The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-06-04

OF producing pe0plel 49,. =,
"What Christianity is there in that political
economy which forces upon the people sys..
tenn which is fast producing the extremes of
wealth and poverty, and gives to RINGS who
gambol upon the sweat of labor, and to BOND
HOLDERS, who monopolize the currency, the
profits of the country's industry 7"
Letter Of Senator Patterson, Of South Caro-
lima.
WASHINGTON, May %, 1874.
Hon. " ~ Belknap, Secretary Of Var:
S1R-On the eve of decoration day, one year
ago, an order issued by the Secretary of War
gave the grounds of Arlington into the custody
Of the Grand Army of the Republic for that
day, and limited the ceremonial on that occa-
sion to the decoration of the graves of soldiers
who fell in defense of the Union. l desire to
ask if that order is still in force, and applicable
to the day now approaching. If in force, ear
nestly hope it may be abrogated; ii not in
force, desire most respectfully, yet earnestly,
to protest against its renewal. the more
earnestly deprecate the perpetuation of conven-
tional distinctions, touching the dead who per-
ished in the attitude of foes, and who fought as
foes, yet each and all as men who believed that
CpelT CouSe WIS JuSI, UeCtiuoo VIC haUiou oe'o
granted amnesty to the living, and forgiveness
for the many ofenses born of that bloody feud.
The nation, with magnanimity not to be
made subject of boast, but still in striking con-
trast to national actions elsewhere in past time,
has made its forgiveness of record, and practi-
cally complete. Yet we know that, as between
the living and the dead of those so lately in
arms against the integrity of the republic, en-
nifty can attach to the survivor only. 1t is to
the everlasting honor of human nature that
enmity makes no pursuit beyond the bounds of
time. Hatred and malice may pursue to the verge
of the grave, but only to retire bafled from that
barrier to the tides of human passion. That
forgiveness which the nation has extended to
the living and emphasized by legal and statu-
tory forms cannot be withheld from the dead,
who, as offenders, expiated their offenses in the
last sacrifice of life, and whose ashes cannot be
construed as an offense to any who survive.
I submit these suggestions in the interest OF
that fraternity whose fruitage Is lasting peace.
Statesmen should deal with living issues which
address themselves to living men, and by every
means in their power assuage strife and sorrow,
instead of keeping open the wounds OF war and
perpetuating animosity and discord.
If there is one desire among the Southern
people more pronounced than any other it is for
have no desire to renew it. More, they do not
desire to revive and renew distinctions leveled
down by DEATH Men and women, fathers and
mothers, widows and children, these do not as
semble at the graves of their dead to speak of
the ofendings and shortcomings of those whose
forms are dust. The simple offices of affection
are above criticism, and, consequently, void
of offense We who reflect know that the time
must come when, under the softening influences
of time and better acquaintance, the great dis
cord of our time will have passed into sorrow
full recollection. 1t has come to other nations,
and it must come to u.s.
1--we would not delay that day beyond the
natural order, we cannot too soon begin to re-
move every obstacle to a complete reconcilia-
tion. The people of the South have their part
to perform in the establishment and mainten-
ance of civil rights. Without civil rights that
order which enables the highest and the hum
blest citizen each to enjoy the fruits of his
enterprise, with none 10 make afraid, cannot be
established: and in the absence of that order no
people can prosper. Artificial distinctions, of
nature soever they may be, are obstacles to
growth; some because they keep alive the ran
cor born of strife others because they work
in Justice and inequality, and so beget feeling
of insecurity discouraging to enterprise. For
itatiye Interpretation of civil rights is needed
to put the people of the South on the path of
progress and to this end all efforts should con-
tribute, and no obstacle interposed to prevent
its consummation. With civil rights estab-
lished the pacifcation of the country will be
assured, and we shall be a really free people.
Our national cemeteries will be free to the en-
trance of all who have an interest in the ashes
therein deposited. And not only should en-
trance be free to all, but there should be no
questioning of motive, and ne criticism of the
Offices of affection. We have forgiven the sur
yiyors, some of whom sit in the halls of Con-
gress others have been received into the civil
Service, and all of whom are, with a few excep-
tions, eligible to places of trust and honor.
Our dead in many States lie in the vicinity of
backgrounds in what was once regarded as
an enemy's country. The dead of that enemy
are in our custody. Let there be no distinc-
ton there or here, and when each knows that
the other is respecting the names of their
loved ones, it will vastly promote harmo-
nv between the sections. therefore renew
NV request that the order for decoration day of
last wear ifin force, be rescinded if notin force
be not renewed. Respectfully, yours, &C.,
JOHN j. PATTERSON.
CHURCH CoNDUcr.-There is nothing which