The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1880-10-13
Why all Men with Any
Character to Lose
Among Them
Will Vote and Work for Hancock
HOW THE POLICY OF THE RE-
PUBLICAN PARTY DROVE
THE MOST DECENT ORITS
SOUTHERN MEMBERS FROM
IT'S RANKS!

held recently at Washington
city, the following address, in
dicative of the feelings among
the class of men who stood by
the Republican party in the
South as long as they consider.
ed it entitled to support, and in
the face of popular opposition,
was prepared and directed to
be issued:
The undersigned, having earnestly
supported the Republican party in
carrying out the principles of the re-
construction measures of Congress
in the Southern States, feel cons
strained by the present situation in
public affairs to state some of the
grounds upon which a change in the
party character of the National Ad-
ministration is demanded.
The reconstruction measures were
precipitated upon the South in time
of great public excitement. They
were to subvert ideas, habits and
conditions fixed by the usage and
experience of generations. This was
to be done al a time and under cir
cumstauces we'll calculated to pro-
duce the most serious apprehension.
The disfranchisement of the princi-
pal property holders, coupled with
the enfranChisement of the whole
body of former slaves, to be put in
to operation in the midst of a dis
rupted condition of Government,
alarmed the most thoughtful and pa
triotic citizens. Thoughtful men had
hoped and expected gradual and
carefully tested steps in the adjust
ment of matters so vital to the peace
and equilibrium of society.
But the alarm and opposition were
greatly increased by the disgraoeful
and reckless conduct of many per-
sons intrusted with the execution Of
this new order of things. This con-
duct inhamed prejudices and proyok-
ed conflicts. Instead of discounten-
ancing the conduct Of these persons
by its restraining attention, the Ma
tional Administration has continual
ly extended to them special coun-
tenance and favor and has repressed
the exertiOns Of the more worthy
and judiCious supporters of recon-
struction. We deem it sufficient
simply to state the facts, without in
dulgiDg in any warmth of expression
or referring in detail either to the
general spirit and policy by which
the present and preceding admins
trations have made the management
Of reconstruction a curse to the col
ored ace as we'll as to the white peo.
pie of the Southern States.
But the first apprehension in rela-
ton to the immediate execution of
the reconstruction measures has been
greatly relieved by time and the test
OF experience. The disfranchis ement
feature having been removed, there
is now a general acquiescence IN the
| principles involved, as indeed moth,
! ing more than the fundamental ideas
OF the American system of govern,
ment. But the recollection of un.
restrained abuses still remains, and
there is still deep grounded appre.
heusion that such abuses may at any
time be repeated in their worst form
as long as the National Administra
ton continues in the hands Of the
Republican party.
We are satisfied from personal
knowledge derived from observation
and from particip patton in the recon
slruction policy that change in the
party character of the National Ad'
ministration is now the suTest and
best means of placing reconstruc
ton upon safe and peaceful basis
and of at once uniting the country
in mutual confidence and kindly re
lationship. And, as this should be
the first leading purpose of the Am
erican people in the pending Presi-
Dental election, we believe it ought
to override all party attachments and
considerations.
To elect a Republican President
at this time by a sectional vote would
be public calamity Of the graves
character. 1t would uuquestionably
set back the growing sentiment o
nationality and unity which a jus
and enlightened policy in the man
agement of reconstruction would
long since have permanently secur-
ed. While wishing to avoid as fa
as possible any matter appealing t,
] Fo.1; 49,