Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1869-01-13
Reconstruction Considered as O Sue



Under this caption the Union and American of
the 9Th instant devotes nearly two columns Of loaded
matter in the attempt to dsprove the first resolu-
ton of the Chicago platform, which congratulates
the country upon the assured Of the recon-
struction policy of Congress" Examples of disor-
der crime and violence in Arkansas, Georgia South
Carolina and Virginia are quoted, with variations,
and high eoloring, and with abundance of er pGrte
testimony, to prove that instead of success that
policy has been an utter failure.
For the sake Of the argument, suppose we admit
that all these instances have occurred as detailed.
What then Are they justly attributable to the re-
construction policy of Congress to the inveterate
ncurAble nfernssm of those who persist in their
mad resistance 10 the laws and the public peace p
For be il understood once for all, that those who
complain of existing oppression, Of negro lawless
and of rights denied, not the loyal and law
abiding citizens. They are for the most part those
who, few years ago, we're either in arms against
she Government or were aiding and abetting the
sebe cause; and who determined that the "recon-
struction policy Of Congress shall not be a success
array themselves against its bengnant and generous
provisions in repeated acts of awlessness in mid
night raids of masked marauders in loud outcry
against Radical cruelty niger equality" high
taxes rapes and murders of innocent harmless white
persons by negroes.
But the selection of Georgia as an instance of the
failure of this Congressional policy is exceedingly
inappropriate for the Democrats of Georgia-after
the State Constitution had been adopted and while
8 State Government was in process of being orga-
nized under tin defiance of the very constitu-
tiona provisions under which they were organizing,
and in utter shameless disregard of the forbearance
and magnanimity of the colored man, by whose
votes or consent they were elected and held their
offices overturned the whole Congressional plan and
busted the men who were in the Legislature under
the provisions of that plan. Whatever lawlessnea
and outrage exist in Georgia may, therefore, be-
justly ascribed not to the Congressional plan but to
its oUerthro,s
So in Arkansas, Gov. Clayton tried mild methods
of governing these restless dsturbers of the public
peace under the reconstruction policy of Congress
until he found that Iorbearance was only construed
into weakness or cowsrdice. he sent for arms
which, instead Of being allowed to reach him, were
sunk in the Mississippi by these very virtuous quiet
lamb-liko but oppressed citizens. They failed, how
to prevent the procuring of arms by Gov Clay
ton, and now, that he co,HPeLS their obedience and
Furnishes crime reconstruction, forsooth is a fail
ure Thus also, in reference 20 South Carolina and
Virginia, we should find by an analysis and exami-
nation of the facts that not the Congressional plan,
but its attempted publication or overthrow is the
actual cause of existing troubles.
There is sense in which the position of the Union
and AmeIcoH as TO the Congressional plan of recon
struction has proyed failure IL has failed In re
store rebels TO control of the Government they had
vany tried TO destroy. 1t has failed TO exercise
the demon of hate lurking in the breasts of uncured
disl9yslists II has failed TO punish them as their
crimes have demanded and we must also admit that |
it has-in some instances, alas too many-faied TO
protect the lives and liberties Of some of the true
friends Of the Government.
There is also sense in which the reconstruction
plan has not been failure, but a success. It has
given control of tho State Offices, and to large ex-
tent of the Federal Offices to loyal men, whose vaor
and fidelity saved the existence Of the nation It |
has restored the wrecked State Governments of sa |
east seven Of the late revolted States, and it will
also, Of the remainder. 1t has revived industries
established free public education for white and black
alike restored credit terminated extensive systems
If internal improvements and planted 'the fouuda.
ion Of many generations upon the broad, indie
itructible basis Of equal rights for all That il has
lot accomplished much more, is not because of in
ierent defects Of the plan ITSELF but is owing 10 the
,erverseness Of much Of the material in the region
# lis operations and slso doubtless to the obsia-
les interposed by him who happily, win soon va
ate the place Of power.