Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1875-06-29
the constitution so as to elect Presi-

N ENN FL
the constitution so as to elect Presi-
dent for life.
Having opposed the policy Of recon-
struction when adopted, it is not sur
prising that the organ sees little or DO
progress in the southern States, and that
1t criticises me for expressing the opiOn-
ion that there has been progress, and
that there is better feeling than here
tofOre. Having been an anti-slaveTy
lnan for thirty-nine years, and having
read aud thought much Of southern af-
fairs, ! examined with some care the
present condition OF the south. There
have been nunquestionsble mistakes, mis-
management, aBd in some cases cOTrup-
ton on the part of those called to the
high duty Of working out the practical
problem OF a reconstruction in those disc
ordered and devasted commonwealtns.
But with all these mistakes aud corrupt
practices, / saw progress-slOw, but l
think sure. Had n prophet at the close
OF the war predicted that in the short
space Of ten years there should happen
just what has happened, few would hsve
believed him. Then the colOred race,
Just emancipsted, had neither property,
homes, education, nor political or civil
rights Now, though little accustomed
to habits of economy and Thrift, it pos
sesses millions Of property, has hundrG d3
Of thousands of children in school, has
been clothed with civil and political
rights, occupies high position at home,
and has representatives in congress.
Then the white race, with institutions,
industries, and labor disOrgsDiZed, un-
accustomed to toll, disappointed and
defeated, were careless alike Of the
rights Of black men, and of the Opin-
i0us of their countrymen. New States,
Industries and institutions have been
Teorganized labor is becoming more
honorable and more universal, the gov
ernment Is more respected, the old flag
Is more loved, and the favorable Opin-
ioBs Of the northern people more highly
appreciated. Much remains to be done;
hut a beginning has been made, and
| hopeful progress has been already Sc
cured. There are yet INSCRIPTIONS men
who are seeking TO divide society and
parties upon the peTilous line Of race.
! Enemies of their country, of mankind
and of God, these reckless men should
receive the sternest condemnation Of the
patriot, the philanthropist and the
christian. In spite, however, of all un-
toward influences, there is unquestiona-
bly, a kindlier and better feeling per-
vading the south. / pity the head of
that man who does not see and com pre-
bend 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 l have spoken too often
and too much; but my convictions have
forced me to raise quite often the voice
Of entreaty, advice, warning, remOn-
STRANGE, and protest. / fear from the
present outlook and the temper Of few
presses it will be my duty, as it will be
the duty of all devoted, experienced,
and thoughtful Republicans, to continue
to do 50, however distasteful it may be
to othose who seem not to heed the Lessons
Of defeat. am not one of those who
believe that the way to make party
strong is to make it indefensible, or to
close its ranks to the believers in its
principles. The sin for which am now
so sharply rebUked by self-constituted
cens0rs appears not to be unfaithfulness
to the Republican platform and organi-
ZstiOn, but my continuous efforts to win
back to the Republican ranks honest
men who still adhere to the Republican
faith. Having advocated the ideas en-
bodied in the Republican creed and illus
trated in Republican deeds in nearly
fifteen hundred speeches in twenty
seven States, / ought to know some
thing OF the feelings, desires, and pur-
poses Of the American people. Finding
nothing in the constitution, nor in the
traditions OF the people, that forbid
Vice-PTesidentt to entreat or advise pOliti-
cal associates to heed the lessons of ex-
perience in legislation and administra-
ton, have warned, demonstrated, and
protested against mistakes l 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 legislation
and administration, and by timely and
efficient organization, strive TO save the
present house. But l was considered by
some who did not ''scsre well" an
alaTmiBt, and was told with that super
ciliOus arrogance which has driven from
us so many Republicans accustomed to
organize victories, that "the Vice.PIesi-
dent had better not play the role of po-
litical prophet" In spite, however, of
confident assurances of those presum-
ing, but not very sagaciOus politicians,
unexampled disaster came.
| had no doubt then that these were
Republican defeats rather than Democrat
ic victories. Nor have L any doubt now
that q majority of the nation still
adhere to the distinctive principles of
the Republican party, and can recover
what was so heedlessly thrown away.
SO believing, think duty to the coun-
try demands that Republicans should DO
all they can to so reinstate their parry
thati 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
squaTely in the face, and l have done
and l intend to do all in my power in
spite o. csrping and captious criticisms,
to reunite Republicans and tc secure
again the sscendancy of the party that
has saved the Union and emancipated
a race.
Believing the continued success of the
Republican 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 leaders should
now, in the spirit of seif-sacrifice, sub
ordinate their personal aspirations, ri
valries, and ambitions, and welcome all
to their ranks with generous magnauim-
Ity, and SO leave to reunited, reorgsn-
lied, and reinspired party the selection,
at the fitting time, OF its candidate for
the Presidency. They should now for
give and forget; and by reformatory
and generous policy, and by earnest and
honest appeals for unity, win back in
the elections Of this autumn, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New York, California
and Massachusetts,. Successes, so won,
will assure national victory in 1876
Such victory will give to the Republi-
can party, with its brilliant record for
liberty and union, a grand opportunity
to illustrate the opening of the second
century Of the Republic with glorious
deeds. HENRY WILSON.
A CURIOUS CASE.
& S.ernNar1-A a mn erfaRn vEhn nv-as EsouhIe