The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1869-06-02
Hon Ia cob Thompson.

When Hon. Jacob Thompson, returning alter i've
years Of exile reached Oxford, Mississippi bis home,
on the 9th APRIL he received most hearty welcome
from bis old friends aud neghbors The eloquent Hon
L. @. C. Lamar delivered an address OF welcome.
From Mr. Thompsons reply we extract the following,
as reported in the Gxonan will be read with in
terest:
While l was in Paris an intelligent Frenchnan I'M
dertook to prove me that under the French Empire
the people the purest happest and most prosper
Gus in the world secure in all personal rights the
rights of property, person and reputation each man
allowed to pursue happiness in his own way, and GER
tain of rcapng the fruits of his industry lie vas de-
barred from one right only, and that was for his good
and welfare He had voice iii the conduct OF pub
lie affairs He could hold no public meetings cricise
the acts OF the Emperor or his officials Hence be
was exempted from all and anxiety on his head,
and consequently the Frenchman was happy man.
Why cannot We, the conquered South reason and feel
in the same way
Under such circumstances, my opinion is that we
ought to initiate far as practicable the example OF
King David. When his child was sick nigh unto death,
be mourned, tasted Frustrated himself, and put on
sack CLOTH but when the child died, he arose, washed
himself put on gay cothing and appeared to his at
PENDANTS with cheerful counteuanee. So while our
contest lasted we suffered tasted, prayed, and shed
our blood, and spent treasures freely Now that
tits over let meet the actuaes of life with cheer
full brow and manly heart submitting to the inevitable,
and exerting ourselves and families Owing to the III
stituton of slavery, which once obtained among us,
our people have been misunderstood and greatly ira
duced abroad. Let US by industry, skill and economy,
reap all the advantages which have been placed within
grasp by the beautiful hand of Providence in
prolific soil and genial climate.
Let us by the practice of virtue and sobriety and
all the charities Of life, disarm all criticism. Let us
maintain high standard Of education and morality
L. IL. e.
and responsibilities which may, by possibility devolye
upon them. Above all, let us struggle with hearty
good will to build up the waste Places and secure pros
perity and plenty to people In all ages the God
OF battles has made some curious and inexplicabe de-
cisions But it is not for find out the reasons
which controlled him. 1t is only to obey the de-
cision because from it there appeal In the late
war; the power of decided that should remain
one people, now and forever. The God of battles de-
cided the case in favor of union Now the true Chris
tain must justify the ways OF God to man. and there
fore he must say wses and best that the case
should be decided. From this position, duty is
deVelved upon every Each individual is bound
to contribute his mite to make this people strong
people-strong, happy, prosperous and glorious. l
think we may all hold the firm assurance in minds
that the public conscience in the governing section of
the United States will some day be awakened; that
prejudice, uncbartabeness and illwi in the end will
give way to kindness and brothery love that the heel
OF the oppressor will be raised that State govern
ments will be placed under the influence of the virtue
the intelligence, wealth and religion of the country,
and that we shall be placed equality with all
other citizens of the United States. great destiny
awaits the people of America We ought, and we
must contribute our part in working it out. We are
not called on to sacrifice independence of eharac
ter our honor selfrespect, but simply to follow
The dictates of duty, and wait. And I feel that as
sure as the night succeeds the day. certain will this
Government still need you. Only be true and faithful
10 yourselves, and your whole country, and be pre-
pared to act well your part when the day arrives