Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1873-07-11
A Late Repentance.

WE should be glad to think that the
sensible and well-constructed resolutions
of Mr.. G.. Il. Beaurcgard and his associates
represent the real designs of the Louisiana
Democracy. We miss in them any strong
sense of the flagrancy of past errors.
Some expression of lasting regret for the
cruel deeds of their recent associates
might have been expected, some desire of
atonement to the white and colored Re
pubicans who have so long labored for
freedom at the peril of their lives and for
tunes, some contrition for those sad events
that have covered the recent history Of
Louisiana with an imperishable stain.
Yet possibly all this may come We have
never believed that majority of the
white farmers and merchants of the State
shared willingly in the acts of their more
guilty leaders, or that had thoy possessed
sufficient courage, they would not long
ago have thrown off the rule of that des-
perate faction which was plotting the ruin
of Louisiana. If they can now boldly
carry out the policy suggested in these
resolutions; if they can give perfect free
dom and peace to the community; if they
guard as jealously the privileges of every
white and colored Republican as they
would their own; if they insure to the
immigrant, the capitalist and the stranger
that courteous welcome, irrespective of his
political creed, which is the crowning
trait of every Republican community
they will do much TO repair the ravages
of war and the still worse consequences of
the eight years of terror and violence that
have succeeded the rebellion.
But we cannot bind ourselves TO the
fact that it is by deeds rather than words
that this reform must gain the confidence
of the nation, and that the doubts and
fears that will still attend it can only be
removed by the test of actual experience.
1t will require an earnestnesS and self
denial on the part of its supporters which
we shall be the first to honor if they are
faithfully rendered, time to prove its
reality, and such rigorous justice upon
every offender against the laws as will
give perfect safety to life and property
The white. and colorcd Republicans oi
Louisiana have been the chief if not tho
only victims of the eight years of misrule
and it can scarcely be expected that they
will at once accept the assurances of theil
prosecutors, or lose their claim upon the
protection of the national governmen
until it is plain that it is no longer needed
They will watch with just scrutiny tht
progress of reform, and if it succeed, viii
repay with their gratitude and esteem tht
labors of every sincere friend of peace
As they belong chiefly to the workin!
classes, from them must come the futur,
prosperity of Louisiana; and it is onl,
when labor is duly honored, and homes
: industry preferred to barbarous sloth, tina
any State or nation can win confidence oI
L credit.
}, We confess we have necessary dis
trust of the professions of the opposition
leaders at the South SO often have the
f deceived the people by promises of amend
= ment, and so steadily have they pursue
= their design of ruling by force or fraud
so cruel and barbarous has been thei
t treatment of their laboring class, so dC
structive their policy to the higher il
+ terests of their section. Education, mt
/ rality, peace and justice have disappeare
$ wherever they have gained the contro
It We trust, therefore, that the Louisiana r
= formers, if they desire success, will kee
# themselves wholly free from any allianC
i with that faction which began the di
n orders and violence at the South, or whiC
II fostered them at the North that time, ii
e test of truth, will show that they entcrtai
y no political object but the restoration
Is freedom and equality; that they may
a able to touch the hearts of their associate
If with remorse for their past cruelty, an
D, awaken them to repentance. When thI
II have done this their Republican fello,
e citizens will not hesitate to award them
a. proper confdence,-HaJper'S Weekly.