Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-12-26
Message from the President.

In reply to q resolution adopted by the Senate
on the 10Th, | have the honor to state that the
rebellion: waged by portion Of the people
against the property aud constituted authori-
ties of the government Of the United States has
been suppressed that the United States are in
possession Of every State wherein insurrection
existed that as far as could be done, the courts
OF tho United States have been restored post
offices re-esabsaed and steps taken to put into
effect the operation Of the revenue laws of tho
country. As a result OF the measures instituted
by the executives with a view Of inducing re
sumption OF the functions Of the State, compre
hended in the inquiry OF the Senate, the people
in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and
Tennessee have recognized their respective State
governments, and are yielding obedience to the
laws and government VI the United States with
more willingness and greater promptitude than
under circumstances could reasonably DO antioi-
pated. The proposed amendment 10 the c0nsti-
tuition providing for he abolition Of slavery for
ever within the limits OF the country, has been
ratified by each one OF these States, with the
exception OF Mississippi from which no official
| information has been received and in nearly all
OF them measures have been adopted or are now
pending to confer upon freedmen the privileges
which are essential 10 their comfort, protection
and security
10 Florida and Texas the people are making
commendable progress in restoring their State
governments, and DO doubt Is entertained that
they will at an carly yeriod be in condition b
resume all their functions and relations with
the Federal Government In that portion Of
the Union lately in rebellion, the aspect Of el-
lars Is more promising than, in view Of all cir
cumsances, could well be expected
The people throughout the entire South eyince
a andabo desire 10 renew their allegiance to
tho government, and to repair the devAstations
OF war by prompt and cheerful return to peace
fol pursuits
An abiding faith $ entertained that their ae-
ton will conform to their professions, and that
in acknoN Lodging the supremacy of the const-
shtntion and laws Of the United States, Their
loyalty will be unreseryedly given to the govern
mcut, whose eAioney they cannot fail to appre-
clate, and whose fostering care vii coon restore
them to tho condition OF prosperity.
1t is true that 10 some Of the States the de-
moralizIng effects of war are to be- seen in occa-
sIonal districts, but these are local IN character,
not frequent in occurrence, AMI rapidly disap-
pearing as the authority Of clyil power Is inuo-
PerpleIing questions were naturally TO De ex-
pected IRON the great and sudden change 10 the
relations between the two races, but systems are
gradually developing themselves, under which
the freedmen viii receive the protection to
which they are justly entitled. BY means Of
his labor he can make himself a useful and in
dependent member Of the community in which
he has bis home
From information in my possession, aud from
that which have recently devised from mest
reliable authority, | am induced to cherish the
belief TINT sectional anmosty is surely and
rapidly nearing ,seli into -prIt OF nationality,
and that representation, with properly adjust
ed system Of taxation, will result IN har.
monous restoration Of the relations OF these
States to the national Union.
The report Of Gen Carl Schurz is hereby
transmitted, as required by the Senate.
No report from Hon. CoyOde has been received
by the President
The attention o. the Senate is invited to the
accompanying report Of Lieut. Gen Grant, who
recently made tour Of inspection through sew
eral of the States whose inhabitants participated
in the rebellion. Signed
ANpVEw JoHSs3N
Washington, Dec TO-