The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-03-04
" Blood Will Tell. :"

The Condition Of the Southern People.
From the Detroit Free Press, 10th.
We are receiving through exchanges, cores
pondents, and from OTHER sources, the most
gratifying assurances Of returning prosperity
throughout the Southern States, inciu ling the
progress of internal Improvement; the increase
OF shipping in the maritime ports the increase
in the extent OF land planted, and in the aggrc-
gate and quality of the crops; the Introduction
OF large and valuable class Of immigrants; the
influx OF capital from the North, and to less
extent from Europe; the rise In the value OF
Southern securities, and the general develop
lnent OF the resources OF the country.
This prosperous state OF affairs. although as
yet but comparative, it must be remembered
has obtained in consequence OF the natural re-
sources and attractlyeneSs OF the country, and
III the face OF political and governmental diff
cultleS and OostructiOnS such rs have rarely
been imposed on people. A military satrapy.
sustaining q Ertedman's Bureau used as u po-
itlcal and partisan machine III the interests Of
Northern carpet-baggera a denial OF repre-
>entatlon, and OF political rights 20 the proper
~ owners, the only Legitimate ana representa-
i've men OF the South iilatory and constant
ly tinkered and changed enactment for the po-
lltlcal reconstiuc ion vi the Southern States
and for their recognition as such by Congress-
have not been such Influences as would attract
capital or tiniid and peaceful immigrants and
Yet IN spite OF all this there is manifest ami
gratifying evidence OF progress in the right
direction, encouraging ihc belief that il the
southern people VIII continue quietly to per
sue their av0catlons, Oder inducements to CAPT.
tal and immigration, and leave quarrelng and
lighting to Congress, it viii continue Increasing
every year, ana soon place that section In its
relative position previous to the war, SO far as
agricultural auu commercial prosperity are con-
aidered All that the Southern people have to
10 now Is to study how to develop the resour-
ces OF their section, how TO improve Its repu-
tation III the North and abroad, and to assure
those who choose to so and settle upon her soil,
10 till her fields, to work her mines, or to put
her immense water power into use, that they
Will De cordially welcomed and protected In
their persons and in their property.
We have no idea that, under the admins ira
lion OF General Grant, thisdelaying and confus-
InS matters by constantly recoustructiny re-
construction viii be tolerated or continued
lie undoubtedly meant 10 convey his ieterlnin-
Ation III this matter TO The people, North and
south, when lie announced his platform az
peace" The work OF the last three wears
VIII not be gone over again. sufficient mum
bel OF those elected with him VII undoubled-
ly sustain his wishes He will probably not
Surround himself with troublesome and quar-
Felsoine spirits, unfavorable TO anything that
saVors Of settlement and quiet, and these are
strong indications that IN many important par
l!culara the Southern people will be asreeabiy
disappointed in him. The matter OF uuiyersa;
negro sutffa9e-thG worst the South has to fear
poltically-is in less danger Of being legisl; ID
upon them by Congress 1T the present ne
than at any previous time since the war IL
may be enforced by constitutional amendment
ia Which case all OF the States would suffer in
proportion to the extent of their negro popu-
iaNon and OF course it would bear hardest on
Lhe South in some respects. But after all We
douot II 1t would be bit worse than In those
states OF the North where, the vote OF each
party being nearly equal, the balance of politi-
cal power may be held by this ignorant and I'M
pecunous race. The white property holders
u the South Will always exercise more DOW
sflul influence over their sable fellow citizens
Than IS possible elsewhere, from the very fact
That they raised and once owned them.
In addition to this, there is ample room 20
doubt whether the proposed amendment to the
Constitution providing for indiscrmnate sut-
mage and Office holding will ever be adopted by
The required constitutions, macrity-three-
IourtAs of all the states. 1t IS undoubtedly
unpopular in the West 1t has Deen voted
down by large ma jorties when proposed in
modified form III six or seven OF the States
The West does not seem to bow down to ne
gro equality. IL has inetfaCeable prejudces
against 1t; and It's only chance is submission
10 the Legislatures now in session, in order to
prevent the voice OF the people from being
AeaId. The delay in submitting it, if contin-
ued but short time longer, will prevent these
Legislatures from acting on It, or receiving il
before their adjournment, and then the vo:e OF
the West combined with that OF the South
and such OF the Northern States as will also
oppose negro equality, will be all-suflicient to
prevent the ratification Of the proposed amend
lnent Let 1t come before the people fairly and
squarely, and upon the question OF negro suf-
Irage or no negro suffrage. We are firm in our
convection that negro suffrage will be voted
down by an overwhelming majority. The SEN
timent of our people is undoubtedly in favor
o1 reserv1ng to the several States those rights
affecting social and domestic relations which
nut lew OF even the most despotic powers have
been able to control and regulate against the
will OF the people.
To the Southern people, therefore, we say
De OF good cheer. Your natural advantages
are already securing good fruits. Your politi-
cal prospects are cheering, and your future
prosperity and influence assured, If nothing on
your own part interyenes 10 re-create prejudice
OF alarm.