The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-01-22
A Democratic Rebel on Reconstruction.

4 Democratic Rebel oa decentralization.
Mr.. A. G. Brown, formerly prominent mem.
Der Of Congress from Mississippi, has written a
letter to the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion; in which
he endcavors to show from personal observation,
that nothing like intimidation was attempted
against colOred voters at the recent election in
that State, or more especially at the election at
Crystal Springs, in COpiah County-"unless it
be assumed" says Mr.. Brown, "that refusing
to give employment is intimidation" After
using much twaddlc in vain attcmgt to justi-
fy a refusal to give employment to worthy men
because of their partisan sentiments, Mr.. Brown
turns to the subject Of reconstruction, which he
discusses in vein Of common sense which is
quite refreshing to read. He says:
do not know many Of the leading men in
Congress. The few that do know well, am
satisfied, will do US justice IL our case Is fairly
laid before them. Among them are Wilson OF
Massachusetts, Wade, Trumbull, and Chandler
of the Senate, and Bingham Of the House. Our
people have been made to believe that these gen.
temcn are our enemies, and that they are pur-
suing us in malignant spirit, through mere
love Of vengeance. | know them well, and
do not concur in that opinion. They know that
we fought them like men. Convince them that
when we laid down our arms we did 30 in good
faith; that when We confessed our defeat we ac-
knowlclgcl the permanent overthrow OF Slavery
and Of the right Of secession, and that we are
now sincerely DESTROYS OF rcsuming our position
in the Federal Union, not to disturb its harmo-
ny, but TO contribute all our energies, mental
and physical, to its lasting prosperity. DO this,
and the Republican leaders have named, and
doubtless many others. will lie rs ready to re-
ceiye us as We are to he received. But am
aske,l, how arc VIC TO convince them! l answer,
By acknowledging our orn redkne" and ne
JOtrer of the Government; by a arict-romph-
aHce tcith Ire terms Of reconstruction proposed
bV Congress. We shall have it to do. Then
why not do il without 50 much mouthing and
hesitation, DO we not perceive that il is this
very mouthing and hesitation that keeps alive
the suspicion that we arc not loyal' And this
renders our situation more critical, not to say
day by day more desperate.
am willing to have ii known at Washington,
as Il is at home, that opposed the ratification
Of the Constitution submitted at the June cleo
ton, not because il cOnformcd to the "Congrcs-
sional plan," but distinctly, because 1t did not.
Whenever Constitution Is submitted in strict
conformity to that or any similar "plan" Con-
grcss may propose, will advocate its ratifica-
ton. For be Il known, that acknowledge the
power and right of Congress, speaking for the
conqueror, to dictate terms to the conquered.
IL in doing this il violates the Federal Constitu-
ton, our appeal is to the Supreme Court. IL 1t
violates the laws Of humanity. our appeal is To
the Judgment Of the world. Beyond these APP
peals, we are absolutely without q remedy.
We tried the bullet, and lost--we tried the ball
lot and lost again. l can not lie mistaken in
suppOsing that "a very large majority Of our
thoughtful and deserving people concur with
me in the opinion that We can do nothing but
submit. and as we have II to 10, 'twere better to
do ii quickly. Very truly your obeticnt SER
want, A. G. BRowY.