Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1865-12-27
Message OF the President
GEN. GRANTS REPORT.
Sharp Debate an the Senate.

the Senate, on the l2tn inst, have the
honor TO state that the rebellion waged
by portion Of the people against the
properly constituted authorities of the
government of tie United States has
been suppressed, that the United States
are in possession OF every State in which
insurection existed, and that, as far IS
could be done, the courts OF the United
States have been restored, the post offices
re-established, and steps taken to put in
to operation the revenue laws of the
country, as the result OF measures instI-
tuted by tne Executive with view of in
ducing a resumption of the functions of
state clmprehended in the inquiry
OF the Senate. The people in North
o. Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alaba-
ma, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and
Tennessee. nave recognized their Tespec-
tive State Governments, anu are yielding
obedience to the laws and government OF
the United States with more willingness
and greater promptitude than under the
circumstances could have been reasona-
bly, expected.
The proposed amendment to the Con-
stitutiOn ior the abolition of slavery for
ever within the limits Of the country, has
been ratified by each one OF these States,
with tue exception of the State OF Mis-
sissippi, from which no official informa-
ton mas been received, aud in nearly all
OF them measures have been adopted, or
are nov pending, TO confer upOn the
freedmen privileges which are essential
TO their comfort, protection and security.
In Florida and Texas the people are
making commendable progress IN resJOz-
ing their State governments, ana no
doubt is enteI tanned that at an early pc
riod they will be aOie 10 resume all of
their practical relations with the Federal
Government. in that portion of the
Union lately in rebellion, the aspect of
affairs is more promising than, III view OF
all the circumstances, could well have
been anticipated. The people through
out the entire South eyInce laudable
desire 20 renew their allegiance to the
government, and to repair the devast2-
lions of the war, by prompt and cheer
full return to peaceful pursuits, and abid-
ing faith Is entertained chat their actions
will conform to their professions, and
that in acknowledging the supremacy OF
= the Constitution and laws of the United
States, their true loyalty will De unreser-
Vedly given to the Government, whose
IenIenCy JTI5y Czuu0e sSF5Frscirrv5,
and whose fostering care will soon re-
store them 10 a condition OF prosperity.
1t Is true that in some OF the States the
demoralizing effects Of the wuT are to be
seen in occasional disorders. hut these
are LEGAL in character, not frequent IN
occurrence, and are rapidly disappearing
as the authority Of the civil power Is ex-
tended and sustained. Perplexing ques-
lions we're naturally to bs expected from
the great and sudden change IN the fela-
tions between two races, but systems are
gradually developing themselves under
which the freedman will receive the pro-
lection to which he is justly entitled, and
by means OF his labor make him a useful
and independent. member of the commu-
nity in which he lives. From all the IL
formation in my possession, and from
most reliable authority, l am induced to
cherish the belief that personal animosi-
ty is surely and rapidly merging itself ln-
to a spirit OF nationality, and that repre-
sentaIion connected with q properly adj
iusted system o. taxation, Will result II
a harmonious restoration Of the relation
Of States to the national Union. The
reoort of Carl Schurz is herewith trans
mitted, as requested Oy the Senate. No
report from the Hon. Jno. COyOde has
been received by the President. The at
tentiOn of the Senate is invited TO the
ACCOMPANYING report of Lieut.. General
Grant, who recently made a tour OF in
spection through several of the States
whose inhabitants participated in the re-
belliOn.
(Signedl ANDREW JOHNSON.
HrAporARTEKs Army OF Tue Z. s.,
Dec. Is, 1865.
To his Erceleney, 4. johnson, President Of
The United States:
L., ,fr- 70 " 70 of
inst, requesting report from me, giving
such information as may be possessed of
coming within the scope of inquiries
made by the Senate in their resolution Of
the 18th inst, have the honor to sub
NIT the following with your approval and
also that of the Hon. Secretary of War:
l Left Washington City on the 9th Of
last month, for the purpose OF making
tour of inspection throughout some OF
the Southern States lately IN rebellion,
and to see what changes were necessary
in the disposition of the military forces
of the country, how these forces could be
reduced and expenses curtailed, &c, and
to learn as far as possible the feelings and
intentions of the citizens Of these States
toward the general Government The
State of Virginia being so accessible to
Washington City, and information from
this quarter being readily obtained, l has
tened through the Slate without meeting
or conversing with its citizens. l spent
one day in Charleston, S. c., two days IN
Savannah and Augusta, Ga. Zach day,
both in travelling and whilst stopping, |
saw much and conversed freely with cltI-
zens Of those States, as we'll as othcer5 Ot
the army who have been Stationed among
them. The following IS the conclusion
come to by me:
am satisfied that the u.ass of the
best men of the South accept the pres
ept situation of affairs in good faith. The
questions which have hitherto divided
the sentiments of the two sections-sla-
yerv and state rights, or the right OF
Stale TO secede from the Union-they re-
gard as having been settled forever by
the highest tribunal, that of arms, that
man can resort to.
l was pleased 10 learn from the lead
ing men whom l met that they not only
accepted the decision arrived at as hnal,
but, now that the smoke OF battle had
cleared away and time had been given
for reflection, that this decision has oeen
a fortunate one for the whole country,
they receiving the like benefits from 1t
with those who opposed them IN the
fald and in the council. Four years Of
war. during which the law was executed
only at the point of the bayonet through
ont the States in rebellion, have left the
people possibly in a condition not 10
Weld that ready obedience to civil auth
ority the American people have generally
been in a habit of yielding. This would
render the presence of small garrisons
throughout these States necessary until
such time as labor returns to its proper
channel and civil authority established.
/ did not meet any one, either those