The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1872-08-16
The Virus Of the RecOnstruc-
ton Policy Exposed.

Ihe position taken by the COnserva-
tive clement Of the country. from the
first, against the Radical policy of re-
construction, in that it was absurd, un-
just and oppressive, is being vindicated
completely by the lapse Of time. The
census of 1870 has furnished fresh
vindication Of this position, by showing
a decline Of one-fifth in the area of i'm
proved lands since 1860 in those States
which have been reconstructed under
carpet-bag and negro governments, and
a decline of from one-third to two
thirdsin the value of farms in them;
while in the States Of Virginia, Ken
lucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Miss
ouri, where the heaviest battles we're
fought, and where most property was
destroyed by the war, but where carpet
bag dominion has been entirely wanting,
or at least very slight, there is either
no such decline, or the decline is very
small.
| The Chicago Tribune has been inves-
tigating this subject, and we are indeb-
ted to it fo- some interesting facts.
They eonclusively prove this, that the
South has prospered since the war in
the direct ratio of it's freedom from
Radical surveillance. Where it's people
were left to their own legitimate politi-
cal guidance, there we find the best in
dustrial condition Of things-more
energy, more hopefulness, moro spirit,
and more order.
In Kentucky, for instance, under the
direction Of her own leading citizens,
the value Of lands has advanced from
S2o1, ,496, 955 to S3l1, ,23s, 916; while
in South Carolina, under government
wholly Republican and two-thirds
negro, the value of land has fallen to
one-third Of the value in 1860. In the
former State the number of acres i'm
proved has increased from 7,644, ,2OSto
8, 1913, $50; while in the carpet-bae
State Of South Carolina, the number
of acres improved has declined one
third.
As result Of the metamorphosis in
Tennessee from carpet-bagism, to con-
servatism, in the election Of Governor
Senter, and the enfranchisement Of the
ex-Confedcrates, We have an increased
area of improved lands, and vast ill.,
proyement in the condition of her people
over the richer State of Georgia, whose
Radical rule inflicted upon her THEY
ing Yankee governor, who ran away
loaded with plunder, and host of
scoundrel mercenarics from the North.
In Georgia the area of land improved
has declined from 100000 acres in
1860 to $500, 900 acres in 1870, and
the value Of farms has fallen from
$157, 900, 900 in 1860 to 1914, 900, 900
in 1870.
The good work in Missouri under
Liberal rule has been as marked, if not
more SO, than in other States. Her
acres improved have increased from g.
246, 81 in 1860 to 9, 1870, 6l5 in 1870;
while in Alabama, under carpet-baggers
ope-ffth of the land cultivated in 1860
lies waste.
In Missouri the value of farms has
increased from $3.50, ,632, 1876 in 1860
to $500, ,90s,047 in 1s7O-a rise of
more than one-third; while in Alabama
the value Of land has declined from
BITS, 200, 900 in 1860 to $67, 900, 900
in 1870, or nearly two-thirls; aud in
Arkansas, adjoining Missouri, but under
carpet-bag rule, taxes are four and one
half times greater than in 1860, and
the value Of the whole lands of the
State has decided one-half.
In every instance where we can cam
pare State left to the management of
its own affairs, with one subject to the
policy inaugarated in 1867. Of disfran-
chising all the intelligent men and rem
dering it possible only for the scum Of
humanity to gain the control of affairs
lin every such instance, the former
State will be found far ahead of the
latter in material prosperity. The
Democratic party recognized the
anomaly and absurdity Of fRadical recon-
struction the moment it began to be dis
cussed, and events had justified all
their opposition to it. It was not till
the great Liberal victory in Missouri,
in 1870, that their opposition began to
assume potent strength. Now we see
great national party opposed to Grant
im-which practically embodics all the
worst features Of Radicalism, in creed
and practice, developed since the war
sweeping on to victory, and pledged to
carry out all the great ideas which the
Democracy aided by wise and patriotic
men Of all parties, have contended for
| Iurspn, khn noSt Ern x,norS