South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1876-09-08
Gen. Mcclellan on the Situation.


letter, dated Coburg. Canada, August
l6, 1876, in support of Gov. Tilden for
the Presidency, in which he gives ex.
preston to some broad national views.
lie says:
Il have the highest respect for the
personal character and intelligence OF
the republican candidate for the Presi.
dency, and believe him TO be an upright
gentleman. But it seems TO me quite
impossible that he can change the or
ganization and policy Of his party
The leaders who control and shape its
policy would be the same after his cleo.
ton as now, and it is idle to hope for
any change in them, or under them It
is now abundantly evident that had not
a democratic House been elected in 1874
it would have been impossible to un-
earth the various instances Of malad-
ministration that have come TO light.
and it is equally clear that until the 60
vernment passes into the hands OF the
democrats We shall never know the whole
truth, whatever it may be; and We need
to know the truth as TO tue past, that il
may serve To guide us in the future
On The general questions of reform.
economy and finance General McClel.
IAN is in full accord with the democratic
party. In regard TO the South he SAYS:
Generous courtesy toward fallen,
but most gallant foe, and selfish policy
alike demand that we should leave no
just thing undone that will restore peace
and well-being to the South, reestabish
fraternal feelings in the hearts of all our
people, and cause our recent enemies to
he proud OF and love the government of
the Union and its flag The welfare Of
the North is inseparable from that Of the
South, and our country can never attain
its full force and vigor until peace. pros
pcrity aud kind feeling reign throughout
its broad domain
Il believe that this end can best be
reached by respecting the autonomy of
the individual States, so long rs they
respect the obligations of the federal
compact. Allowed TO govern them
selves, public opinion, selfrespect and
4 regard for their own interests will Ger.
tainly suffice TO induce the Southern
States to place good men in Office and
TO enforce the laws. While of the opin-
ion that federal interference should ne.
yer be rcsorted to except in the cases
provided for In the constitution. ! also
think that, if any outrages are commit
ted upon the rights, persons or proper
ty of any citizen, whatever his race,
whether white or black. and the State
authorities neglect or hesitate to do
their duty, that the general government
~ I'D ~ -,
gal way to enforce order and Justice,
and should use all its legitimate nfu.
ence in that direction.
But have sufficient faith in the hon
or and ability OF our Southern brethren
10 believe that, when left to themselves,
they will we'll know how to enforce just
laws and secure the rights Of the hum
blest Of their fellow citizens"
Gen. Mcclellan closes as follows:
II would like to appeal to those who
in civil life have honored me with their
friendship and support, and especially
and most earnestly TO those men TO
whom | have never appealed in vain
my comrades OF the war-and to ask
them TO stand once more with me in
our country's cause, in n civil contest
now, Ne formerly i'll deadler struggle.
and support to the uttermost the cleo.
ton Of Mr.. Tilden to the Presidency. ]
believe that the issues now ut stake are
similar to those for which we fought
the honor and well being OF the nation"
" speech made by negro named
Speed, candidate for the Legislature in
Bullock comfy, Alabama, will perhaps
illustrate the manner in which political
intimidation was recently practiced in
that State. lie SAYS ~ was passing by
house not long ago, and saw two
turkeys, a gobbler and hen, setting on
the fence close 'Iongside the big road
Before | got q hundred yards Cother
side / turned, rode back TO that house
and hailed. Nobody come the first time,
and ] hailed again. Presently white
lady come TO the door, and says l.
There's two turkeys down yonder on
The fence close by the road Maybe
you'd better have EN- drove up or some.
body will steal en- Lord bless your
soul! she sent little gal down thar
quick ard drove 'em up 20 the house.
Now. feiiOw.citizens. jest by riding back
70 that house sno telling EN- 10 drive
them turkeys or that road saved two
Republican votes You say, How is
that? Well. I'll tell you: j them tur.
keys had of staid thar the first niger
that come along would took one. and
the next ono that come along would n
TOOK rOther Aud you know white IL
dies will 90 their death on turkey; them
two niggers would ha' been caught and
tried. and convicted, and ther'd ba'
been two Republican votes lost"
a NOBLE LIFE
These lines we're sent n friend. NJ de
scriptivc of tho life and character OF a
noble woman