The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-12-17

President Johnssn's Management or Hi'
Restoration Policy and she Radicals.
The GOODNESS. sdroitness and skill exhibited
by President johnson in managing his policy
constitute Of the most striking features Of the
times. He has not only reserved all the wea-
pons necessary to iortify his position, but has
made himself so completely master Of the stu
alton that be is able TO shape events in spite OF
the opposition Of the revolutionary radicals in
Stevens marked out their plans in caucus,
marshalled their forces and deliberately as
sailed the Presidents policy; yet he continues
his efforts at restoration perfectly regardless
Of their action, and pays no more attention to
their antics than General Grant to an army
firing popguns at his columns. Thus far the
fanatics in Congress have not in the least dis
turbed his equanimity, nor caused him to
abate particle in his policy to restore the
South to its full relations in the Union. Mr..
Stevens presented his resolution in the repub-
lican caucus on Saturday night, and
then succeeded in making it the party
shibboleth. II was endorsed and passed by
the House Of Representatives on Monday,
and that, too, in the face Of the fact that Ste
vens openly asserted that he intended to de-
feat the policy Of the President In the trent
ment of the Southern States. This was accom-
plshed before Mr.. johnson had sent in his
Message. That document was sent to Congress
on the following day without the least modiA-
cation or allusion to the opposition presented,
,,,at bod hon Tha
Message, backed by public opinion, has already
had it's effect in both houses, as seen by the
action Of the Senate in modifying Stevens
resolution. and in the change in front of nine
teen republican members of the lower House.
While we sec in all this the reaction in favor
Of Andrew Johnson's policy, we also have
another evidence Of his GOODNESS and deter
mination to stand by his policy, as announced
in his communication, which we published the
other day, to the Provisiona! Governor Of Geor-
gia. Congress commenced its session on the 4th
inst. On that day the republicans in the House
voted in a body for resolution directly attack
ing the Presidents plan Of reconstruction. Such
at least was the Interpretation which the public
placed upon that resolution and the avowed
object Of the radicals in passing 1t. Yet, in the
face of this, and while its adoption was pending
in the Senate, the President, on the 18th inst,
or just one week after the action Of the House
referred to, sent despatch to Governor john
son, of Georgia, stating, 'We are under obi
cations to you for the noble, efficient and patri-
otto manner in which you have discharged
your duties of Provisional Governor, and you
will be sustained by the government" There
is no mistaking the meaning Of that despatch.
Its language is too plain to admit of but one
Interpretation. 1t is conclusive that the Presi-
dent intends to push on his work Of reorganiza-
ton as heretofore marked out regardless Of
what the radicals may do In Congress or what
obstacles they may try TO throw in his way.
1t proves that he is not in the least alarmed at
the array Of the revolutionary faction in Con-
gress, but sees his way clear and dehes their
fury. Conscious of the strength OF his position,
no stands firm and immovable. Not only does
this communication reveal his determination to
place the machinery of the local and civil gov
ernments in position that viii give Thorn tho
same control Of their local affairs that Is
enjoyed by other States but other portions
Of the despatch give some idea Of his
position in regard to the question Of
admitting Southern representatives in Con.
gross. He requests that tho Governor elect Of
Georgia shall be inaugurated, and then asks
"Why can't you elect Senators' He certainly
would not ask the election Of Senator unless
he desired his admission In the United States
Senate; nor would he be anxious about the in
auguration of the Governor or election Of
Senator II he contemplated yielding to the
radicals and adopting their plans Of treating
the Southern States as so many conquered Ter
ritories. The few words In that despatch arc
full Of meaning, significant and important. We
advise MI such theorists as Stevens, Kelley,
Sumner, Wilson and Chandler to put II In their
pipe and smoke il, and see the defeat that
awaits them if they continue to press their re-
evolutionary schemes.
1t is in this quiet but effective way that
Andrew johnson will press on the work Of res
toration. There can be no doubt Of the final
result. Already VIC see its effect upon Con-
gress. The Senate has rejected the most OBJ
jectionable portion Of Stevens resolution, and
three republican Senators came out In direct
opposition to the whole. The effort to revive
the rejected portion In the House and make It
applicable to that body found nineteen repub-
licans who voted for the original resolution
arrayed against II. Thus the charm Is broken,
and an opening made which cannot fail to pro-
duce other changes at no distant day. The re-
passage by the House Of the portion of the origi-
| nal resolution rejected in the Senate, together
with the complexion Of the House portion OF
the joint committee, reveals the fact that he
radicals intend to press their schemes to the
utmost extent, On. 81 nine members On that
! committee six are known to be extreme mon,
and only three who voted against reviving that
| norton of Stevens resolution stricken out In