The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-22
THE PLAN OF RENOVATION.
What Governor Seymour Thinks
of it.

lin his recent message to the Legisla-
ture of New York, Governor SEYMOUR
comments on national affairs as follows j
While it is duty to state plainly my
views about public affairs, shall do so in
no spirit of controversy or of disrespect for
the opinions of those who differ from me.
The questions of the day are beyond the
grasp of any mind to comprehend in their
Influences or results. We see them from
different stand-points, and we reach con-
flicting conclusions. None but the igno-
rant, the bigoted or The designing will
make these differences of views occasions
for reprOach or contumely. The times de-
mand outspoken discussions. When we see
good and earnest men, under the influence
of some absorbing sentiment, overlooking
the great principles of good government,
trampling upon usages and procedures
which have grown up with the history of
liberty in the civilized world, we are warned
that none of us can claim to be above the
influence of passion or of prejudice. While
do not agree with those upon the one
hand who insist upon an unconditional
peace, or with those, upon the other ex-
IRENE, who would use only unqualified
force in putting down this rebellion, de-
mand for them what l ask for those who
concur in the views which l present-a
fair. dispassionate and respectful hearing.
Let not the perils of our country be in
creased by bigotry, by partisan passions,
or by an unwillingness to allow opinions
to be uttered in forms and modes in ac-
cordance with the usages of our people and
the spirit of our laws.
Two antagonistic theories are now be-
fore the American people for bringing to
an end the destructive contest in which we
are engaged. The first is that contained
in the resolution adopted by Congress and
approved by the President at an early day,
and upon the faith of which the people of
this country, without distinction Of party,
have furnished more than one million of
men to our armies, and vast contributions
to the treasure of our country.
This resolution consecrated the energies
of war and the policy of government to the
restoration of the Union and the support of
our constitution. 1t was solemn appeal
to the civilized world that the objects thus
clearly set forth justified a war which not
only concerned the American people, but
which also disturbed the commerce and in
dustry of all nations.
The opposite theory prevents the return
of the revolted States upon the condition
OF laying down their arms; it denies them
political existence, which enables them
to come back upon any terms; it holds
that States in the revolted section of the
pfrv ha &c established
the States hereafter made may or may not
hold the names or boundaries of the States
thus destroyed, although cit is suggested
as not improper that these names and
boundaries, &C., should be maintained.
The war, therefore, is not to be brought
to an end by the submission of these States
to the constitution and their return to the
Union, but it must be prolonged until the
South is subjugated to the acceptance, not
of its duties under the constitution, but of
such terms as may be dictated Until
States are thus "re-established Z" it is held
that there are no political organizations
which can bring back the people to their
allegiance; that if the nine States spoken
of in the proclamation of the President
should lay down their arms, and should
return to the performance of their duties,
they would not be recognized or received.
This theory designs sweeping revolution
in the section OF our country now in rebel
lion, and the creation of new political
system by virtue of political DEGREES.
Is this calculated to stop the waste of
blood and treasure? If the South is re-
volutionized, its property devastated, its
industry broken up and destroyed, will
this benefit the North?
Those who urge the restoration of the
Union and the preservation of our consti-
tuition contend that in addition to uphold
ing our armies and our navies, every mea-
sure of wise craftsmanship and concliatory
policy shall be adopted to bring this war
to successful close
Only the ends for which this war was
begun should be sought; because they are
the most easily attained, most beneficial
when gained, and in their support most
varied, the most enlarged and the most
patriotic influences can be exerted.
On the other hand, it is insisted that
the war shall be prolonged by waging it
for purposes beyond those avowed at the
outset, and by making demands which
will excite desperate resistance. A de-
mand is made that the people of the South
shall swear to abide by proclamation put
forth with reluctance, and which is OBJ
.jected to by large share of northern
people, as unwise and unjust, as it makes
no distinction between the guilty and the
innocent. They are to take an oath to
which no reputable citizen of the North
of any party will subscribe: that they will
uphold any future proclamation relating to
slavery. They are to submit themselves
to uttered and unuttered opinions and de-
c.ees. No longer regarding the war as
directed against armed rebellion, it is to
be waged against people, property and
local institutions! 1t is held that the
whole population within the limits of GER
tain States, are stripped of all political
rights until they are purged by presiden-
tial clemency
The disorganization and destruction OF
the South are not to save us from the cost
of war. The plan for the future govern
ment of the seeded States demands the
maintenance of armies and a continued
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