The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-12-09

In regard to the document, it may be said.
in general terms, that ID is exceedingly well
written, and viii compare favorably with
any previously Published American state
/ paper. Il is brief, admirably composed.
and 50 distinct aud clear on nearly every
/ point presented, that no one need be at a
! loss as TO its meaning. This achievement.
I IN the line Of frankness and good writing. is
in itself worthy Of commentator.
Whatever complaint may be heard with
reference to the message from supporters Of
President johnson, viii be in conseauence
not Of anything he has said, but Of some
thing he has emitted to say. Il will proba
bly, be urged that be has not been sufficient
~ explicit on the question Of reconstruction:
that he has not presented in desirable full
ness his views Of the condition Of the States
lately in rebellion, and whether he consid-
ers them in a proper condition 10 be resd-
mitted TO the exercise of civil rights.
Il is manifest, however, that the PRECEDENT
is not prepared 70 recommend the accent
ance OF the reconstruction Of the rebel States
Us satisfactory. Two things he states ex-
plicitly a. necessary 10 be done. one Of
which has been only partially accomplished.
and the other OF which has not been acted
upon at all. The frst Of these-the adop-
lion Of the Constitutional Amendment sbol-
lshing slavery-he regards as essential to q
reunion upon a permanent basis This,
ihree Of the States have ratified; but some
f them have approved with conditions,
and others in q spirit that raises grave
doubts as 10 their sincerity. The second
IS the treatment Of freedmen. He
hllv recognizes the duty Of the Gov
eminent 70 protect these people in their
newly acquired rights, and in order 10 Sc
cure this protection they must have equal
Privileges with other people in enforcing
thsir claims in court. Ia other words, ii
iae white man has q right 10 compel the
freedman 10 fulfl his engagement, the lat
Ter must have the same right against the
iormer. This means equality before the
law. The abolition Of slavery being fully
and in good faith scquiesced in and consti-
tulionally affirmed, and the rights of the
eolored people 81 freemen guaranteed, the |
President believes the great obstacles in the |
way Of thorough reconstruction will re- |
moved But in reaching conclusions as 10 /
Tue settlement Of these questions be does not /
tail 70 indicate that the spirit manifested by |
the Southern people is not 10 be overlooked.
here IS magnauiInity on the part Of the l
Government, and there must Be indispuia- /
be evidence OF good faith on the part OF the 4
Southern people. IL is notorious that there
NfErN AHEcf AAlAAN1As N AA1F4GF NA A4ae
evidence. Therefore The President has con-
tnued bis Provisional Governors, in order
that the Government may hold in It's hands
the power 30 correct abuses and conform 70
" hstsver Becessities may, Ia the course Of
events, arise.
Having given his reasons for appointing |
Provisional Governors, and desiring the
speedy reconstruction Of the States in order
that the military might as soon as possible,
consistent with the interests Of the nation,
be removed. he says 70 Congress, subetautial-
" 'fYou see Whist has been done it nov
remains for you as the Representatives OF
ihs- l0val people b decide whether the
southern States are In q condition 70 Justify
he admission Of their Representative 70
'eais "a Congress"
There Is nothing in this autagonistic 70
be policy already indicated By Congress,
lai The reverse.
In regard % our foreign relations the Pres
dents remarks srs calm and diguided, and
It the same time Sufficiently distinct 70 be
lnaeFsiood By the foreign powers ior which
hsf efe inteaded.
The nesssge, az q whole, VII, We feel
oniident. be approved BY the supporters Of !
be Adniaistrstiou generally both in and
ut Of Congress. II
'rsu1 tn 80, r-rrfrrr