The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-12-11
a MONUMENT TO EX-PRIsoSERs OF
WAR

If there is any class of Union soldiers
whose hardships and sacrifices evoked more
than any other the sympaihies of the people
Of the country, it was the ex-prisOners of
war. The harsh demands of the struggle
compelled their retention in captivity until
final victory was secured TO the Union arms.
This confinement they bore with n courage
and devotion that have no equal in the an
nails of war. History may be searched in
vain for higher evidence of loyalty than they
gave, and it may be also searched in vain for
such terrible death rate as devastated their
ranks during captivity.
A movement was begun some months ago
by competent men, many of whom were ex-
prisoners, to erect in Washington a suitable
Memorial Hall as a monument TO the men
who starved and rOtted TO death in the tor
tuTe-pens Of the late sO-called Southern Con-
federacy. This movement has enlisted the
active aid Of prominent men and women
all over the country, and bids fair to be a
great success. At the head of the assOcia-
ton is Comrade A. T. Decker, of New York,
who was gallant soldier, and is now live
business man Of that city. He has associ-
ated with him number Of other comrades
Of fine business and executive ability, and
these gentlemen are taking effective meas
ures TO secure success.
The Board of Trustees have decided to in
augurate series ofpublic meetings through
out the United States in the interests of the
Association, and are anxious to secure every
Post Of the Grand Army of the Republic,
Corps of the Woman's Relief Corps and
Camp of the Sons of Veterans as life mem
bcrs of the Association, and by this means
secure the fact that the Memorial Hall
(which is 10 be erected in the City of Wash
ington) shall always be controlled by the
friends of the cause for which many thou
sands of our comrades persisted in rebel
prisons and whose memory this Association
seeks to perpetuate, and if possible will
rescue from oblivion Ito which even the
names Of many were assgned) the story of
their heroic devotion and loyalty.
Among the Posts of the Grand Army who
have become life members are many of the
most prominent ones in the cities of New
York, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia. 1t is
hoped that loyalty everywhere will aid in
the erection of this Memorial Hall, and thus
assist in placing in the Capital Of the Ma
ton temple which shall forever testify
that the people of this great and prosperous
Nation have not forgotten the fortitude and
devotion of the martyrs of the Republic.
THE NEW ERA IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Benz. r. Tillman was inaugurated Gov
ernor Of South Carolina last Thursday, and
his Inaugural Address advocated several
genuine practical reforms. lie urged de-
cided improvement in the public school
system-no section needs that as much as
South Carolina-Outlined his idea of school
districts TO contain not less than Is nor
more than - square miles, with two schools
in each-Ons for whites and the other for
negroes. If adequate salaries are paid
teachers, and schools maintained not less
than six months each year, this will ac-
complish an immense amount of good.
He proposes a poll-tax for the support
o. the schools, which is a vicious prin-
ciple, and long ago abandoned in the
Northern States. The schools should be
supported by direct levy with other taxes,
but probably this would be too radical a
measure for the South Carolinians yet They
are not ready to be taxed directly for the
education of the children of negroes and
poor whites. He also suggests that the
State provide the scholars with books at
a minimum cost, which is good idea.
He admits that the negroes have wrongs,
and grieyOus ones, but these are, in some
measure, the result OF their attitude toward
the whites when they were in power. He
proposes to redress their wrongs, but is in
flexible against allowing them the ballot
The intelligent exercise OF the right Of suffrage
at the highest privilege and most sacred duty
OF the citizen, il yet beyond the capacity OF the
vast majority Of colored men. We deny that - all
men are created equal" Il is true now It was
not when jefferson wrote H. But we cannot deny
that IL Is duty the governing power in South
Carolina 10 insure every individual black aud
white the right TO lfe liberty. and the pursuit Of
happiness" With all the machinery OF the law in
our hands, with every department Of the Govern
ment-EKecutiye Legislative aud Judicial-heId
by white men, with white jures white solicitors.
white Sheriff. 1t Is simply Infamous that resort
should be had To lynch law, and that prisoners
should be murdered because the people have
grown weary Of the laws delay and Of its
inefficient administration. Negroes have nearly
always been the victims and the confession
IL blot on our civilization. Let Us see to il
that the finger OF scorn be no more pointed a. our
State by reason Of this deplorable condition of
affairs Let us hunt out the defects la our laws Let
us make plain aud simple the rules OF court which
have granted continuances and trials on tech
nicalilcs Let us insist that only intelligent sober
virtuOus citizens cit on our juries.
Such an inaugural would seem very far
behind the times north of Mason aud Dix
on's line but it is wonderful progress for