The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1865-04-21
Our Washington Correspondence.
WAsuiSeroN, April 18th, ,ls6

l WAsuISsroN, April 18th, 1865.
Last nj gbt there was nno ,her illumna ton in
this city on account of the surrender by .Gon
Post Office, War Department, and Presidents 3
House were brilliantly decorated snd lighted,
besides many other of the ppblic buildings and
% few private houses. The chief attraction
however, was at the Presidents house--in front
loi hiich at an early hour had gathered dense
sthrong in expectation rof speech from the
] EPresidept band OF music, played several
zstirring pieces, among which was Dixie" which
since il has been captured, with the rest of the
effects OF the Southern Confcderncy, has become
ia very popular air. At nbont half past eigh,
ko'clock Mr.. Lincoln appeared nt one of the uprer
4windows of the northern balcony, which was
6drapcd with the national colors, aud read care.
Efuy prepared speech, in which ntcr congrau Ia
4 ting his hearers on the satisfactory md hopeful
Rcondiiion OF military affairs, looking ns they did
Hio an early urn to peace, he discussed at some
length tho, question of rccons truclion, stating
Rwhat his action had been in the case of Lolsi.
Bnna. lie said that the plan which had been es
6scn.ially follower in that State, had been by him
Esubmtted TO bis tben Cabinet; and had by them
Enll been approved! Ono member OF it had made
Etwo' or three suggestions. which he nam ed, but
Sall had agreed TO it lie then spoke Of tho new
Constitution OF Louisiana md asked If il were
Enot better for all that il be adopted, not rs the
best one that could possibly be made, bu, as irec
Econstitution; one under which the constitutions,
amendment could be ratified mud which could
i Baterwards be improved upon. lie would like to
! have seen some other provisions incorporated in
Kit. lie would like to have the right of slffra 90
Eex,ended to The more intelligent Of the blacks.
and to those who had fought in our army; but he
\ thought ii botter FOR both whites and blacks that
lii he adopted What was said of Louisiana
& would apply 10 other Of the seeded States Yet
ESQ diticront wer the creumsta ices Of each TIM,
Eno inflexlble rule would apply TO- all. This
Sspeech, as embodying tho Presidents ideas Of
Reconstruction, at this time, when iha, work is
fpraclicaly tobe entered upon, will receive the
sanxiors attention of the county, md should be
studied by all; for, to bring back the secsded
Estates into accord with the principles of freedom
so foreign TO their foomcr thoughts and habits, to
molly nnimosities. to replace slave with Tree Ia
Sbor to reduce the basis Of representation in those
estates, or rather to increase IL by abrogatng the
representation upon slaves, md so TO speak
ITO change the entire morale of the south, plncine
Eschools, freedom and energy, in the scat of dark.
Sness, bondage I'd unthrilt, will demand the ex.
Eercisc OF the wsest thought, the soundest jndg
4ment, and the christian lolbenrsnce of the entire
Snorthern people. At tho conclusion Of the Pres :
dents speech, he introduced to the audience
|Sennlor Harlan OF Iowa. who was of the opinion
that while The offence Of those in arms ngainst
the government was clearly treason under the
|Constitution aud laws, yet mitigation OF the
penalties olthose laws mi ight properly be extend ;.
led to the mass of the southern people who had|
bcen forced into a hoslile attitude against the|
government, Yet speaking for himself alone, h6|
would not reach out tho same clcmency to 'the|
lsader s,who had wur,only and wick edly brought]
Ron uc con'es'ii w .s.go bus ui7a! s.. B.. rts., a
Mrs. Lincoln, and other ladies appeared at one
2of the other windows, darini the specel.cs, .aI
g. in !o lSrhI1g Gii t,G9s 81, t'.l M. d