The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-05-16
horace Greeley and the South.

sentiments, and especially lts ueserveu tIl-
butte to one Of our noblest citizens whom
our children will appreciate and honor
Mr.. Horace Greeley, the able editor of
the Tribune, is to deliver the opening adj
dress at the second annual Texas State
Fair, which commences May % at Hous-
ton. To hear the exponent of Radicalism
speaking to the people who once so fierce
" fought for the tri-baned flag to behold
them listening to the words of advice and
announcement falling from the. lips of the
man who waged such a relentless war
against slavery, will indeed be scene
highly emblematic of pehce.
The war has made us more tolerant OF
each other, and Mr.. Greeley will now re-
ceive warmer welcome from Texas than
be would have received before the hosts in
gray and the armies in blue met and
proved their valor on many sanguinary
battle-felds. We learn to respect these
with whom we fight, provided that the
fight is a stubborn and manly one. The
North now admits that the South is cour-
ageous, and the South no longer sneers at
Northern valor. The better classes OF the
sections respect each other and this respect
is bond which gives greater strength to
the nation. Though Radical in some Of
his views, Mr.. Greeley has always been
sincere and consistent. He is no hypo-
critic. He speaks plainly the honest senti-
ments of his heart and in the hour of
tiiumph be does not forget the principle
for which he fought.
Mr.. Greeley spoke earnestly against
slavery, when to do so was to bring down
upor. him Misrepresentation ridicule, and
abuse; but when slavery disappeared with
the smoke that cleared from the battle
fields, he was satisfied, and held out the
olive branch to the Southern people. And
be has stood his ground as firmly after the
fight as be stood it in the thickest of the
battle. He has refused 10 60 to revenge
full extremes AS he once stoutly pleaded
for the abolition Of slavery, so he now
pleads for amnesty for the Southern peo-
Die. Principle is his guiding star, and it
is principle which blends humanity with
Justice He has stood the fiery test, and
the Southern people have found him con-
sistent and honest; therefore, they will
extend an earnest welcome to him WHEN
he goes among them.
The Texas Association did well in send
ing him an invitation to come to Houston
and deliver the opening address at their
State fair. They proved, by their action,
that in the great cause Of agriculture, they
could rise above narrow craftsmanship, aud
listen to words of wisdom, no matter from
whose lips the words might fall and they
also have demonstrated that they have
not bridged the war gulf with the blind
prejudices Of the past. We are glad that
Mr.. Greeley accepted the invitation, for ip
going to Texas he will see with his own
eyes what the people are doing, and on
his return to New York can candidly tell
us what progress they are making under
the new regime. e He9
The Southern press speak with the
greatest kindness of Mr.. Greeloy's pro-
posed visit to Texas. They urge that he
be treated with marked courtesy wherever
he may go, that genial hospitality stretch
out her broad arms and make him her dis
tinguished guest, indeed. Here is an ex-
tract from the New Orleans Picayune
which clearly illustrates the prevailing
sentiment: NJ s
1t is especially in his capacity as q jour.
paid to him by the members of our profession.
He is q veteran, an able and very potent chief
in the ranks of our profession, with few peers
in capacity, and no superiors in the influence
he yields. The journal which his talent
created has been powerful engine OF public
ical essays, Mr.. Greeley has written great
deal on all manner of subjects, advocating
reforms advances and improvements, and
pioneering all forms of progress. 1t is perr
haps not going too far to say that he has
impressed public opinion more than any living
American Journalist or writer.
Dissenting totally from some of his political,
financial and commercial theories, and disap.
proving the tone of his journal on many other
than political themes, we have yet found much
that was entertaining and instructive in the
columns of the Tribune. Its tone has mode
rated and improved within the past few
months, and Mr.. Greeley's observations and
impressions while visiting Texas may induce
him to think better of our good people than he
has ever done before. sst
Aside from other considerations, Horace
Greeley deserves respect for excellent qualities
of mind and heart. Heis industrious, method
ical, punctual and diligent in business, abste-
mious and foe to luxuries, hater of shams,
rogues and hypocrites, .impusive in generosi-
ty, steadfast friend, gentle and kind in So
cial relations, and much esteemed even by
those who ridicule some of his peculiarities.
The South is making great progress in
the field of agriculture, and agriculture is
vast field in which to work. 1t is the
starting point of civilization, the solid base
of all wealth and national strength. The
intelligent or artistic development of agri-
cultural resources gave wealth to the
North, and it will give like prosperity to
the South. That the South is making
progress in this direction. is evidenced by
the interest taken in fairs of an agricul-
tural nature. Let the people continue in
dustrious, as they are now, and triumph
will surely be theirs in the end. As pa
tient men and women with the light of
liberal opinion dawning upon them, we
trust that they will weigh well the words
that Mr.. Greeley may speak to them.
TERRIBLE AcoIDENT.-There occurred
on Thursday afternoon, at Sand Patch
tunnel, on the line of the Pittsburg and
Connellsville railroad, distressing acci-