RESUMPTION OF SELF-GOVERNMENT.
A. D. 1872.
In the years that had passed since the close of the war
between the States, the people of North Carolina had been
continually looking forward to the hour when the State should be
fully restored to its old relations with the Federal government.
In the consummation of the reconstruction policy, inaugurated and
carried out by Congress, this had been partially attained, but,
in the provisions of the Constitution adopted in 1868, there were
many particulars that were unsuited to the habits of the people,
and amendment was eagerly desired in this respect.
2. Political animosities were being softened by the lapse of
time, and general prosperity was fast extending to different
sections. Towns and villages were being built along the lines of
railroads, and cotton and other factories were constantly being
added.
3. Just previous to the outbreak of the late war the Masonic
Grand Lodge of North Carolina had reared at Oxford a large and
costly building, which was called "St. John's College," and was
intended for the education of young men. In 1872 this building
was devoted, by the fraternity that had erected it, to the
education of the orphan children of North Carolina. This noble
charity was placed in the care of John H. Mills, who has
abundantly justified the wisdom of those who were parties to his
being chosen for so responsible a place.
4. This school, which educates so many who would otherwise grow
up in ignorance and vice, is aided now by an annual appropriation
from the State and another from the Grand Lodge of Masons, but on
individual contributions of the charitable it is mainly dependent
for its support. Perhaps no other charity ever so much enlisted
popular sympathy in North Carolina, and none ever more richly
repaid the unselfish contributions of the people.
5. At the period now reached the University had ceased to be
attended as a college. Rev. Solomon Pool still remained its
President, but the buildings were silent, and the famous seat of
learning no longer held its proud position among American
institutions. Meanwhile, the denominational colleges were
vigorously at work, and were receiving a larger patronage than
formerly.
6. Among the female seminaries of the State a new and formidable
rival for popular favor arose--Peace Institute, at Raleigh. This
institution, like the Orphan Asylum, had originated before the
war, but, during the years of strife the building was used as a
hospital. It is controlled by the Presbyterians, and under their
excellent management it has become one of the best appointed and
most popular institutions in all the State.
7. In the nomination and re-election of General Grant as
President of the United States in 1873, there were many incidents
to show the alteration in Southern sentiment. The white men of
the South, as a general thing, voted in that contest for Horace
Greeley, of New York. He had been long identified with all the
movements that were specially obnoxious to Southern people, and
yet, after so many bitter differences in the fifty years past,
the old leader of the Abolitionists became the nominee of the
Democrats and received their votes for the Presidency.
8. This strange course was said by those who pursued it to be
dictated by the desire on their parts to show that they did not
harbor resentment toward old enemies, and were not now
disaffected toward the Union, but were willing for "the dead past
to bury its dead," and well might they pursue such a course.
With the close of the war had passed all reason for the existence
of another Republic. In the abolition of slavery the States had
become uniform in interest, and it was soon patent that it ought
to need only a little time to heal the breaches of the war and
restore concord to the two great sections of the mighty American
Commonwealth.
9. Unfortunately, however, the men who swayed the destinies of
the country were more partisans than patriots, and sought to
perpetuate the domination of their party more than the
restoration of peace and concord.
10. In the sober, second thought of the American people it is to
be hoped that patriotism will prevail. That hatred and
malevolence can continue indefinitely in the relations of the two
grand divisions of the Republic, is as impossible as it would be
unwise and wicked. Their destiny is too grand for the people of
America to think of marring it by a continuance of strife. Year
by year the traces of blood disappear from the face of the land,
and more closely grow the bands that make us a free and united
people.
QUESTIONS.
1. To what period had the people of North Carolina been looking
forward since the close of the war? What acts had somewhat
prevented the arrival of this state of affairs?
2. What is said of political animosities and the general
prosperity of the State? Of towns and factories?
3. What charitable institution had been opened by the Masons?
Who was put in charge?
4. What is said of the Orphan Asylum?
5. In what condition was the University? What is said of other
colleges?
6. What female school is now mentioned?
7. What political changes were seen in the Presidential campaign
of 1872?
8. What was said to have dictated this course? What was the
general position of the people since the close of the war?
9. What was the cause of sectional prejudices continuing to exist?
10. In what characteristics do the American people stand high?
Why should all sectional animosities be speedily removed?