Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-09
profFers. and to reject all sacrifices on the

/
that school of public men called radicals,
whether they be in the South or North, and
and we think we do not use too strong Ian
guage when we characterize it as base and
unworthy spirit whatever the incentive
which prompts its indulgence.
We have yet to see or hear urged, enc
valid reason against the readmission of the
Southern States to their former and rightful
status in the Union. We have neither time
nor purpose now to elaborate the many CO.
gent reasons, which, from the outlook of
enlarged patriotism, are presented in its
favor We have heard much twattling
about their failure 10 recognize the
rights Of man-which means simply
that they have not advanced to the
puritan standard of ideas about the negro
race, and that they cannot admit, with their
superior knowledge of the subject, that a col
ored freedman, recently emancipated from a
slavery, which according TO these same per-
fectionists, was the most degrading and bru-
tifying ever tolerated, is Immediately fit for
the high duties of an American citizen. But
even those who sincerely entertain this fan
tastic opinion, have no right to make it the
ground Of excluding millions Of white peo-
pie who do not hold it, from the privilege
of full participation in the government. We
have heard much too Of necessary period
Of probation-that disloyalty so fragrant as
that shown by the Southern people, requires
time to be 'purged away-that it would be
unsafe to admit men, recently so forgetful of
their duties, into the councils of the nation
and one jealous advocate Of the exclusion
system, the Chicago Republican, has even gone
50 far as to assert, that miraculous change
should first overcome the entire mass of
the Southern people, something per
haps, which human agency alone could no
effect-a baptism from on high with the
waters of unalloyed loyalty-a complete
political regeneration and new birth. With
such impracticable nonsense we have not the
patience to deal courteously. 1t is beneath
the dignity of serious refutation. We have
heard also, of States having forfeited their
statehood-that they could not secede, but
the attempt, they could and did commit
isuicide, and that they have fallen into ter
ritorial condition, there to remain, until it
shall suit the sovereign pleasure of congress
sional conditOres imperiorum, to reconstruct
them. But the President in his recent mes
sage, argues at length the indestructibility
of States, and the proposition is SO clear,
that none but 4 purblind fanatic can fail to
admit its truth. These and other sophismsa nd
fooleries, equally vapory, we have heard, but
not one substantial reason for longer delay
ing the complete restoration of the Union in
all its parts and functions, and giving that
quiet to the public mind on these questions,
which it so much needs. Every month, nay
every week, that this desirable consumma-
ton is deferred, is fraught with peril-not
the peril indeed, of another revolution, but
one which will surely infect republican
liberty, if it does not entirely transform the
character of the government Upon this
subject the President also speaks wisely.
Closely examined it will be found that the
opposition to the restoration of the Southern
States to their due and equal position in the
function of law making, is born Of and
based in that fanatical anti-slavery agitation,
which, for years before the conflict Of arms,
was so baneful to the peace Of the country.
And it is propagated by the same men, and
the numerous retainers whom the hope of po-
litical and pecuniary proftby the war, have
added to their train. All the various thco-
rics Of reconstruction so-called are the out
growth of this sentiment-as sentiment which
has become Infatuated by its constant appeal
TO passions, and corrupt, because It has been
compelled to resort to every kind of means
TO sustain itself And vet the opponents of
this sentiment are ever prating of republican
ISM and the Declaration of independence,
while they are subjecting nearly one half of
the people of the republic to the operation
of the executive and judicial functions of
the government, and denying them all voice
in the gresEapd essential republican right of
making the laws. 1t is this sort of absurdity
and injustice which seeks to substitute itself
for the wise and healing measures of an en-
larged craftsmanship.
In the interest, especially Of the people for
whom We speak, and for the good of the
whole country, we protest against the
longer prevalence of this spirit, in what
eyer form it manifests itself We entreat
the people Of the dominant party North to
discard it, and adopt the conciliatory sug-
gestions of the President. lie is anx-
ious, as are the people of whom he is one,
that the gates Of strife and discord in re-
gard 10 this question, shall be forever closed.
He tells them that the great achievement
the emancipation of slavcs-is enough FOR
the present; and that man must be possessed
of a devil of hate and kindred passions, who
does not see that all social and industrial
problems and race relationships, will best
settle themselves, without the interference Of
government, when its policy is to be dicta-
ted by an officious philanthrophy which
neither knows its business, nor how TO do it.
Let them reform it altogether, and as they
are victors, let them exhibit that wisdom
which makes victory complete, and crowns
its work
FTHE POLICY OF THE PRESIDENT vs..
THE RADICAL PROGRAMME.