Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1871-11-12
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BIZ Jo4N Y QUARLEs, ESQ,
Delegate at Large FOR the State Of Georgia.

Delivered before the Southern States
Convention, in the Hail Of Repre-
sentatives, Columbia, S. c., Fri
day evening, October 20, 1871, on
ths Socid Problem ot the Souih.
THE Convention having resolved
itself into caucus for the purpose
of listening to the address, Mr..
Quarles, ON. being introduced by
Governor Ransier, spoke as follows:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen Of the Con-
vrntion: --sFt
When revolutions sweep over a
country, producing great and fun
damental changes in society,", it be-
hooves those mostly affected by
them to carefully study the princi-
pies which gave rise to such reyo-
lutions and to fully appreciate their
results.
We have been engaged in revo-
luton, which, for fierce contendihSs,
stubborn obstinacy and stipend
uous consequences has never been
surpassed by any revolution, ancient
or modern.
The parties to the contest were
the same as have ever contended
over. the priceless heritege OF IL
berty. On one side were arrayed
the friends of human liberty and
human progress. On the other
were marshalled all the hosts Of
aristocracy, despotisn and caste.
Theprinciples involved were the
same as those which produced the
English revolution Of 1888: the
same for which the patriots of the
revolution SO earnestly struggled
with the mother country the same
Tor which Ireland, that deeply
wronged but unconquerable people,
struggles to-day.
But in view of the glorious results
of that struggle, uniting with the
friends of political equality, we may
Justly announce. to the world that
we have met the enemy and they
are ours. 'af- 60 e 81 Ss's7'
With the principles Of political
equality firmly enSrafted in tie fun
damental law Of the land, and with
an assured confidence that those
solemn DEGREES will never be re-
voked while the hearts Of the
American people beat IN unison With
the music of liberty, we may fee.
Shat thus far all is safe.
But we are reminded by this con-
vocation Of citizens from all parts
Of our country that there arei esuits
Of no less magnitude and import
ance, yet to be accomplished. Rev
olutions may sweep away old social
systems in a day, but it require
great wisdom and profound states
ship to inaugurate new ones. 1t is
one thingto attack = gigantic system
Of wrong and to wipe it out amid
the blood and tears OF a nation; it is
qnitc another thing to discover
what should be substituted in its
place. Then again, it may not be
very difficult for men to discover
what ought to be done, but requires
an ingenious man to tell how it may
best be accomplished. And herein
lies,
THE SOCIAL PROBLEM OF THE SOUTH.
The old system has been swept
away by the. storm of revolution.
Now the grave question is pressed
home to the American people, how
shall we establish the new? Slavery
with its concomitants OF restricted
labor and political ostracisn has
passed away. How shall liberty
with its attendant blessings Of free
labor, free speech and equal rights,
be established upon firm basis ?
This is q grand problem presented
by the South ior. solution. And as
! the colored man will play an impor-
tant, ifnot the ostimportant, part
in its solution, it behooves him to
understand the exact truth as to its
present situation. We must look
with uncloudcd eye upon the issues
involved in this question. 1t will
not do for US to be drawn away by
fights % imagination and brill
ant illustrations. These may be
very pleasing to the senses, but the
occasion demands a higher conse-
Grafton of the powers OF reason.