The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-13
GEN. LoNGSTREET.
How He Came to be Republican and
an Oficeholder.

How He Came to be a Republican and
an ohiceholder.
Sitting upon a breezy gallery OF his sum
mer hotel at Gainesville, amongthe mount
aims Of North Georgia, Gen. Longstree,, a
couple OF years ago, told the story Of how
no became identified with the Republican
party. Contrary to some OF the recently
published statements, he was not led into
the position he took by any hope Of per-
sonal profit. The idea OF holding office
under the Government had not been sug-
gested 10 him in any form. Andy John
son was President. Grant had not been
nominated even. All was confusion in the
South. Reconstruction was in its worst
experimental stage.
81 settled in New Orleans after the war"
said Gen. Longstreet, land was living
there quietly, taking no part in politics
In the summer OF 1867 the New Orleans
Inns came ont one day with u long edi-
torial on the condition Of things in the
South. The paper said, in substance, that
the Southern people had been following
with very unsatisfactory results. The
politicians this editorial said. had led
them into the war, aud now that the
war was over the advice Of the politicians
did not seem TO be tending to any better
state OF affairs. The paper suggested that
the military leaders Of the South be- called
upon. These leaders, Il said. had fought
the war through aud had had the conf
Il . l.I
about the proper policy for the South TO
adopt would be interesting aud might be-
profitable. The paper called upon me by
name, as well ~ upon Others, Tor what |
thought. ! replied, saying that we
ought TO accept in good faith the measures
looking 10 reconstruction aud rccOnciiia-
ton. ] advised that we honestly accept
the results OF the war and proceed 10 or.
ganizc the States in line with this policy
and In such a way ~ 10 secure recognition
from the Republican party. That, | said,
was the party IN power and only by pur-
suing such a course could We rcorganizc so
a. To be recognized and restored 10 State
hood"
''But my advice was not well received, "
continued the General, after little pause.
THE politicians wanted 10 runnglnizc the
State Governments in line with their old
allies, the Northern Democrats. There
were several military men who gave their
views in response the invitation from the
lima, but they took the more popular
side. They didn't come out plainly In
favor Of accepting the reconstruction
measures. They couldn't bear To think OF
negro suffrage. That was the hardest
thing for them to accept | found myself
alone In the position | had taken aud had
10 leave New Orleans on account Of It,"
cit was some time after that when YOU
first held Federal officer
Eyes, | went TO Washington some time
later, probably year and hall aitcrward,
aud while at the capital met Gen. Grant
| think lac had just been elected, but had
not taken his seat. lie siid 10 me that he
wanted me 10 call on him ~ soon NJ hc
was inauguraicd aud let him know what
he could do for me. adding that lac wished
20 appoint me 10 some pleasant position.
That was all that passed between iiso on the
subject. Shortly after the Inauguration |
was in Washington aud started up 10 the
White House 10 see the President. On
the way | met Mr.. Casey, Gen. Grants
brothcr.in.law. lie asked me where | was
going. told him. and he said needn't
trouble myself; that the President, n day
or two before had sent my name 10 the
Senate 10 be Surveyor Of the Port nj New
| Orleans. That was the iirst ! had heard Of
H. ! he nomination hung fire in the Senate
for quite awhile. ono day went 10 the
President and asked him 90 withdraw the
nomination ~ ! feared Il might cm.
barrass him. I told him he had shown hia
friendship, aud had shown my willing
ness 10 accent the office under Rcpub.
lican Administration, and theoretically my
| honest acceptance Of the rcsulsol the war,
10y remaining In Washington while th,
nomination was pending The President
/ told me not 30 let the delay In conlirma-
ton bother me. The nomination. hc said
would 20 through nll right Those fellows
/ up there, he added, have got q good
/ many moro fayors 10 ask oi me than
/ have Of them shortly after that ! wa.
confirmed and took the office. Theirs wcr,
two reasons why ! accepted. one was be
cause needed the office. The other wa
that had TO do II 10 be consistent will
my position. | had said publicly that
was going 10 abide by the results Of lh,
war: that accepted reconstruction aud 70
Cancellation. II had refused 10 accep
Office, when needed Il, at the hands Of
Republican Administration, should hav,
belicd my words