National Republican., 1873-05-06
THE SOUTHERN PROBLEM,

When the war ended the blacks entered
upon the enjoyment Of their new rights as
citizens without any knowledge Of the tricks
known 10 the polltlclans trade. In this re-
spoct their white fellow-citirens had but little
advantage over them. The latter were accus-
toned to look up to aud follow the beck and
bidding Of acknowledged leaders. In South
Carolina, for instance, II was only necessary
that Butler or Hampton should consent
10 run for an office. The consent settled the
contest. But the carpct-baggers, rejoicing
In traditions Of contests conducted at their
former homes In the North, soon taught the
blacks trick or two. The result Ia the most
perfect political organization Of the eolored
voters at the South that the world ever saw.
Nothing less than downright intimidation
can disturb tho loyal discipline Of that organ
iEation. The whites, on tho other hand, con-
tlnuc TO look up 10 and follow their tradi-
tiouary leaders. The result Is defeat, exas-
peration and murder. All this is proven by
the fact that the Democratic party In the
South has failed TO bring forth single netr
prominent man since the war At tho same
time the Republicans have brought forward
such men as Harris, Of North Carolina; Cain
! and Dunn, Of Louisiana, and have added tc
rnvir strength by enlistments from the North
OF such men as DR.. BoEcman, the present post
master at Charleston, and others too numer
Gus to mention. A comparison OF these fact,
shows progress from debased slavery to com
paratiyc Intelligence and active influence In th,
control Of the country on the part Of the blacks
and dead standstill, Illustrated occasionally
, by such bloody deeds as tho Colfax massacre or
the part Of the whites. II Is childish to say
In this connection, that the whites were driver
TO the Colfax crime by the belief that theIi
rights were being usurped. Civilized human
beings resort 10 other methods than murder
cruel and savage butchery, before the hua
resort TO armed resistance, and then theJ
never burn, shoot or drown surrendered pris
oucrs. Even the ignorant and, so-caIled, les.
Intelligent freedmen do not do such things
During the war, and while they were slaves
knowing that the yankee army was nghtinf
for their freedom, they were peaceful, indus
trious aud honest. They did not rise as In
surgents TO murder white women and children
left under their charge or to burr
and destroy the supplies with which theii
masters were fed In the rebel armies. Since
the war, even In localities, as In South Caro-.
lima, where they outnumbered tho whites
they have meokly submitted to unparalleled
outrage, such as caused the Hon. RcyerdJ
johnson, when regularly employed and ap
pcaring In court to defend the Ku-Klui
prisoners Of that tate, to raise his hands II
liyid horror. In short, there Is no aspect o
the question Of Southern politics In which
comparison between the whites and black
does not rebound TO tho credit Of the latter
They arc peaceable and progressive Thei
opponents, or rather their enemies, are tur
bulent and stagnant. OF course there Is
remedy for this; but It Is not to bo found Ii
the Southern desire TO bleed tho General Gov
! ernmcnt for the benefit Of any particular sec
ton, nor Is It to be found In tho demands 70
favors to my people" and my section" q
Gen. Young, Of Georgia, expressed 1t durinI
the last Congress. Il Is 70 bo found In sue
. legislation rs will promote the greatest goo
10 the greatest number and in such punish
mont Of evil-doers rs will repress crime In
, stead Of encouraging IT, until, as In Ne'
York city and the disturbed sections Of Ii
: South, the criminals arc tho Tulers, and ar
! such bold rulers Us to threaten the lives G
the faithful executors Of the law.