The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-04-13
The South is Conservative.

A correspondent of the New York
.Erening Post, who signs himself
"New Englander,' says that to him
the most interesting feature of the
Cuban crisis is the wise conservatism
Of Southern leaders in and out of Con-
gress. This correspondent seems to
have needed enlightenment concern
ing the South very sadly for he says
that when he went to Washington re-
Gently he naturally expected from
the 'hot-headed, fire. eating South
erners not only disposition, but a
desire to rush hcadlong into war, re-
gardless of motive, and indifferent to
consequences. Instead Of such intem-
perate action, what have we seen?
Exactly the opposite! These very
Southerners, with their martial pride,
their sensitive sense of honor, and
their quick sympathy with suffering,
have behaved handsomely throughout
the whole crisis; they have contribu-
ted their full share Of strength, digni-
~ and wisdom to the national coun-
sells, and while they are ready to sup
port energetieally the government and
| The nation at the first moment of real
necessity. they have taught many of
sheir Northern and Western brothers
helpful lessons in moderation, pa
slence and fortitude under distressing
difficulties.
This is deserved tribute to South
ern Senators and Representatives.
While every one Of them who has had
a word to say about the present crisis
has spoken sentiments Of high and ar
dent patriotism, not one, so far as We
have been able to learn, has made a
single rash or foolish remark.
The Washington Post in an editori-
al entitled sThe South in These Try
ing Days" says:
aWhile there is no portion of our
people who are more desirous of the
continuance of peace than the South
ern contingent, it is equally true that
none are more ready to respond to
call to arms if peace and honor cannot
be kept together. If loyalty to the
flag may be measured by the risks in
Cured in defending it, where is there
section whose loyalty is greater than
that Of the South in this emergency?
Look at it's coast line along the At
lantic and the gulf, and see to what
possibilities it would be exposed in
case of war. We do not disparage the
patriotism of any State or section.
There is no laggard in the list of
States. But it is potent fact that
the Inhabitants of the interior would
be comparatively safe from harm in
any foreign war, while the South
would be exposed to the euemys guns
in various possible contingencies.
And the South, the people Of the
Southern Atlantic and gulf States,
have had severer lessons in the hor-
rors and losses incident to war than
their fellow citizens of other sections.
They know of verify that war is
hell. That they are in common with
all patriotic Americans earnestly de-
sirous of peaceful issue from pres
ent troubles simply attests their good
sense and their regard for their own
and the nations welfare. That they
stand united as one man in their
readiness to do all that may be re-
ouired for the yindication of the ma
tion honor is no surprise to any in
telligent American, but ! ought to be
an Instructive object lesson to all ma
tions.
The Post has put it right. While
there is no section Of the country
which would be in such peril as the
South, if war should come there is no
section which is reader to defend the
honor of our common country.
{nato Journal