The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1865-12-20
Meaning Of the Cd Section Of the Constitu.


The trainers Of an instrument should be the best ex
postors of its intent and purpose The second section
of the radical amendment to the constitution has elic
tied great deal of controversy to its exact purport
Aofthe southern States in passing bills Of ratification
have protested against such construction of this sec
ton I'd would empower congress to interfere in the in
ernal affairs of the States to TIE extent of legslatng
far particular class within their limits. The pres1-
dents attention was called to this objection in the case
Of South Carolina and he pronounced it querulous ana
unreasonable and Mr. Seward says is more restrain
ing instead Of charging the powers OF congress but
the radicals who are the fathers of this osprng' take
different view of the matter. Forney, IN writing g
the Philadelphia Press, says:
The reluctance Of the original seceders to sanction
this drastic and searching amendment illustrated IN the
cortt coro1i,a LEGISLATURE few days ago. was pro-
55 h, tb fair construction given to the second sec
~; af tto new article The South Carolina leaders
tbt tberesaves were not only set free by the con-
stit+ional amendment but that congress was empow-
"a agisIate to enforce the universal decree. They
rara not mised by the absurd theory, born of some
weak or schemng BRAIN that under the second section
they could apply to congress for remuneration or COM
pensation for their property The legislation OF con-
cress is to enforce abolition-to perfect emanclpa
tion-not to pay old slave masters. And, when MT
Seward telegraphed to Gov. Perry that his objections
70 this section were fquernlous and unfounded he
meant that the duty of congress was too PLAIN 10 re-
quire an interpreter"
Upon which the New York Tribune remarks
ave hold the Press entirely right in the premises
and trust it faithfully reflects the views of the presaeh
IF the United States The constitutional amendment
uns at the absolute unconditional abolition OF sla'
throughout the United States but it does not stop here
Hitherto The personal liberty and civil rights of eacl
citizen we're held and enjoyed under the protection
tie States Respectively hereafter they are to be up
held and guarded by the nation. Hitherto, State
might cruelty Cypress any portion Of her own people
hereafter congress is charged with the duty Of pro
ectng in the full enjoyment Of his liberties each nhab
liant of our country, and clothed with the power requi
Site to its fulfment Of this high obligation.
"Ours must henceforth and forever be Union 0
free States and nation Of lreemen, congress will BIZ
grossly delinquent and culpable Gov. Perrys objec
ton to the second section of the constitutional amend
nent may indeed have been querulous and unreason
bc since it is unwse to resist the inevitable to OBJ
ec to the strongest possible guarantees of individual
and general berty but cannot regard his construc
ton of the great amendment strained or illogical
If shall orbear to legisate for the negroes,
or for others, it will SO forbear simply because th
States act wisely and justly that further egisla
ton is needed.
81