American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1865-12-16

United States courts, as far as possible
have been reported, in order that the law
might be enforced through their agency.
His policy Of reconstruction, he knew
was attended with risk; its success require,
the acquiescence of the States it concerns
and resumption Of their allegiance and func
tions ss States of the common Union
This risk must be taken 10 the chances O
difficulties; it is the smallest, and to dimin.
ish and, ifpossible, remove all danger, th'
power to pardon had been asserted Al
no State can defend treason, this power il
vested exclusively 10 the Elective and had
been cautiously used. The next great stel
was an invitation to them to participate ID
the amendments Of the Constitution, rem
dered necessary by the abolition of slavery
In order to crafty the wish of every patri
ot and grant general amnesty, there
should be perfect harmony between the late
b"llgerents, md the maintenance OF the
Union Insured by the satisfaction of the
proposed amendment. SO long as its
adoption is delayed, so loug will doubt,
Jealousy and uncertainty prevail. This
measure will efface the sad memory of the
past, and call population, capital and secu
rity to those States, and is not too much to
ask of them this pledge of loyalty; and un,
til 1t is done, no matter how much it may
be desired, the past can never be forgotten;
and once adopted, We are again reunited
beyond all powers of disruption. And fel-
low-citizens Of the Senate and House OF
Representatives, ! leave you to Judge, each
of yon 'or yourselves, of the election returns
aud qualifications Of your own members.
He urges the early restoration of the
Oircuit Courts of the United States, in or
der that the laws may be enforced, as it is
manifest that treason the most fragrant has
been committed. The parties thus charged
should have affair and impartial trial 10 or
der that the country and the laws mar be
fully vindicated, the truth clearly establish
ed that treason is a crime that should be
punished, the offence made Infamous, and
the question settled forever.
The case of the Freedman had engaged
bis most serious consideration. To issue a |
proclamation granting universal suffrage
would have been an assumption of power
which nothing in the Constitution or laws
sonld have warranted. That power be-
onged to the States alone Every danger
# coufict is thus avoided by allowing each
State to settle the question for itself. In
lis judgement, the freedman by patience
nd the exhibition Of manly virtues will
ooner Obtain this right through the States
han through the General Government, even
it had the power to intervene. But good
aith requires the security of the freedmen
their liberty, their property, their right
D labor and claim their just reward. He
ould not too strongly urge the dispassion.
te treatment Of bis subject. he opposes (
ie forced removal and colonization Of the
'reedmen List US rather encourage them to {
onorable and useful industry, where it may q
9 beneficial to themselves and the country I
he public interest would best be promoted I
the several States would provide adequate q
rejection and remedies for the freedmen, ;
I'd, until tnis is done, there can be no Il
lance for the advantageous use of their t
Dor, and the blame Of ill-success will not o
ct on them. o
He predicts for the Gulf States q glori- u
IS future when they shall have become b
nsely populated. as they will doubtless be 7
emigration from the North and the most il
nsely populated countries of Europe. s
He was utterly opposed TO a tax upon r.
3 transit Of travel or commerce between M
ates. and the power Of Congress should W
t pc used to prevent the free circulation s.
men and merchandise, tax upon which to
Institutes one Of the worst forms of mouop OF
ss, which is increased, il coupled with a 8;
lisl Of choice Of routes. This should be be
rnly guarded against by appropriate as
islation within the limits of the Consti- so
lon. Or
The report Of the Secretary Of the Inte. al
: sbowns the condition of the Public
1ds. the transactions Of the Patent OF. pr,
, the Pension Bureau, the management wa
'ur Indian affairs. aud the progress Of ric
construction Of the Pacific Railroad,
also the successful operations of the su'
a. ~