The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-07-26
How the South May Prosper.

After all the efforts made since the
war to reconstruct the South, and OBJ
tain the recognition of those principles
on which alone free country can be
prosperous, we are constantly grieved
by learning the bitter truth that GER
tain districts are disturbed and acri-
moniously rebel. For this there must
be a cause, and as the South has not
kept abreast of progress, some cause
exists for this also. The condition of
affairs in the late insurrectionary
States can not be concealed, though,
discomfort and crime be denied by in
terested parties. What is wanted is
pretty broadly made known, but the
reason why the want has not been sup
piled is not 80 plainly stated.
No.one who watches the course of
public events can be ignorant that
Southerners are lamenting the absence
of immigration and capital. On these
two subjects there is no lack of i'm
pressive writing and speaking. "If
We only had" they say, "the class Of
men we need to help build up the
South, and whose energy and money
could be utilized, We would get on
very we'll" And doubtless they
would, if the men and means were in
their midst. Some men with some
means, however, have made the ex
pertinent and having proceeded to the
South with the intention of settling or
trading, have unfortunately met with
an experience. That experience has
not been sufficiently favorable to JUS
tify them in recommending Ii e ir
friends to follow their example. To
he stigmated as "carpet- baggers" and
"scalawags" was not pleasant. And
to be denounced as interlopers, coming
for the express purpose of seeking
Office or securing fortune, was not
regarded as welcome greeting
especially in some instances denuncia-
ton mas borne irnit' the new corners
having oeen served with a notice to
quit by the Ku-Klux, or shot by mask
ed assassins without time to dispose
of their property by will.
Did it never occur to the South that
the arpet-bagger was the pioneer OF
the immigrantf The motive which
induced him to change his residence
was the same that actuates us all.
Work, with it's reward, was his princi-
pal object, and in this he was not sin
gular. Moreover, has it been forgot
ten that on his report others would be
Influenced at home? The South has
defeated its own hope by causing such
men to be sneered at, attacked or slam.
Bold and adventurous as they were
to run such risks, very few would be
disposed to share their fate. No charm
exists in the South unless there is per-
feet safety OF life, limb, and property,
and perfect freedom of opinion. Peo-
pic from without will not accept the
chance OF increasing in wealth as a
compensation for maltreatment OF
death. Whether the South under
stands this matter we are greatly in
doubt. In the old days OF slavery nc
man could speak openly and be un-
molestcd If he differed from the general
sentiment. To the justice and pro-
priety of human bondage every one
was made to bow.
The very slaves were taught to be-
lieve their condition was blessing,
and they cunningly seemed to ac-
quiesce. But if some noble hearted
son of the North, who had been nur.
tured In freedom. spoke as he felt, he
was forced to leave or was murdered.
The sudden disappearance of oppo-
nents OF slavery at that period OF our
history was common occurrence. A
line IN newspaper recorded the fact.
and sometimes the hndlDg. OF corpse
followed. 1t is said that the sea will
give up its dead on the great day. On
that same day also will the multitude
be swelled from the swamps and
rivers and forests OF the South by the
brave and the true--both of men and
women-who could not and would not
be silentTln the presence of the ownor
OF human flesh and blood!