The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-29
PATRIOTIC GEN. GIBSON.
A Noble Speech By Louisiana's Re-
Elected Senator.

Elected Senator.
Upon the result Of the vote for senator
being declared in jointsession OF the Legis-
lature at Baton Rouge, Gen. Gibson was
invited to address the body. In the course
Of his remarks he said
"Fellow-Cit There never was a
people who, by the heat OF a tremendous
civil conflict, were 80 fused together as the
people Of the United States. 1t is true that
here and there is to be found man,
camp follower during the war, perhaps, or
demogogue, some man brave in bravado,
some man who never wore uniform nor
carried musket, who would make you be-
lieve that the northern people were bent
on humiliating the people of the south,
and that they distrust and despise them.
Fellow-ctizens, this is not true. The peo-
pie Of the northern States, in my
judgment, are anxious and willing
to recognize the people OF the south
as their ellow-countrymen. believe they
are proud to do it.. Fellow-citizens, what
are the proofs Of their sentiments in that
respect? You begin to see capital and inn
migration flowing into the southern States;
you witness new birth Of industrial de-
velopment throughout the south. The
waste places are made to blossom as the
rose, and a land but few years ago de-
vastated by fire and the sword, torn by
| civil discussions, now smiling in peace and
| plenty and gladdened by prosperity that
| springs from sober industry, from careful
thrift, and from generous and brave en-
deavor, not only in the fields Of agricult-
ure, manufactures, mining and commerce,
| lint of min latt NJ Dtalx
we prepared to convert our wood and iron,
leather and wool, and our cotton into man.
| ufactures OF utility and beauty, but our
people are rapidly extending their public
school system and building up great uni
versiies that already attract the attention
and admiration Of American scholars.
| "Fellow citizens, this Ia our Union. our
constitution, and II could do anything In
my public career TO bring the hearts and
| sympathies Of the southern people TO
| cherish the Union and the constitution I
| would feel that my task had not been in
vain. To give peace and concord TO the
| greatest continuous empire In the world Is
an undertaking that would ennoble the
efforts OF the highest genius and obtain
| pardon for the efforts OF the meanest un.
derstanding. II is true that the constitu-
ton has been changed, and that slavery
has been abolished in the organic law OF
the land. II is true, fellow citizens, that
the principles Of secession have been elm
mated from this structure OF the Federal
constitution. think the wisest and best
thing is for the southern people TO make
up their minds that they will accept in
good faith the amendments TO the constitu-
ton Of the United States, which We have
all sworn to support. How could We as
men OF honor do otherwise? There is the
alternative OF revolution. What would you
think OF the descendants Of the men who
followed the fortunes OF the house OF
Stuart in England II they refused ale
glance today 10 the house OF Hanover and
the British Queen? What would you
think OF the Germans who, after the con-
solidation of the empire by the genius Of
Bismarck, were 10 disavow their allegiance
and take up arms against tho German gov
eminent? Or what would be thought OF
a countryman OF Cavour, whose genius
united all Italy, II now he should take up
arms against the Italian government SO
the men who stood by the Confelency.
who risked their lives and fortunes for that
cause, may now be true and loyal TO tho
constitution OF the United States and its
amendments, and TO the fortunes OF the
Union, whether they shall be good or
evil" .nl