Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-09-24
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Judge Key made 3 speech at Chatls
nooga explaining his erring brethren
allusion in New England, but he did mo-
say it was o Joke, as some of his admir-
ers through thick and thin have said sc
often for him, according TO the report
in the Nashville American:
He said to his friends there that be
was convinced of their kindly feeling to-
ward their erring brethren Of the South.
BE said there never was a sentiment so
applauded, and he never was so sur
prised as when he found this sentiment
was not approved at home. He had en-.
tered into the rebellion as heartily and
as earnestly as any man, and was sorry
that he could not have been more rebel
lious and have carried it on more vigor-
ously than be did. He thought he vas
right and he must confess very frankly
that he had no repentance or confession
to make for the part he had taken, but
would say frankly that he made a very
great mistake and committed a very Sc
rious error. After referring to the ef.
forts of the South, he said it had sc-
complished no results, except it be eman-
cipation Of slavery. which we certainly
did not fight for. II an error, as the
numberless widows and orphans, the $780,
900 graves and the public debt which we
all have to pay and no result accom-
plished. could testify.
This is an explanation that does not
altogether explain. He was sorry that
he was not more rebellious; thought be
was right and still was in error. He was
an Herring brother but not rebellious
enough. The rebellion became an error
when it failed; had it succeeded it would
have beea ell right. The fac. is, Mr., Key
has got into a muddle on this subject
and had better let it alone; every time
he tackles it be gets deeper swamped.
Everybody knows that the South was de-
feated, that the negroes were set Zee,
and that the Union is restored as near
like the original as possible, minus
which nobody would have now if
could; that the three amendments
to the constitution are accepted in good
faith, and that no apologies are in order
from those who staid at home
the war and get mad afterward
and even this class will be excused for
the sake of their silence. Everybody
knows by this time that the South got
the worst of the fight. The high privates
found it out some years ago. Warts bad
business at best, but especially among
people of the same lineage, language
and country. A mistake is not always a
crime, and Mr.. Hayes is candid enough
to say that he respects the men on both
sides who fought according to their con
Slavery was recognized in the
constitution; it came down from the
of the government and the PEG
pie fought for it incidentally in de-
the right to set up a separate
government. These things are over aud
the country has but one government, one
flag and one wish in that respect. Mr..
Key is a clever, well-meaning man, but
be gets his ideas jumbled up sometimes,
and is said to have been more embsr.
raised in his late explanation at home
than when he appeared before New Eng
land audiences. BE had better let Hayes
Wade Hampton do the speaking
hereafter, and devote himself to the Office
work Of the Postmaster Generals de.
partment, for which he is very we'll quail
fled.