The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-01-24

cepted unless they provided in their new
constitutions for negro suffrage. In case
they would not, the state governments
should be removed and the states placed
in the hands Of general officers of the
army as military governors.
Under the severe ordeal one of the city
papers of New Orleans called upon the
generals of confederate to advise the peo-
pie of the course that they should pur-
sue-naming the officers I thought 1t
better policy to hold the states. as they
were organized under the Presidents
policy, shape their constitutions as direct
ed by congress. and have the states not
yet reorganized follow the same course.
My letter upon the subject was as fol-
lows:
The Famous Letter.
New Orleans La, June g. 1867.
~. NJ. G. Parker, Esq,
Dear Sir-Your esteemed favor of the
18th ultimo was duly received. l was much
pleased to have the opportunity to hear
Senator Wilson, and was agreeably sur
prised to meet such fairness and frank
ness from politician whom l had been
taught to believe harsh in his feelings
towards the people of the south.
Il have considered your suggestion to
wisely unite in efforts TO restore Louis
lana to her former position in the union,
through the party now in power My
letter of the 9Th of April, to which you
REFER clearly indicates desire for prac-
teal reconstruction and reconciliation.
There is only one route left open, which
practical men cannot fail to see.
THE serious difficulty arises from want
of that wisdom so important for the great
work in hand. Still. l will be happy to
work in any harness that promises relief
to our discounted people and harmony
to the nation, whether bearing the man.
tie of Mr.. Davis or Mr.. Sumner
1T is fair to assume that the strongest
laws are those established by the sword.
The ideas that divided political parties
before the war-upon the rights of the
states-were thoroughly discussed by our
wisest statesmen, and eventually appeal
ed to the arbitrament of the sword. The
decision was in favor of the north, so
that her construction becomes the law,
and should be so accepted.
The military bill and amendments are
the only peaceofferings they have for us,
and should be the starting point for flu
ture issues.
Like others of the south not previous
~ connected with politics. 1 naturally
acquiesced in the ways of democracy, but
so far as | can judge. there is nothing
tangible in them. beyond the issues that
were put to test in the war and there
lost. As there is nothing left to take hold
of except prejudice, which cannot be
worked for good for any one, it seems
proper and right that we should seek
some standing which may encourage hope
for the future.
IF I appreciate the issues of demo-
cracy at this moment. they are the en-.
reimbursement of the negro and the rights
of congress in the premises, but the acts
of A.
of the land, and no power but congress
can remove them.
The Negro Vote.
Besides, If we now accept the doctrine
that the states only can legislate on suf-
frage. we will fix the negro vote upon
us, for he is now a suffragan, and his
vote, with the vote that will go with
him, will hold to his rights, while by
recognizing the acts Of congress. we may.
after fair trial, If negro suffrage proves
mistake, appeal and have congress cor
rect the error. 1T will accord better with
wise policy to insist that the negro shall
vote in the northern as well as in the
southern states.
IF every one will meet the crisis with
proper appreciation of our condition and
obligations the sun will rise tomorrow
on happy people. Our fields will again
begin to yield their increase, our railways
and waters viii team with abundant
commerce, our towns and cities will re-
sound with the tumult of trade. and we
will be reinvigorated by the blessings Of
Almighty God.
Very respectfully yours,
JAMES LONGSTREET."
I might have added that not less force
full than the grounds / gave were the
obligations under which we were placed
by the terms of our paroles-"To respect
the laws of congress'-but the letter was
enough.
Called Him Traitor.
The afternoon of the day upon which
my letter was published the paper that
had called for advice published a column
of editorial calling me traitor deserter
of my friends, and of accusing me of join
ing the enemy but did not publish a
line OF the letter upon which 1t based
the charges! Other papers of the demo-
crazy took UP the garbled representation
of this journal and spread 1t broadcast,
not even giving the letter upon which
they based their evil attacks upon me.
Up to that time the First Corps, In all
of its parts. in all of its history. was
above reproach. | was in successful busi-
ness In New Orleans as cotton factor
with salary from an insurance company
of five thousand dollars per year.
The day after the announcement old
comrades passed me on the streets with
out speaking. Business began to grow
dull General Hood Che only one of my
old comrades who occasionally visited mel
thought that he could save the insurance