The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-06-19

~ Ffssidsnt Jchnson Intends % Try ths|
experiment in those Sister, but fear he
will find tho spirit Of the rebellion too
footsd in those who hsys taken the oath
= make them good citizens. How 10 it
vixen ron come to 8o@th Oafolina and
Mississippi It is ssid| sstablish in thsss
1 military Government Well for time
that may do. bat it isexpsnsise and con-
tTary to the spirit Of our institutions. II
We can put negro regiments there and
give them bsyonets. Why can't We give
them vosesl Both xrs wsspous Of ohsnss'
and defense. Votes are shssper and bet
ter: Both are part Of the military neces-
sity put uponhus BY the rebellion. Both
are unpleasant to the febeis, but medi-
Dimes are not usually ssvory.
conclude therefore, on this subject Of
negro voting, that in oil States who car
claim their full rights under the Cossti.
tuition, isa question for the State, and
that in revolted States it 10 . queeton of
policy and military governmental be de-
cided By the national authorities until the
State 10 fully restored to its former posi-
ton. 10 come of the southern States |
would lssvs them under military rule nm
til tusy provide the only sure security for
the future; that the negroes should hsve
their share in reconstruction, ~ they hsvs
borne their share in fighting.
Negro voting msy not suit our natural
preiudioes Of caste. They may be igno-
rant, docils, cassidy led, and not safely
trusted With political power; but admit
ali this they have been true and faithful!
among the fsithless. They have joined
in putting down the rebellion; and nov
to place them at the mercy ct those they
have helped us to subdue-to deny them
all political rights--to give them freedom,
but leave them entirely subject to hws
framed by rebel mssters--is an act of IN
Justice against which humanity revolts.
Suppose you deny them suffrage. what
them The southern States gain by the
freedom of their slaves fourteen new
members of Congress. and as many cleo
toral votes. Not threc-6fths but five-fifths
j are counted. II you give the same mer
who revolted this increased political pow
er, what safety have your Suppose tel
years ago they had this increased powe.
Kansas would have been slave Stat.
4 this day, and they would have had ample
political power to subvert your government
without resort to arms. We must hsv,
security for the future. All the evil
that perceive may arise from . mixed
voting population, are Insignificant com
pared with the only two alternatives: ths
restoring to the rebels vast political pow
sr, and the danger and vast expense o.
military governments.
As for the people Of the southern States
we can nov regard them as conquered
rebels, but it is the highest wisdom o
conqusrors to be magnanimous and gen
erous These people and their decend
ants mus. live with as and form part o
the body politic. Our true policy is t
heal and not widen the breach made by
war. Sufficient security should be takel
for future peace, and sufficient punish
ment to stamp the rebellion as a crime. anc
then pardon and amnesty for the people
All this under our Constitution is invest
ed in the President, and We can safel,
trust it in Andy Johnson. He knows
who to punish and who to pardon; and al
low me to say that you will find in hin
qualities OF head and heart that make hin
lit to fill the chair OF our late beloved
cliefiain Abraham Lincoln. sat by th,
side of Mr.. Johnson for two years in th,
Senate Chamber. | think | know hiu
well-his habits, his character, the ten
per of his mind, aud assure you he vii
deserve the high honor and exalted pow
er now resting upon him.