American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1879-05-24
NopES ON THE 1IfGA-
ZION.

the South III regard to its iabOping
classes, the relation and RESPONSE
bhity of the North for the present
disturbed State of affairs, may not
be inappropriate at time, when,
perhaps, all else becomes Of secon>
Diary Importance even that per.
picking game of chess now being
piayed by Congressman. at Wasii>
ington, gives Rrecedench to this
topic Of all absorbing interest.
The departure of so many of tie
native colored people from this sec
ton of tbs country, going north
west, breaking up their homes, bur
rying. tleeii,g and. al mless, in a dis
orderly and undisciplined manner
is a circumstance that gives ocea-
sion for much thought, and demands
the most careful and rigid Invesii-
cation into the causes that impel it.
The ihvestiture of citizenship by a
political party to those who forms
eBy were slaves, their relation to
the Government, and in some To-
calities their participation in its af,
fairs, involved difficulties. of such
magnitude which probably at that
time were not contemplated that
diverted their attention from the
legitimate needs of the country, in
building up the places made desos
late by the war, harmonizing DIFF,
ferences and restoring good feeling,
and directed it to meet the various
perplexities the new relationship
continually presented.
These new difficulties greatly am
plified legislation to honor drafts
upon which that character was de
vised that became baneful in it's eff
fects, irritating almost to an incur
able resentment the passions that
should have subsidized with the war !;
and among the newly enfranchised,
encouraging spirit of such misera-
BILE dependency, land exciting to their
'credulOus minds the belief that the
least of the ills incident to their ex
istence would receive the healing
balm of legislation. Adhering to
a course that has been pursued, re-
sultiDg from delusive views, or
wrong and mistaken natives,
shows q consistency that springs
from very weak Judgments or very
obstinate minds. This is strikingly
characteristic of some of the leaders
of that party, after the mist axes OF
many of the reconstruction measures
That spirit OF legislation, rampant
at that time, devised just too much
of certain kind to be beneficial,
and which WAS In its nature, too
partisan to be salutary. Underiy-
ing all other causes, the germ of
that legislation has developed much
of the bitter fruit of sectional stlife
and antagonism; and to which is
clearly fraceable, the present un :.
happy condition of the colored la
borer i'll this section of the country.
The elevation of the slaves to
freemen was an organic change in
their condition that necessitated
gradual attainment of the ballot,
instead of the sudden and inpOlitic
manner it was conferred. The van
of right conception of its privileges
and an intelligent exercise Of it.
demanded it's careful bestowal. But
this was not done. In consequence
of which the sswoes unnumberedn
that they have endured, were en-
tailed upon them.
With the overthrow of cOrrup :.
ton and ignorance, the intelligence
of this country should have been
directed to the ameIiOraGion of the
condition of its labOring classes on
u more broad aud comprehensive
plan. A more general diffusion of
knowledge under a better system
than they now obtain; the repeal OF
such laws as initiate against the
interests of the fan mer the assur-
ance that no encroachment upon
their liberties will be attempted, are
chief among the measures of relief
most imperaiively demanded just
now. Unless tins is done, the ag-
ricultural Interests of the South will
suffer from continued emigration,
which, rinl,appily, is being encour>
aged by some from motives looking
to their oien ACKNOWLEDGEMENT; which
the present unsettled condition of
the colored Eeople are made to sub.
serve.
These demands are just and
equitable, and should he met i'm a
spirit of moderation and fairness !;
concession should meet these ex>
igencies 50 freely and firmly as to
place an effec, ual barrier against the
spread of discomfort; and bring
with it an assurance OF the encour~
agement of a better state of feeling,
looking to the general welfare of
the people and the prosperity of
the country.
A little reflection OH the part Of
the colored people should convince
them that peace and few things are
preferable to great undertakings
and great cares that making haste
slowly should govern them in break
ing up their homes and leaving
the place of their nativity. The
removal of ones "household gods
is too serious matter for expert
ment, and too sacred for incOusid-
erat euess.
Aeheas attempted his, only when
the destruction of his burned and
bleeding city admonished him there
was virtue in flight. But they must