Republican
,arty, or else they hishonor their own blood,
md the blood of their fallen comrades.
}ut gentlemen should remember that they
My dishonor the comrades when they dis
onor themselves, and that there cannot be
shonored in ready obedience to law and a
roper care for our own welfare. On the
to discard the law and expose
urselves to unnecessary difficulties is near
kin to dishonor. 1t is true that many
'orthy persons are DISTINGUISHED under the
,w, but tue readiest and surest means of re-
eff are through the law. conclude, there
ore. that interest, and duty, and honor de-
land that we should place ourselves in
condition to support the laws of Congress.
When we have done so. we shall receive
of help from the Executive, and
rom the other members of the Government.
remain, very truly yours. ~ i--
sAe - JAMES LONGSTREET.
Mr.. John H. Dent, Cave Spring, Ga.
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