Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1865-12-16


nrocticable resume the exercise OF all its
rnc,ions on the principle have acted, and
have gradually and quietly, and by almost
imperceptible steps, sought 10 'es non
the rightful energy, OF the oen'
eral Government and oil the STATES
To that end Provisional Governors
have been appointed for the State, ConVen'
tons called, Governors elected, Legislatures
assembled, and Senators and Representa-,
tiyes chosen to tho Congress of the United
states. At the same time the Courts OF the
limited States as far as could be done, nave
been reported, so that the laws OF the Unit
ed States may be enforced through their
agency. The blockade has been removed,
and the custom houses reinstated In ports OF
entry, so that the revenues OF the United
states NAV be collected. The Post Once
Department renews its ceaseless activity,
and the General Government is thereby en-
abled to communicate promptly with its Of
ficers and agents. The Courts being secur'
ity to persons and property. The opening
of ports invites the restoration OF industry
and commerce. The post office renews The
facilities of social intercourse and Of BUSH
ness, and is it not happy for all that the re.
storation of each one of these functions OF
the General Government brings with 1t a
blessing to the States ever which they are
extended. Is not q sure promise Of har-
monv and renewed attachment to the Union
that, after all that has happened, the return
of the General Government IS known only
as n beneficence. know that TINS policy
is attended with some risk that Tor its sue.
cess it requires at least the acquiesence OIL
tile States which it concerns; that IL lmpiles
an invitation to those States by renewing
| their allegiance to the United States 10 re-
sume their functions as States OF the Union
INF IL is a 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 me
IN assert one other power OF the General
Government-the power of pardon-as no
state can throw defence over the crime OF
treason. The power of pardon is exclusively
vested in the Executive government OF the
limited States. In exercising that power
have taken every precaution to connect 1t
with the clearest recognition oil the binding
force of the laws of the United States on
unoualified acknowledgement OF the great
social change of condition in regard to sla'
very which has grown out of the war. The
next step which have taken to restore the
constitutional relations of the States, has
been sn invitation to them to participate IN
the hiph office of amendment to the Con,
stitution. Every patriot must wish for
general amnesty at the earliest epoch con-
sistent with the public safety for this grrea,
end. There is need OF concurrence OF an
opinions and the spirit oil mutual conclll'
alton. All parties in the late horrible CON
Aict must work 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 in conformity
with willingness to cast the disorders OF
the mast into oblivion, and that on the evil
dence of sincerity the future maintenance
of the Union, shall be put beyond doubt
by the satisfaction of the proposed amend
ment to the Con Tuition which provides ioI
the abolition of slavery forever within the
limits of our country. So long AZ the adop'
ton of this amendment is delayed, so long
will doubt and jealousy and uncertainty
prevail. This is the measure which VIII
most certainly call population and capital
and security 10 those parts OF the Union
| that need them most. Indeed, it Is not Toe
much to ask of the States which are now
resuming their places in the family OF the
Union to give their pledge Of loyalty and
peace until it is done. The past, however
much we may desire it, will not be forgot
ten. The adoption of the amendment re-
unites us beyond all power of disruption
| it heals the wound that is imperfectly closed
1t removes slavery which has so long per-
picked and divided the country. 1t makes
rs once more a united people, reunited and
strengthened band more than ever to mu.
tual affection and support. The amendment
to the Constitution being adopted, 1t would
remain for the States, whose powers nave
been so long in allegiance, to resume their
place in the two branches OF the Natlonal
Legislature, and thereby complete the Work
of restoration. Here, it is for you fellow
citizens of the Senate, and for you, fellow
citizens of the House OF Representatives,
to Judge each of you for yourselves, OF the
election returns and qualifications OF your
own members. The full assertion OF the
mower of the General Government requires
the holding of the Circuit Courts of the
limited States within the districts where
their authority has been interrupted. In
the nresent posture of our public affairs
strong objections have been urged to hold
| ing these courts in any OF the States where
| in the rebellion has existed, and it was as
certained by inquiry, that the Circuit Court
of the United States would not be held
within the District of Virginia, during the
autumn Or early winter, nor until Congress
should have set an opportunity to consider
and act on the whole subject. To your, de-
liberations the restoration of this branch Of
the civil authority of the United States, is
therefore, necessarily referred, with the hope
that early provision will be made for the
resumption Of all its functions. 1t is man
| ifest that treason, most fragrant in char
acter has been committed. Persons who
are charged with its commission should have
fair and impartial trials in the high and
civil tribunals of the country, in order that