The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1865-12-20

has been removed, and the cuSt0mh houses re-
established in ports of entry; so that the rev
enue Of tie United States may Hc .co.iectcd
The Post Office Department rcAews its cease
less activity, and the General Government IS
therch enabled to communicate promptly
with > officers and agents. The courts bring
secerity to persons and property ; the open
ing of the ports invites the restoration OF IN
dustry and commerce the post office rencwS
the facilities of social intercourse and Of buSl-
ness. And is it not happy for US all, that the
restoration of each one Of these functions OF
the General Government brings with it a
blessing to the States over which they are ex-
tended ? Is it not a sure promise of harmony
and renewed attachment to the Union that
after all that has happened, the return Of the
General Government is known only as ben
cficience?
know very well that this policy is attcn-
dcd with some risk that for its success It re-
Qurcs at least the acquieScence of the States
which it concerns that it implies an invita-
ton to those StatesShy renewing their ac
glance to the United States, to resume their
functions as States cf the Union. But it is
risk that must be taken in the choice of DIFF
ficulties, it is the smallest risk and to dlmln-
iSh, and if possible, to remove all danger, |
have felt it incumbent on me to assert one
other power Of the General Govcrnmcnt-thc
power Of pardon. AS no State can throw
defence over the crime OF treason, the power
of pardon is exclusively vested in the EXccu,
tive Government Of the United States In
exercising that power have taken every pre-
caution to connect it with the clearest recog-
u, Of ,,Y (f
United States, and an unqualified acknowl-
cdgcment Of the great social change of condl-
ton in regard to slavery which has grown
out Of the war.
The next step which have taken to res
tore the constitutional relations OF the States,
has been an invitation to them to participate
in the high office Of amending the .onSutu-
ton Every patriot must wish for general
amnesty at the earliest epoch consistent with
public Safety. For this great end there is
need Of Il concurrence of all opinions, and the
spirit Of mutual conciiiatlcn All parties II
the late terrible couI!irt must w'lk together
in harmony 1t is not too much to ask, in the
name Of the whole people, that, on the one
side, the plan Of restoration shall proceed III
conformity with willingness to cast the dis
orders Of the past into oblivion and Chat, on
The other, the evidence OF sincerity in the fu-
tlrc maintenance Of TIE Union shall be put
beyond any douJt by the ratification Of tie
PROPOSED amendment to the Constitution,
which provides fer the abolition Of slavery
forever within the limits Of our country. SO
long as the adoption Of this amendment Is de-
leyvd, 50 long will doubt, and jealousy, and
unccrtaiirty prevail. This is the measure
which will rttacc tie sad memory Of tht past
this IS ti,c measure which will most certainly
call population. and capital, and security to
ttlo:c parts Of the Union that need :hcm
muSt Indeed it is not too much to ask OF
tic States, wirh arc now rc>uning their pia-
ceS in the family Of the Union to give this
pledge of perpetual loyalty and peace. Until
it is done, the past, however much we may
desire it. will not be forgotten. The adoption
of the amendment rc.unitcS US beyond all
power Of disruption. 1t heals the wound that
is still impcrfccty closed it removes slavery.
the element which has 50 long perplcxcd and
divided the country, it makes us once more a
united people, renewed and strengthened,
bound more than ever 10 mutual affection and
support.
The amendment to the Constitution being
u, W
powers have been so long in abcyance, to re-
sumo their places in the two branches ct the
National Legislature, and thereby complete
the work Of restoration. Here it is for you,
fellow .citzcnS Of the Scpatc and for you, tcI-
low.citzcns Of the House of Representatives.,
to Judge, each of you for yourselves, of the
elections, rcturns and qualifications of your
own members.
The full assertion Of The powers Of the Cen
cral Government requires the holding of Cir
cult Courts of the United States within the
districts where their authority has been in
terrnptcd. In the present posture of our pub
lie affairs, strong objections have been urged
to holding those courts in any Of the States
where the rebellion has existed and 1t was
asc, rtalncd by inquiry, that the Circuit Count t
of the United States would not be held in the
District Of Virginia during tic autumn or
early winter, nor until Congress should have
IAN opportunity to consider a"d act on the
whole suhicct.n 10 your deliberations the
restoration of this branch Of the civil author
ity of the United States is, therefore, ncces<a-
rilv referred, with the hope that early provlS-
ion will be made for the resumption Of all It's
functions, 1t is manifest that treason, most
fragrant in character, has been committed
Persons who are charged with its commission
should have fair and impartial trials in the
highest tribunals of the country, III order
that the Constitution and the laws may be
fully vindicatcd the truth clearly established
and affirmed that treason IS crime that tral
tors shcull be punished and the offence made
Infamous ard, 1T the Sas;c time, that the
question may be iuGicially settled, f.