The West Virginia journal. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1864-1877, 1869-04-07
To the UurecOnstrUlcted.

The body of the rebellion died by
arms in the Spring Of 1865; prior TO
that time numerous offcrs OF compro-
misc had been made by the leaders Of
the great party that supported the
Government--thc Republican, party
but none were acccpted-the treason
able spirit In It's Infamous pride re-
fused all terms. Since that time ef-
forts az numerous M the blades Of grass
that dot tho Valley Of Virginia, and
honorable. honest efforts, have been
made TO heal the wounds caused BY
war, and to nllay tho smartinX pain of
proud spirits, s,narting under defeat
md the knowledge Of being lashed
into submission by the supporters Of
the law and tho Government, but IT was
al! rejected; sometimes fair promises
were made, but when the handle of
the knife was in their hands the point
was always. directed toward the Gov
ernlnent and its friends.
The Virginia Legislature was called
together Immediately after the close OF
tho rebellion with as fair promises as
could be made. Yet when they thought
they again had their State in their
hands they tried to use their power in
tho interests Of that cause SO terribly
defeated ut Appomattox; and the
strong arm Of tho Government again
had to assert It's power. All through
the Southcrn States such examples can
he found, showing TINT tho 0nmity and
the bitter feeling I'LL exists on the side
OF those who wcro In rebellion and
lately President Grant has added
another evidence Of the desire on tho
part Of the Government, Of not only to
be mcrciiul, but kind and considcrnte.
we, ourselves think that great mum.
Der Of Federal Generals can be found
willing TO take the position Of Sur
reyor Of Customs Mt New Orleans.
Yet az kind Of proof, going to show
to unrcconstructcd rebels, that all the
Government asks, all any patriot asks,
! Is submission to the laws and obcd-
iencc thereto, General Longstrcet, late
Of the Confederate Army, was appoint
ed Surveyor Of Customs there; true,
his course has been manly and straight
forward; he WAS q brave enemy, but
when he gave up his sword lie acknowl-
edged and renewed his allegiance to
tho United States, and has not violated
the conditions IN letter or spirit, deed
or word. But how different with
others who carry with them IN all their
acts the old spirit Of secession. We
say it is wrong-be manly, acknowl-
edge the decision Of the war, turn in
and takc a place In the ranks Of pro.
grcssion; discard nil the old prcju-
diccs: instiII into your children the
great principles ora Republican, Gov
ernmcnt and let them grow up know
ing no sectional part Of this country.
but regarding It. all rs one great, grand
unity; recognize the fact that n man is
man the world over, no matter what
his race or color, and that it is our duty
TO do what we can TO dispcl ignorance,
TO civilizc and educate those who here
toforc, through our acts, have been kept
In ignOranc. and slavery. and our word
for it. no one. rs a principle Of justice,
will say nusht against you: but ere
there ever can be Il final settlement or
u healing Of the old sores, the old spirit
Of secession, notification and rebellion,
must be discardcd.-Berkcley Union.