The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-07-08

care the present condition of the South. There
have been unquestionably mistakes, nisman'
aeement and in some cases corruptlon on tne
part of those called to the high duty OF WORK
ing out the practical problem OF reconstruc-
ton in those disordered and devastated Com,
monwealths. But with all these mistakes ana
corrupt practices saw progress-slow, put
think sure. Had prophet at the close OF the
war predicted that in the short space of ten
years there should happen what has happened,
few would have believed him. Then the col
ored race, Just emancipated, had neither prop.
erty, homes, education nor political or civil
rights. Now, though little accustomed to
habits of economy and thrift, it possesses mil
lions of property, has hundreds of thousands
of children in schools, has been clothed with
civil and political rights, occupies high posi-
tions at home, and has representatives. IN Con
eress. Then the white race with institutions,
Industries and labor disorganized, unaccus'
toned to toll, disappointed and defeated, were
careless alike of the rights of black men and
of the opinions of their countrymen. Now
States, industries and institutions have been
reorganized, labor is becoming more honorable
and more universal, the government IS more
respected, the old flag is more loved and the
favorable opinion of the Northern people more
highly appreciated. Much remains to be done
but beginning has been made, and hopeful
progress has been already secured. There are
yet unscrupulous men who are seeking 10
divide society and parties upon the perllouss
line of race. Enemies of their country, OF
mankind and of God, these reckless men should
receive the sternest condemnation of the patrl-
OF. the philanthropist and the Christian. In
spite, however, of all untoward influences there
is unouestionably a kinder and better feeling
pervading the South. pity the head OF that
man who does not see and comprehend it, and
the heart of him who does not acknowledge,
hail and welcome it with gratitude to God and
with hope for humanity and the nation.
1t may be that I have spoken too often and
too much, but my convictions have forced me
to raise quite often the voice of entreaty, ad-
vice, warning, remonstrance and protest l
fear from the present outlook and the temper
of few present it will be my duty, as it will
be the duty of all devoted, experienced and
thoughtful republicans, to continue to do SO,
however distasteful it may be to those who
seem to heed not the lessons of defeat L am
not one of those who believe that the way to
make party strong is to make it indeienslble,
or to close its ranks to the believers in its prin-
ciples. The sin for which am so sharply re.
buked by self-constituted censors appears not
to be unfaithfulness to the republican platform
and organization, but my continuous efforts TO
win back to the republican ranks honest men
who still adhere to the republican faith. Hav-
ing advocated the ideas embodied in the repub-
lican creed and illustrated in republican deeds,
in nearly $500 speeches, in twenty-seven
States, ought to know something of the feel
ings, desires and purposes of the American
people. Finding nothing in the constitution
nor in the traditions of the people that forbid
Vice President to entreat or advise political
associates to heed the lessons of experience in
legislation and administration, have warned, !,
demonstrated and protested against mistakes
believed would bring defeat if not dishonor
Eighteen months ago thought saw danger
looming up in the near future. | warned my
republican friends of the impending peril, and
advised that we should, by wise and prudent leg,
islation and administration, and by timely and
efficient organization, strive to save the present
House. But I was considered, by some who
did not ''scare we'll, an alarmist and was told,
with that supercilious arrogance which has
driven from us so many republicans accustomed
to organize victories, that "the Vice President
had better not play the role of political
prophet" In spite, however, of confident as
surances of these presuming, but not very sa-
gacious politicians, unexampled disaster came.
I had no doubt then that these were repub-
lican defeats rather than democratic victories.
Nor have any doubt now that majority Of
the nation still adhere to the distinctive prin-
ciples of the republican party, and can recover
what was then so heedlessly thrown away. so
believing, think duty to the country demands
that republicans should do all they can to so
reinstate their party that it shall again invite
and command the support Of all who profess
to believe in its principles, and who rejoice
over every reform of acknowledged abuses. l
have endeavored to look the situation squarely
in the face, and have done and intend to do
all in my power, in spite of carping and cap
tious criticisms to reunite republicans and to
secure again the ascendancy Of the party that
has saved the Union and emancipated a race.
Believing the continued success of the re-
publican party to be conducive to the sure and
more speedy development of the nation in its
varied interests, upon the achieved basis of
human rights, think its presses and its lead
ers should now, in the spirit of self-sacrifice,
subordinate their personal aspirations, rvalries
and ambitions, and welcome all to their ranks
with generous magnanimity, and 80 leave to a
reunited, reorganized and reinspired party the
selection, at the fitting time, of its candidate
for the Presidency. They should now forgive
and forget, and by reformatory and generous
policy, and by the earnest and honest appeals
for unity, win back, in the elections of this
autumn, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Cali
fornia and Massachusetts,. Successes so won
will assure a national victory in 1876. Such a
victory gives the republican party, with its
brilliant record for liberty and union, grand
opportunity to illustrate the opening of the
second century of the Republic with glorious
deeds.
HENRY WILSON.
THE DOWNFALL OF THE CARPET-BAGGERs
AND THE REsULT.-Just as soon, says the
Philadelphia Chronicle, as the power of that