National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-01-14
A NOTE or WARNING.
Letter From an Er-Conrcdcrsto Soldier
The Despotism OF southern Bourbon

a NOTE OF WARMING.
Letter From an onfodorato Soldier
The Despotism OF Southern Bourbon
ism.
To the Etnor
BIRMINGHAM, ALA, Jan. 10.To those of
us in tho south who fought during the four
years of the rebellion in the confederate
army, and who, when our arms were sur
rendered into the hands of tho victorious
union army, submitted in good faith, tho ex-
preston of confidence by the leaders of that
party which brought about the war of tho
bellion, and who have never been recon-
structed, that they will soon, by means of the
ballot, obtain victory over the national gov
eminent, which they so signally failed to do
by force of arms are sourceeof wonder. A
large number of confederatc soldiers were, upon
principle, opposed to secession, but who,
when the war began actuated by love of
home and sympathy for friends and neigh
bors, were easily and willingly induced to
take up arms against government they
respected and loved. When the war ended
they returned as prodigal sons, desiring to DO
taken back into the family, and willing to
prove their sincerity by faithful Observance
of all the duties and obligations of citizenship
With them were a number OF prominent
southrons who had beloved in the right of
secession, but who honestly acquiesced in tho
result of the war.
All of these ex-confederate soldiers know
| the evil which would result to the national
| government from victory Of the democratic
| party in national election. They know that
no spark of love dwells in tho breasts of tho
| leaders of the democratic party toward the
| federal government, at least so far as tho
leaders in tho south are concerned. They
| know that the cohesive power of southern
| democracy is antagonism to the federal gov
/ thott upfth at artt In
q national contest would be n conquest of the
| United States government and not political
triumph. The United States government
| would be the spoils.
That there are true and loyal citizens of the
northern states members of the democratic
party l am willing to admit; but how they
can BIO induced to deliver the reins Of gov
eminent into the hands Of those who hate the
government, rs long as it is in the hands of
the political party which defended and pre-
served it against the attacks of'those who
would have destroyed it, is a matter OF sur
prise.
1t is not true that tho southerners are
largely in favor of tho bourbon democratic
party. l honestly believe, if they had an op-
portunity, that large majority would vote
against that party. But, situated as they are,
intimidated, bulldozed, ostracsed, vilifed,
and denounced as traitors to their race and
section, and, lastly, swindled out of their
votes, with no aid from the federal govern
ment, what can they do?
1t appears to me that the selection by the
democratic members Of congress Of three
southern men to fill the three most prominent
offices of the house, and the selection Of quite
q majority of southern members as chat rmen
of the committees of the house, and the selec-
ton of an ex-confederate soldier as the chair
man of the committee on PENSIONS ought to
be evidence as plain as holy writ as to what
would result il they obtain control of the
white house.
The question may be reasonably asked,
how can O minority control the maj ority
The answer Is, that the people of the south
who are in favor of UNFOLDING and supporting
the national government are law abiding
peaceable citizens, and even If they desired
to enforce their constitutional rights, they
know tho municipal power of the counties
and state is in the hands of the bourbons
and that in Il contest with bourbonism they
would stand no chance of justice
The history of the south since 1874
is full of evidences of how little re-
gard is paid to tho rights of citizens who
! dare to oppose bourbonism. Character, lib
orty, and life are ruthlessly assailed and
taken from those who dare to lift voice in
! behalf of fair elections and honest count. Is
it possible that the law abiding people of the
north have failed TO read the accounts of the
wanton and cowardly assassinations perpe
trated by the leaders of the democracy in the
south, Une only reason uSSlBneu DGlIp LUHU
they opposed the democratic party. If they
have read is it possible that they don't be
liove If they will shut their eyes to the
truth and permit bourbonisn to obtain con
troll of the national government as it now
has of the southern states, then truly is
loyalty at very low condition.
Those of us who know the true character
aims, and methods of bourbonism, care
naught for tariff, revenue reform, any of
the other questions which are before the
country; in comparison to tho question OF
insuring to all the people their constitutions
rights They want tho right TO entertain
their political opinions and to express them
They want to vote as they believe, for the
best interests of the country against bourbon
ISM and to have their ballots fairly and
honestly counted. These rights are denied
tn EN- in most of the southern states; and ye
, they are without help from the national gov.
, eminent.
These charges should DO thoroughly inves-
tigated by congress- and, if true, steps should
, be taken to remedy the evils complained Of
I If not true, let the country know it, so that
{ the bloody shirt shall never more be unfurled
in the political breeze.
, Congress should appoint com mittees to in
1 quire into these complaints at once. Let
senators be put on the committees who are
, not tme-serving sycophants, but brave, pa
l tient, true and just men, who will carefully
and thoroughly examine and search for the
truth.
/ have written with no unkindness towards
any man or party, but with sincere hope that
what have said may in somo slight degree
. influence those who may read it, and prevent
the democratic party from obtaining control
0 of the national government. at least until the
evils complained of are remedied in that por'
: ton OF the country in which they have power.
CONFEDERATE SOLDIER.
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