Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-06-10

prOpOunded by President Johnson, Id
the Proclamations dated respectively on
the Sth of December, 1868 and 26sh of
March. 1864, commonly called the an
nestv proclamatione. No doubt, he
saws. many persons did, between those
periods, take the! oath, who could not
have done SO had the original proclama-
ton centinued. T, ~ go
The exceptions set forth in the sec
ond, what the rights of those who took
the oath in that intermediate space OF
time, and who could not have taken the
26th of March, 1864, is purely judicial
Question. The facts In such cases are
accomplished, and the rights arising out
of these facts, have attached and be-
come vested.
The Atty General, after considering
the proper operation and effect OF the
tax proclamations comes to the conclu-
sion that another proclamation should
be issued. Persons, he says, should not
! be invited to take anoath and to comply
with the terms under which they cannot
obtain from legal rights. 1t is especial
tly to those who have heretofore and
would now avail themselves in good
faith of the benefits of pardon and am.
nesty, that another proclamation should
be substituted, covering the law past
Persons who have been constantly en-
gagged in the rebellion should know dis
tlnctly what they are to do, when and
how they are to do IL, to fall themselves
j from punishment in whole or in part, or
to such as have been affected merely By
their reasonable associations should be
forgiven, and an appropriate condition
should be appended to the pardon OF
many, The grace and favor OF the gov
eminent should now be large and gener-
Gus, and effect of Its Protered mercy
should not be left uncertain.
As a measure TO aid in the suppression
OF the late rebellion, the late proclama-
ton has done its fuA and complete
office. No one Is desired to aid III re
storing order. and recognizing society
In the rebelious states. Re-construc-
ton is not needed. That conveys al
erroneous idea. The construction of the
government Is as perfect as human WIS
dom can make it. The trials to which
its powers and capacity have been sub
iected in this effort OF revolution and
dismemberment, IS the task 10 prove
principles and powers clearly AID well
defined, and that have carried us safely
through our past troubles. Ours is not
u duty TO re construct or 10 change socl-
ETY. IL the renel states, that has not been rs
not now, in a normal condition, nor III
harmony with the principles OF our gov
eminent. That society has rebeiled
against them, and made war upon the
principles and powers OF our govern
ment. In so doing, it has offended, and
! standsa convictedculprit. Mercy must
5 be largely extended, some of the great
leaders and offenders must be made &c
feel the extre me vigor of the law, not IL
; spirit of revenge, but to put the sea
: of infamy upon their conduct. But the
mercy extended to the great mass of the
miss uided people can and should be
used as 70 reorganize society upon alloy
al and freedom loving basis. 1t is man
fest for their good and the good Of
mankind, that this should be done. The
power of pardon and mercy is adequate
to this end Such condition, precedent
and subsequent, can legally and proper
lly be appended as will root out the spir
| it Of. rebellion, and bring society il
those states in perfect accord with the
wise and thoroughly tried principles O.
our government. If this. power of par
7 don Is wisely used, peace will be estab
? lished upon a sure and permanent basis
.