Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-01-06

and permitted the southern people to assume
control of their own affairs, the wastings
of the strife would have been measurably re-
paired and the former prosperity of the South
restored. Improper interference. however, on the
part of the Federal authorities, dictated from
motives neither commendable nor excusable, has
retarded the improvement of that section OF the
country, which has been sensibly felt in it's re-
dictionary influence by the people OF the North
ern and Middle States.
The South, instead Of being liberal purchas-
er in northern markets, has been kept impover-
shed and unable to contribute, by the full de-
velopment of its resources, to the wealth and
prosperity Of the country.
Tie commercial and manufacturing interests
in the North have been of late impressed with
this fact and seem much more ready to heed an
appeal addressed to their own interest than such
as have been predicated on injustice and wrong.
A policy dictated by feelings of animosity ell
gendered by strife might for a time find an ex-
cuse in human weakness and frailty, but the
persistent purpose to oppress and ruin one part
of the country, from no higher motive than such
as emanates from party feelings, esr ecaily when
it is producing its legitimate frnitin the prostra-
ton of business and enterprise everywhere,
must be regarded nov only as indefensIb'e but
as supreme folly and the very acme of crime.
This policy, however, is, even after nearly ten
years of peace, continued in some of the South
ern States For nearly two years Louisiana has
been ruled and robbed by bogus usurping
government, inaugurated by federal interference
and sustained by federal bayonets, and III other
States, under the pretense of preserving the
public peace, the President has unwisely and
illegally interposed the presence of a part of the
army of the United States, if not for the purpose
of controlling their local affairs at least with full
knowledge that such presence would have an
improper and potential influence upon them.
Recent indications. however, justify the be-
lief that the American people are beginning to
realize the great error of tolerating such wrongs.
The result of the recent elections is understood
by men of all parties not only the expression
of decided disapproval, but an unqualified
condemnation of the whole domestic policy and
practice of the Government under the present
administration. Regarding such result not 80
much in the light of partisan triumph as the
declaration of determination, on the part of
the people of the country, to secure good gov
ernment for themselves and their posterity. may
we not indulge the hope that at an early day the
management of public affairs will be entrusted
to those who will Observe the limitations upon
Federal power, respect the just rights of the
States in all that pertains to their domestic con-
Germs, and administer the Government in man-
ner inspiring confidence at home and respect
and admiration abroad.
In conclusion, permit me, gentlemen, to con-
gratulate you on the confidence reposed IN you
by your fellow citizens, and invoke for your
guidance that Divine Providence which rules in
the affairs of men and shapes alike the destinies
of individuals and of States.
JAMES PONDER.
Dover, January 5th 1875.