The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-10-20
The President,s Policy

Gen. John H. Msrtindale, candidate OF
the Republican ticket in New York, for At
torney General, on the 18th, said
have not participated, Mr.. President, il
! the sOlicitude Of those Of my countrymeI
who have been anxious TO compel the south
err states TO coneede the ballot without
publication OF delay to the negro popu alton
have the most perfect faith that il will
come in good time without Irritation, if we
establish beyond recall, by the paramount
authority OF the nation, the abolition Of
slavery and involuntary servitude.
stand by the pshey Of the President be-
cause I believe it is adequate 10 the crisis,
apprecia'e the difficulties which surrou ID
it. He must move with circumsPectioR.
sustain him in his purpose not TO transcend
the limits prescribed by the Constitution.
The Constitution has established for US q
government Of equal States, as well IS quail
men. The equal rights Of the States Is q
fundamental and necessary principl in OUT
system There can be 10 exs operation in
describing the evils which would result
| from prolonged and unnecessary o'atiOn
of that principle. who does not wish to
see the rebeliious States restored 10 their
places in the constellation OF the Union
Who desires TO see a single star ehaced or
obscured in that flag, which is the symbol
Of our nationality. Let us restore them
equal in prarosatives AID pOrer. If Con-
necticut shall be allowed to withhold the
ballot from any portion Of her inhabitants,
on what principe shall you eonstIain the
Carolinas 10 confer it. Nay, If Kentucky
aud Delaware must be suffered TO enslave
any portion Of their inhabitants, on what
prime PIE shall the same despotie power be
denied to Florida or New York. Our sys-
/ a e. 1sah ~
discrimination in the rights and Constitu-
ton, Of the States.
The Presidents policy Of restoration is
preventative, not destructive, a-d viii not
suffer Kentucky or Delaware to retain their
slavery, nor Connecticut or New York TO re-
sist the powerful Influence Of universal
emaneipai on. He reaches after the motive
cause OF the rebellion. He finds an element
destructive not only 10 the pr neipls OF the
equality Of the States, but Of the Union 1t
self. SO far as is necessary 10 destroy that
element he suspeRds the rights OF the States
By his war powers conferred on him as com
mander-in chief, and no fa' thsr. lapplaud
his prude &c his statesmanship-equa q
the responsibilities OF his station He can
not By that military power abolish slavery
in Kentucky aud Delaware. The great,
just, cauonized suthor Of the proclamation
OF emancipation did not attempt Il amid the
deepest gloom Of war. But he can prescribe
cond itioms IN his policy Of reconstruction
which will accomplish that result. He has
prescribed them and they will be successful
unless he shall be defeated by the influence
Of some Democratic vic DRY, reyiying ia the
minds aud hearts Of southern men the hope
that they may avert the final aud irrevoca-
Bile extinction Of slavery and involuntary
labor. He IS preparing aud predispOslng
the southern States 10 ratify the pending
amendments 20 the constitution Of the uni
ted States, which viii make sbolition ef
f,ctual and eternal.