The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1865-12-13

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not commit treason, nor screen the indi-
vi6ual citizens who may have committed
trea son, any more than they can make
valid treaties or engage in lawful com
merce with any foreign power. The
States attempting to secede placed them
selves in condition where their vitality
was impaired, but not extinguished-their
function suspended, but not destroyed.
THE POLICY ADOPTED.
But if any State neglects or refuses to
perform its offices, there is the more need
that the General Government should
maintain all its authority, and, as soon as
practicable, resume the exercise Of all its
functions. On this principle have acted
and have gradually and quietly, and by
almost imperceptible steps, sought to re-
store the rightful energy of the General
Government and OF the States. To that
end, Provisional Governors have been
appointed for the States. Conventions
called, Governors elected, Legislatures
assembled, and Senators and Representa-
tives chosen to the Congress Of the United
States. AT the same time, the Courts of
the United States as far as could he done,
have been re-opcned, so that the laws of
the United States may be enforced through
their agency. The blockade has been re-
moved and the custom houses re-establish-
cd in ports of entry. so that the revenue
of the United States may be collected.
The Post Office Department renews its
ceaseless activity. and the General Gov
ernment is thereby enabled to commune
cate promptly with It's officers and agents
The courts bring security to persons and
property; the opening OF the ports invites
the restoration of industry and commerce;
the Post-oilice rcnews the facilities of
social intercourse and of business And
Is it not happy for Us all, tIat the restora-
ton of each one OF these functions of the
General Government brings with it Il
blessing to the States over which they are
extended Is 1t not Il sure promise of
harmony and renewed attachment to the
Union that, after all that has happened.
the return Of the General Government i.
known only as beneiicence
PARDONS.
! know very well that this policy is at
tended with some risk that for its sue
cess it requires at least the acquesccnce
Of the States which it concerns that it
implies an invitation to those States, by
renewing their allegiance to the United
States, to resume their functions as states
OF the Union. But it is risk that must
be taken in the choice of difficulties. it
is the smallest risk and to diminish, and,
if possible, to remove all danger, | have
felt it incumbent on Inc to assert one other
power to the General Government-the
power of pardon. AS no State can throw
a defence 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 precaution to connect it with
the clearest recognition of the bindii q
force OF the laws OF the United States,
and an unqualified acknowledgements of the
great social change of condition in regard
10 slavery which has grown out of the war.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
, The next step which | have taken to
, restore the constitutional relations of the
States, has been an invitation to them to
participate in the high office of amending
the Constitution. Every patriot must
; mnst wish for a general amnesty at the
earliest epoch consistent with general
, safety. For this great end there is need
OF a concurrence of all opinions, and the
: spirit Of mutual conhictions. All parties
, in the late terrible conflict must work to-
gsther IN harmony 1t is not too much
, TO ask, in the name of the whole people,
, that, on the one side, the plan Of restora.
, tion shall proceed in conformity with q
| willingness to cast the disorders of the
past into oblivion; and that, on the
other. the evidence of sincerity in the
future maintenance of the Union shall be
put beyond any doubt by the ratification
: OF the proposed amendment to the Con
stltuiion, which for the abolition of sla.
, very forever within the liunts of our
country. SO long as the adoption of thi,
{ amendment is delayed so long will doubt
and Jealousy, and uncertainty prevail -
! This is the measure which will efface til,
sad memory of the past this is the meas
ure which will most certainly call popu
, lation. and capital, and security to those
parts OF The Union that need the a most
r Indeed, II is not too much to ask of The
. States which are now resumng theil
9 places in the family OF tho Union to give
= this pledge of perpetual loyalty anG
: peace. Until it is done, the past, how,
l ever much we may desire it, wlll not bC
, forgotten. The adoption of the amend
G ment reunies US beyond all power of dis
= ruption. 1t heals the wound that is still
t imperiectly closed; it removes slavery
5 the element which has so long perpexeC
and divided the country; it makes of US
f once more united people, renewed anc
g strengthened, bound more than ever tC
: mutual affection and support.
r ADMISSION or MEMBERS LEFT TO CON
5 GREss.
5 The amendment of the Constitution
8 being adopted, it would remain for tn!
r States, whose powers have been so long il
Y obeyance, to resume their places in the two
5 branches of the National Legislature, and
: to thereby comrete the work of restor
e alton Here it is for you, fellow citizen
n OF the Senate, and for you, fellow citizen,
D ot the House of Representatives, to Judge,
s...I. = Il