The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1883-04-12
ApOLI1ICAL PHHNIN.

Q.EeTsdry OF lue SuTIcuueI VI pE+'H"'"
NonERT L. LEE, and the death Of the hopes
OF the southern Confederacy at Appomat'
tox courthouse. 1t has just been eighteen
years therefore, since the south lay crushed
and desolated at the feet of her northern
foes, Just eighteen years since she presented
almost as complete ruin as was ever
cn.onicled in history. The sCant and scat
tered fragments oil LEES army at that time
rep.esented fifty the scant and tattered
south, land in ashes, with its sons slam
BY the hundred thousand, four millions OF
slaves turned loose upon it, poverty and
want everywhere, the fields bleak and bar
rem, the means and appliances OF nus
tandry gone, the workshops closed and the
hearts Of the people heavy with sorrow and
gloom. 1t was at that time an open and
doubtful cues ion if prosperity would ever
again visit US, and none were so hopeful as
to imagine that the south would ever again
resume its old.time prominence and
weight in the administration OF the gov
erument OF the United States. How great
has been the change What a rejuvena-
ton, revivifcation in less than two de-
csdes 1t is the proud boast of those llv-
ing now south of the old MASON and DIXON
line that they can point to the most pros
perous section of country in the world, and
the one most inviting as promising held
for settlement aud Investment to both the
capitalist and the man of small means, the
professional man, the manufacturer, the
Al. nt,fn hat W a
q war-stricken section and almost barren
eighteen years ago only, is now land OF
plenty and peace and prosperity, forging
rapidly ahead of all other sections IN the
industrial and commercial spheres, and
gaining population and political power with
an unprecedented speed. However
much the enemies of the south may ira
duce her, the fact can be easily established
to any unprecedented mind that nowhere In
the Union to-day is there more conscen-
tious enforcement OF the laws or higher
regard for human life and human rights
than in the south. Freedom OF thought
and speech are accorded to everyone as
cheeriuliy and generously as can be W.T.
messed anywhere else in the world, and
both politically aud religiously, every man
ia free to make his own selections and act
from his own convictions. Commercially,
there is activity and rapidSgrowth and eA-
pansion throughout. the entire Section
Railroads have, within a few years past,
been built with startling rapidity, and man
ufactures on a comprehensive scale nave
sprung up everywhere. The credit and
stability of our business men are as good
as found in the Union, and The man 10
judged by his individual worth and
upon his own merits. Indeed, the
south has again become giant, politically
and commercially, and is rapidly regaining
that preponderating influence in the ad-
ministration OF affairs that was hers before
the late civil war. She is, in word now,
political Phmnix, which has arisen strong
and beautiful, from the rum and ashes to
which the results Of the rebellion reduced
her. 1t has been hard struggle to reach
again the prosperity OF her former times,
harder-sought battle than that against the
north for supremacy in the field OF Mars,
but the victory has been gained against
frigntful odds, and we are now rejoicing in
Its frat fruits. The contrast between the
auth Of 1888 and the south of 1865 is
enough TO astonish even the most hopeful
of her sons and strongest believers
In her power to regain her
old standing, who prophesied for
her after aud Immediately succeeding the
dark DAYS of the period OF the surrender at
Appomattox. In the face OF poverty, polit-
ical oisfranohisement, carpet-bag rule, and
4he thousand attendant evils, the same
pluck and energy, the same enthusiasm
and Intelligence that enabled the miserably
fed and clad, and equipped little armies OF
che south TO stand up against ana win
glory and brilliant success on many little
tield IN a contest with the millions Of the
north, outnumbering their foes ten TO one,
and provided as If tor a holiday encamp-
meet. has rebuilt the splendid edifice OF
soulhern prosperity and greatness 10 the
conflict with the innumerable obtacles that
the war left in their pathway. The con-
trsst between the South Of April 9th, 1865,
and the south Of April 9th, 1883, Is a stand
ine and wonderful tribute 10 the pluck,
the intelligence. the grand moral
ans physical courage and the energy OF u e
southern people. Il apleasing retrospect
that the s0utherner has when be looks back
over the last eighteen years Of bis sections
history. While the north.is remembering
and celebrating lie victories Of war at this
time. hesouih can look back 10 that dark
perioi in her history from the present
prominent and bright outlook and reflect
With pride that her own recent history fur
nishes another admirable illustration o
The truth Of the expression that peace
hath i,s vietorIes no less renowned Than
war In our present greatness and rap
idly growing prosperity. We can look back
xithouf singer and with . Modified sorrOv
10 the dsrk days 81 AppomattoH court |
house In 1856.
WfrH the widespread ana very unusual
1isc 1ntsnt and political excitement IN Eu-