Clarksville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1865-1867, 1865-12-15

my steadfast object 10 escape from the sway OF mo-
mentary passions and 10 derive healing policy
from the Fundamental and unchangng principles
of the Constitution.
found the States suffering from the effects Of
civil war. Resistance TO the General Government
appeared to have exhausted itself. The United
States had recovered possession Of their forts and
arsenals; and their armies were in the occupation
of every State which had attempted TO secede.-
Whether the territory within the limits Of those
States should be held as conquered territory, under
military authority emenating from the President as
the head Of the army, was the first question that
presented itself for decision. sSsfAl
Now, military governments, established for an
indefinite period, would have offered no security
for the early suppression Of discomfort; would have
divided the people into vanquishers and the van {.
quiShed; and would have envenomed hatred, rather
than have restored affection. Once established, no
precise limit to their continuance was conceivable
They would have occasioned an incalcuable and
exhalsting expense. Peaceful emigration to and
from that portion Of the country is one Of the best
that can be thought Of foethe restoration Of
harmony and that emigration would have been
prevented; for what emgrant from abroad, what
Industrious citizen at home would place himself
willingly under military rule7 The chief persons
who would have followed in the train Of the army
would have been dependents on the General Gov
ernment or men who expected profit from the mis-
cries of their erring felow-citizens The powers of
patronage and rule which would have been exer-
cised, under the President over vast and popuous
and naturally wealthy region are greater than, un-
less under extreme necessity, should be willing to
trust any man they are such as, for myself, could
never, unless on occasions Of great emergency
consent to exercise. The wilful of such powers
IL continued through period Of years, would have
endangered the purity of the general administra-
tration and the liberties of the States which remain
ed loyal
Besides, the policy of military rule over con-
quered territory would have implied that the States
whose inhabitants, may have taken part in the re-
bellion had by the act of those inhabitants ceased
to exist But the true theory is that all pretended
acts of secession were from the beginning, null
and void. The States cannot commit treason, nor
screen the individual citizens who may have COM
mitted treason any more than, they can make valid
treaties or engage in lawful commerce with any
foreign power. The States attempting TO secede
placed themselves ina condition where their vitality
was impaired but not extinguished-th functions
suspended, but not destroyed
Buff any State neslects or refuses to perform
its Offices there is the n0re need that the Gene raj
Government should maintain all its authority, and,
practicable, resume the exercise of all its
functions. On this principle have acted, and have
gradually and quietly, and by almost imperceptibe
steps sought to restore the rightfu energy Of the
ucHtTdl uONeTumeut anu Oh Tue CuhteS. DO IHdt
Provisional Governors have been appointed for the
States, Conventions called Governors elected, Leg
islatures assembled, and Senators and Representa-
tves chosen TO the Congress Of the United States.
At the same time, the Courts Of the United States,
as far could be DONE have been reopened go that
the laws of the United States may be enforced
through ther agency. The blockade has been :e-
moved and the custom-houses re-established in
ports of entry, so that the revenue of the United
tafa NAV ba co1lacfad Tho 0ffca T.
ment renews its ceaseless activity, and the General
Government is thereby enabled to communicate
promptly with officers and agents. The courts
bring security to persons and property; the open
ing of the ports invites the restoration Of industry
and commerce the post Office renews the facilities
of social intercourse and business. And is 1t not
happy for ALL that the restoration Of each of
these functions of the General Government brings
with il blessing 10 the States which they are
extended? Is it not sure promise Of harmony
and renewed attachment 10 the Union that after
all that has happened, the return Of the General
Government is known only as benefcence?
know very well that this policy is attended
with risk that for its success it requires al
least the acquiescence of the States which il con-
cerns that il implies an invitation to those States
to resume their functions As States of the Union
But it is risk that must be taken; in the choice
of difficulties il is the smallest risk and 10 dimin-
sh, and, If possible to remove all danger, have
felt it incumbent on me to assert one other power
Of the General Government--the power of pardon
As no State can throw defense over the crime OF
treason, the power of pardon is exclusively vested
in the Executive Government of the United States
In exercising that power, have taken every pre-
caution to connect it with the cearest recognition
of the binding force of the laws of the United
States and an unqualified acknowledgement of the
great social change of condition in regard to slavery
which has grown out of the war.
| The next step which have taken to restore th,
constitutional relations of the States has been al
invitation to them to participate in the high ofc'
of amending the Constitution. Every patriot mus
wish for q general amnesty at the earliest epocf
consistent with public safety For this great enc
there is need Of a concurrence Of all opinions, anC
the spirit of mutual conciliation, All parties il
the late terrible conflict must work together in har
mony. II is not too much to ask, in the name o
the whole people, that, on the one side, the plan o
restoration shall proceed in conformity with will
ngness TO cast the disorders Of the past into oblv
ion and that on the other, the evidence of sin
cerity in the future maintenance OF the Union shal
be put beyond any doubt by the ratification of tn
proposed amendment TO the Constitution, whicl
provides for the abolition of slavery forever within
the limits of our country. So long as the adoption
of this amendment is delayed, so long will doubt
and jealousy, and uncertainty prevail. This is tn
measure which will ehace the sad memory of til
past this is the measure which will most certanl
call population, and capital, and security to thos
parts Of the Union that need them most. Indeed
II is not too much to ask of the States which ar
now repming their places in the family Of the Uu
ion to Five this pledge Of perpetual loyalty an
peace. Until 1t is done, the past, however niue
we may desire ii, will not be forgotten. The adoE
tion of the amendment reunites US beyond ali pow
er of disruption. II heals the wound that is sti
impertectly closed; it removes slavery, the elemer
which has so long perplexed and divided the cour
try; it makes Of us once more united people, II
newed and strengthened, bound more than ever
mutual affection and support.
The amendment to the Constitution being adOl
, ted, it would remain for the States, whose powe
, have been so long in allegiance, TO resume the
places in the two branches Of the National Legis
ture and thereby compile the work Of restoratio
Here it is for you, fellow-citiLcns of the Senat
and for you, fellow-ctizens of the House OF Re
resentatives, to judge, each of you for yourselve
of the elections, returns and qualifications Of yo'
. own members.
The full assertion of the powers Of the Gener