BOSTON, October 29, 1865.
DEAR MR. EDITOR,--I rejoice that “The Independent” has planted
itself firmly on the sure ground of Equal Rights. It is natural
that a journal which has from the beginning so bravely and
constantly opposed Slavery in all its pretensions should now
insist that these pretensions shall be trampled out, so that
nothing shall be left to breed future trouble. This can be done
only through the establishment of Equal Rights.
To my mind, there never was a duty plainer or more instinctive.
It is plain as the Moral Law, and it is instinctive as
self-defence. If the country fails to do this justice now,
it will commit a crime where guilt and meanness strive for
mastery. On this head it is enough to say that it is a debt we
owe to saviours and benefactors. But here all the instincts of
self-defence harmonize with justice.
For the sake of the whole country, which suffers from weakness
in any part,--for the sake of the States lately distracted by
war, which above all things need security and repose,--for the
sake of agriculture, which is neglected there,--for the sake
of commerce, which has fled,--for the sake of the national
creditor, whose generous trust is exposed to repudiation,--and,
finally, for the sake of reconciliation, which can be complete
only when justice prevails, we must insist upon Equal Rights
as the condition of the new order of things. So long as this
question remains unsettled, there can be no true peace. Therefore
I would say to the merchant, who wishes to open trade with this
region,--to the capitalist, who would send his money there,--to
the emigrant, who seeks to find a home there,--begin by assuring
justice to all men. This is the one essential condition of
prosperity, of credit, and of tranquillity. Without this,
mercantile houses, banks, and emigration societies, having
anything to do with this region, must all fail, or at least
suffer in business and resources.
To Congress we must look as guardian, under the Constitution, of
the national safety. I do not doubt its full power over the whole
subject; nor do I doubt its duty to see that every pretended
government organized by recent Rebels is treated as a present
nullity. President Johnson then spoke well, when in Tennessee he
said that “in the work of reorganization Rebels must take back
seats, leaving place to those who have been truly loyal.” There
is the key-note of a just policy, which I trust Congress will
adopt.
It is difficult to measure the mischief already accumulating
from the policy that has been pursued. Looking at the positive
loss to business and the productive industry of the country, it
is painful. Looking at the distress it has caused among loyal
people by the revival of the Rebel spirit, it is heart-rending.
Looking at it in any way, it is a terrible failure. It will be
for Congress to apply the remedy.
Meanwhile you have the thanks of good people for your loyalty to
the cause, and your strenuous efforts in its behalf. Go on, I
entreat you, nor ever hesitate.