The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-05-26

of greater Importance than have fallen to the lO
of any Executive since the foundation Of oui
government, except that of President Lincoln
The latter entered upon bis duties just a. the
hydra head of secession was commencing to
bid defiance to the government and preparing
to strike its ponderous blows for Its overthrow
Following the driH Of events, and guided step
by step by public opinion, be conducted u.
through bis four years term, oiled with dra.
matte events Of fearful and startling import
Mr.. Lincoln entered upon the second term,
which was brought to a tragical conclusion,
just as the monster rebellion was passing
away like the mist before the morning sun.
His sudden death placed Mr.. Johnson at the
helm Of the government, who had hardly time
to take o survey Of bic new position before be
was called upon to consider questions of peace
instead of war. His advent to the Chief
Magistrate'a chair marked new epoch in our
history, and brought with II responsibilities Of
the gravest character and governmental prob
lens which needed the stoutest hearts and
wisest heads to assume and solve. He found
the country divided into two sections, which
had been wrestling with each other in deadly
combat for four years-one portion enraged
and embttered by the sudden murder of it's
leader, and the other chafng under defeat.
There was an enraged people on one side
TO appease, and conquered one on
the other to conciliate, that harmony, law
and order might be restored and one harmo-
NOUS whole result To accomplish this be
had to meet the question Of punishment and
pardon of offenders, as we'll as adopt some plan
TO place the machinery of the local govern.
ments in Southern States into operation, and
adjust them in their appropriate sphere in the
national government. To this task have the
efforts Of President Johnson's administration
been directed, and general line Of policy
on reconstruction, punishment and amnesty
marked out, although not fully completed in
ell its minor details.
many long sessions over these problems. and
debated by the hour the numerous bearings Of
this proposed domestic policy. Compelled to
grapple at the very threshold of his admins
trahon with questions which were to deter.
mine the future of the country, it is but natural
that there should be great anxiety in the
mind of the public for the decision. To con.
slider the question Of reconstruction 1t was
necessary to analyze the Southern mind and
examine into the real condition of the people.
Was their submission Of character to neces-
state holding them under military rule, or
would the discipline of the civil law be sufi.
cient to meet all requirements, were questions
TO be decided They were questions to be
determined, not for to-day, but for all time to
come. These by necessity brought tho Presi-
dent face to face with the policy Of punish.
nent and pardon Of the principal offenders
To decide the nice point where the line should
be drawn between the requirements Of justice
on the one hand and Cancellation on the other,
wac no easy task. In following the constitu.
ton as the chart, these problems are, however,
solved. Thus In the question Of oegro suffrage.
while the politicians were taking sides and
Chief Justice Chase preparing TO commence
. stumping tour on the subject, Il IL said
the President pushed Il from bis table, declar.
ing It too early to consider that question. The
constitution has placed the control Of the cleo.
i've franchise In the respective States; It does
not, therefore, come under the jurisdiction Of
The general government. This view leads US
to the conclusion that the President will adhere
to bis democratic idea In his reconstruction
policy, and that the influence Of the radical con.
centration party Of Sumner, Chandler and asso.
ciates Is on the wane.
The adoption Of q policy to encourage and
aid the people In the Southern States to resume
their proper relations with the national govern.
ment would appear to be the natural sequel to
this. Reconstruction would more easily come
through the temporary appointment Of provis.
ioual governors, who, like Governor Perpont,
Of Virginia, should be required TO call elections
as early az possible, and allow the people TO
select officials Of their own choice to manage
civil affairs. In thus placing in the hards Of
the people themselves the management Of their
own local affairs. justice as wen as precautiop-
airy measures demands the punishment OF some
Of those who were Instrumental and responsible
in plungine the South into the maelstrom of
secession. Ii performing this duty II is not
necessary to execute upon the scaTold those
convicted Of treason. The ends Of justice can
be served by combining hanging 10 those
convicted Of participation in the assassination
conspiracy, and 70 those alone Those who
are brought before the bar ofjustice for treason
should not be allowed any such opportunity to
become martyrs, but should be banisbed from
The country, and, like Arnold, wander about the
world as exiles, With the ginger Of scorn pointed
at them and universally despised. Many Of
these offenders can with perfect safety be left
to the tender mercies Of the people whom they
have deceived and ruined, and be allowed to
make their peace the best way they can. There
need be no fear that they will be permitted TO
practice treason again. Pardons and amnesty
should be full and complete when given, that
20 class may be len With portion aod not all
the rights and privileges Of citizens, but en-.