The Fearful State of the South.
THE following is from evidence before the Reconstruction Committee. It is simply one of the thousand of similar testimonies, daily spread before the country. DISORGANIZATION AT THE SOUTH.
‘The evidence before the Reconstruction Committee in regard to the state of the South is of a startling character. Nearly all the witnesses agree that the state of things has been daily growing worse since the surrender. Citizens from Virginia and North Carolina represent a most deplorable condition of affairs in portions of these States. In some sections, all the Union men, who are able, are moving with their families.’ We subjoin a portion of a recent and very able letter to Speaker Colfax, from that brave, frank man, and sterling patriot, Governor Brownlow of Tennessee. ‘I tell you, and through you all whom it may concern, that without a law to disfranchise rebels, and a force to carry out the provisions of that law, this State will pass into the hands of the rebels, and a terrible state of affairs is sure to follow. Union men will be driven from the State, forced to sacrifice what they have, and seek homes elsewhere. And yet Tennessee is in a much better condition than any of the other revolted States, and affords a stronger loyal population. ‘Those who suppose the South is 'reconstructed,' and that her people cheerfully accept the results of the war, are fearfully deceived! The whole South is full of the spirit of rebellion, and the people are growing more bitter and insolent every day. Rebel newspapers are springing up all over the South, and speaking out in terms of bitterness and reproach against the government of the United States. These papers lead the people, and at the same time reflect their sentiments and feelings. Of the twenty-one papers in Tennessee, fourteen are decidedly rebel, outspoken and undisguised, some of them pretending to acquiesce in the existing state of affairs. In all the vacancies occurring in our legislature, even with our franchise law in force, rebels are invariably returned, and in some instances, rebel officers, limping from wounds received in battle, fighting against the United States forces! And yet, I tell you that Tennessee is in a better condition than any other revolted State. ‘Others will give you a more favorable account; I can not in justice to myself and the truth. I think I know the Southern people. I have lived fifty-eight years in the South, of choice, and two at the North, of necessity. ‘I have the honor to be, very truly, etc., ‘W. G. Brownlow,
Governor, etc.’