Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-01-05
HONEST RECONSTRUCTION.

We have an example in the case OF
Georgia showing how dishonest attempt
to get back into the Union operates. That
State is now returned to her former con-
dition, and will be kept waiting until she
can mend her ways and come into the
Union in an honest manner. The pill is
swallowed with wry face and good
deal of scolding, but it must and will 60
down, and the patient will feel better
afterwards. That it would have been
better for her to have taken reconstruction
in decent manner at first even if it was
some what nauseating, is made quite plain
by contrasting her condition with that of
a State which took the dose at the first
trial and has been gettiug better ever
since. The State of Arkansas is an eX-
ample where reconstruction was properly
submitted to and where its good effects
are now evident. A correspondent writ
inc from Little Rock to the New York
Times says:
Arkansas has passed through the bitter
waters of reconstruction and come out, like
a baptized penitent, regenerated, buoyant
and hopeful. Though the ordeal through
which she has passed seemed. at the time,
to many, to be cruel intiiction needlessly
imposed upon a conquered and subjugated
people, yet in its results it has proved, like
the Christening rod of parental discipline laid
on more in sorrow than anger, the wise and
wholesome means of needed correction and
reform.
While many of the lately rebellious States
are still battling against destiny, and to their
great detriment, putting off the inevitable day
of their return to the fold of the Union and
the restoration of harmonious relations with
the Federal Government, it is source of
much gratitude and consolation to us to know
that. we have safely passed the crisis, and
once more enjoy that peace, quietude and
repose so much needed to recover our wasted
strength and restore prosperity and civil
order.
OF all the rebellious States, not one has
been more prompt or sincere in submitting to
the terms and conditions oil reconstruction.
nor has any been more thoroughly and
completely reconstructed than Arkansas.
Throughout our entire borders there is scarce
" to be found man who would wish to have
undone what has been done, or who would
desire to disturb the harmony of the relations
Ho" 81 HdppHy d,tJust'u WIFI tuc oSheidi
Government The only serious objection
really ever entertained by any considerable
number of our people to the plan of recon-
struction proposed by Congress, was that in
respect to ''negro suffrage but since that
experiment has been tried, and found not to
entail the evils at first 50 much dreaded, the
public mind has universally acquiesced in it.
at least with that degree of satisfaction with
which we are accustomed to contemplate
inevitable and accomplished facts.
A wonderful change has indeed come over
the spirit and condition of the people since
the reconstruction of the State. Nearly all
the wounds of the late fratricidal strife have
been healed the ''old residents" are rapidly
recuperating their shattered fortunes album
dant crops fill the barns and gladden. the hearts
of the husdandmen; increasing trade and
commerce put cheerful aspect on all sorts
of business, and the benignant smiles of
peace and plenty rest like the calm sunshine
of approving Heaven upon our regenerated,
redeemed aud disenthralled land.