The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1871-07-04
Southern Democratic Sentiment.

Every day is making it more ap-
parent that, however hard to bear may
be the present grievances Of the
Southern wing Of the Democratic
party, however alluring the prospects
which the new departure holds out,
and however important to success in
the ensuing Presidential contest, that
the Northern element shall be left un-
fettered in the construction of the
platform and the selection fthe candi-
dates, not the slightest purpose is en-
tertained Of accepting the Amend
ments fully, finally, and as being be-
yond the possibility of repeal. We
have already mentioned the fact that
Mr.. Alex. II. Stephens has assumed
editorial control of the Atlanta Sun.
We have now his salutatory, in which
he plants himself squarely upon the
principles of the New York Conven-
ton of 1868, which declared the
Amendments Revolutionary, null and
void" While advocating obedience
to these and to the laws enacted under
them, during their existence, he ex-
plicitly states that the "chief object"
of his journal will be to agitate "the
great living issue" of State rights, in
opposition TO National authority, "be-
lieving that any departure" from that
theory sis dangerous, if not fatal, to
the liberties of the country" Mr..
Stephens is an honest man, with some
regard for his own consistency, and is
not in the habit of taking up posi-.
tion lightly, or yielding it without a
struggle. He is cool, calculative,
watchful and persistent, and has more
real weight among his people than any
other man in the South to-day. By
way of further illustrating with what
tenacity the South holds to its hope of
the ultimate resurrection of the lost
cause, we may cite the views of another
influential journal, the Macon Tele-
graph. After stating that the "jeal-
ousy for State and local rights is even
now moving" it begs that DO ultima
tums may be pressed on the Northern
Democracy, because they will only
defeat their object by exciting North
ern suspicion, irritation and alarm" !"
What objects these are have already
been mentioned. But the Columbus
Sun, an important paper published at
central point, while desiring, above
everything else, the overthrow of Radi-
calism, is totally opposed to the new
departure, believing il not only utterly
wrong in principle, but also a fatal
error in policy. 1t lifts the same cry
of State rights, but argues that by
yielding in even a semblance of adhe-
sion to the recent mouement, the South
"surrenders this mighty principle"
We suspect it has heard Toomb's
lecture, for in answer to its self.pro-
pounded question whether the situation
is to be accepted, it declares that the
word mo, will leap as loudly from the
lips of millions, as the red live light.
ming leaps from its fiery home" These,
among many other constantly augmen.
ting evidences of similar character
show conclusively in what mood the
progressive movement is accepted in
the South, where it is SO fortunate a,
to be accepted at all. 1t is simply
this: That the end justifies the
means, and that for the sake of future
triumph, they submit to temporary
humiliation. Indeed, the Sell ma Times
while regretting that JEFF. Davis haC
not preferred to remain "eloquently
silent till the campaign wGs decided,
gives the New York World and thu
Northern Democracy to fully under
stand that he cannot be denounced ex
cept at the peril Of the cost of Southern
allegiance. "While we have conceded
a great deal for harmony, and IN orde
to 'cin," it says, 1--WE advise them to b,
more prudent and guarded in thei
structures on the cause that we Tough
for and the men whom we honored a
our leaders," We reiterate our of
repeated declaration that we shoul,
rejoice to see general and hearty ac
ceptance of the Amendments by tn
Democratic party. We are willing t,
let the dead past bury its dead, and t,
extend welcoming hand to all VIII,
honestly and in good faith will len,
their efforts to put reconstruction be
yond the pale of hazard or discussion
But while the acquiescence which it re
ceives is of 50 reluctant and suspicion
a character, and the opposition witt
which it meets is so vast and virile, j
is worse than useless to look for an,
valuable or desirable outcome. An,
it is hardly probable that the peopl
of the country will be party to thei
own defrau6ing.-Pitts. Com.
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