The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-12-22
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT JOHNSON.

WASHINGTON, Dec. III.
The following message was received In the Sem
ate to-day from the President. Ia reply To reso
luton Of that body adop,ei on the 18th instant
81 have the honor to state that the rebellion
wsgcd by portion Of the people against the pro-
perly constituted authorities Of the government
OF the Uuited States has been suppressed, that
the United States are in possession OF every State
could be done the Courts Of the Unitci States has
been restored, Post Offices reesta bshed and steps
taken TO put into effective operation the revenue
laws Of the country.
As the result Of measures instituted by the Exc
cutiye with view Of inducing resumption of
the functions ola State comprehended in the in
quiry Of the Senate, the people in North Carolina
South Carolina, Georgia, Alaba,ua, Mississippi,
Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee, have re-
organized their respective State Governments and
are yielding obedience to the laws and Govern
ment Of the United States with more willingness
and greater promptitude than under the circum-
stances could reasonably have been anticipated.
The proposed Amendment TO the Constitution
providing for the abolition OF slavery forever
within the limits Of the country, has been ratified
by each one fthese States with the exception Of
Mississippi, from which no official information
has been received, and in nearly all Of them mea
sures have been adopted or are now pending, t.
confer upon freedmen the privileges which are es-
sential to their comfort, protection and security.
In Florida and Texas the people are making
commendabe progress In restoring their State
Governments and no doubt is entertained that
they will at au carly period be in q condition to
resume all their practicable relations with the
Federal Government.
Tn that portion of the Union lately In rebellion,
the aspect Of affairs IL more promising than In
view of the circumstances would well have been
expected. The people throughout the entire South
eyince n laudable desire to renew their allegiance
"a the Government AMI repair the deyastatiOns of
Ia he, nd Al
peaceful pursuits. An abiding faith Is entertain.
Ell that their actions will confirm To To their pro-
fesson, and that In acknowledging the suprema.
cy of the Constitution AMI laws Of the United
States their loyalty will be unreseryedly given to
its Government whose leniency they cannot fail
to appreciate and whose fostering care will soon
restore them TO n condition Of prosperity.
II Is true that In some Oft States the demo-
RAILING effects ofthe war are 10 be seen in occa-
sOnsl disorders, but these are local In character.
not frequent in occurrence, and rapidly disap-
pearing rs the authority Of the civil power is ex
tended and sustained. Perplexing questions we're
naturally to be expected from the great and sud
but systems are gradually developing themselves,
under which the freedman will receive the protec.
ton to which he Is justly entitled, and by means
Of his labor make himselfa useful and independent
member OF the community in which he has q home
From all the information in my possession aud
from most reliable authority, am induced to
cherish the beliefth sectional animosty is sure
ly and rapidly merging itsefinto the spirit Of
tiouality, and that representation, Connected with
properly adjusted system Of taxation, will re
suit in the harmonious restoration 'ofthe relations
Of the States tn the national Union. The report
of Carl Sohux IL herewith transmitted, request
ell by the Senate. No report from Hon. John
Covode has been received by the President.
The attention OF the Senate Is invited TO the &C.
companying report Of Lieut.. Gen. Grant, who
recently made q tour Of inspection through seve
raj Of the States whose inhabitants participated
In the rebellion.
(Signed) ANDREW JOHNSON.