The United
States, having interfered by force to suppress a national riot, has a
clear right, and a bounden duty, not to abandon the region of the
disturbance until the _animus_ of rebellion is subdued as effectually as
its open manifestation; and knowing that that _animus_ is identical
with the spirit, purposes, and designs of the slaveholding class--a
conspiracy, in fine, to overthrow the Government in that sole behalf--it
is alike bound effectually to cripple or actually to exterminate that
malign influence.
Again says our writer under review: '_When the South has been overcome
in fair fight, we must give its reason a chance to assert itself._' Very
true, if the mode of doing so be not foolishly misunderstood. The error
here is in speaking of the South as one, whereas from this time forward
and for some years to come, there will be an Old South, rebellious at
heart, malignant, defiant, cruel, and revengeful to the last
degree--bold, accustomed to rule with unquestioned authority--and, when
conquered, refusing to remain conquered, except as the grapple of the
conqueror is still at its throat; and a New South, loyal, loving, and
devoted to its deliverers, but timid, shrinking, and tentative of its
powers--liberty-loving, and truly American in sentiment, but unused to
the exercise of political supremacy, unorganized, and weak;--an old
South, refusing every appeal to reason, and only thirsting for
vengeance; and a new South, ready to reason and to be reasoned with, and
looking gratefully to the National Government as its guide and protector
in the unequal contest before it--more fearful to it than ever--at the
close of the war.
Pages:
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161