Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-12-22
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT,
The Progress of Reconstruction,
AFFAIRS AT TIE South MORE PROMISING THAN
COULD HAVE BEEN INFECTED.

WASHINGTON, Dec. l9
The following Message was sent to the
Senate by the President
In reply to the resolution adopted by the
Senate on the 18th, have the honor to state
that the rebellion waged by portion of the
people against the properly constituted au-
thorities of the Government of the United
States, has been suppressed-that the United
States are in possession of every State in
which Instruction existed. and that as far
as it could be done, the courts of the United
States have been restored. post Offices re-es-
tablished, and steps taken ID put into efiec-
tive operation the revenue laws of the coun-
try.
As the result, of the measures instituted
by the Executive with the view of inducing
the resumption Of the functions of the State
comprehended in the inquiry of the Senate.
the people in North Carolina, South Carroll
ma, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, louis
lana. Arkansas and Tennessee, have reorsan-
lzed their respective State governments.
and are yielding obedience to the laws and
government of the United States with more
willingness and greater promptItude than
under the circumstances could reasonably
have been anticipated.
The proposed amendment to the Coustitu-
lion, providing for the abolition of slavery
forever within the limits of the country. has
been ratified by each one of those States.
with the exception of Mississippi, from which
no official information has been received and
in nearly all f them measures have been
| adopted. or are now pending. to confer upon
the freedmen the privileges which are cs-
sential to their comfort, protection and Sc
! curity.
In Florida and Texas. the people are max
ing cOmmendable progress in restoring their
State governments and no doubt is entertain
ed that they will at an early period, be in
condition 10 resume all their practical rela-
tons with the Federal government.
In that portion of the Union, lately in re-
bellion, the aspect OF affairs is more promis-
| ing, in view of all the circumstances. than
it could well have been expected. The peo-
pie throughout the entire South eyince a
laudable desire to renew their allegiance 10
the Government, and to repair the deyasta-
tions of the war by a prompt and cheerful
return to peaceful pursuits.
An abiding faith is entertained that their
actions will conform to Their professions and
that in acknowledging the supremacy of the
| Constitution and laws Of the United States
their loyalty will be unreservedly given Ia
the Government whose leniencY they cannot
tail to appreciate, and whose fostering care
will soon restore them to the condition of
prosperity.
1t is true that in some of the States the
demOralizIDg effects of the war are 10 be
seen IN occasional disorders, but these are 10.
cal in character, not frequent in occurrence
and are rapidly disappearing as the authOxi.
| ty Of the civil power is extended and sps-
tanned. Perplexing questions were natural
ly to be expected from the great and sudden
change in the relations between the two ra-
ces, but systems are gradually deyelopinp
themselves, under which the freedman will
receive the protection to which he is Justly
entitled. and by the means Of his labor make
himself useful and independent member Of
the community in which he has his home.
From all information in nv possession and
from that which have recently derived from
most reliable authority, am induced 70
cherish the belief that sectional animos,tv il
surely and rapidly merging itself INTO the
spirit of nationality, ami that Representatives
connected with aproperly adjusted system ef
taxation will result in harmonious rest,,-o-
ton Of the relations of States to the national
union.
The report of Carl Schurz is herewith
transmitted as requested by the Se.ate. No
report from Hon. John Covode has been re-
ceived by the President.
The attention of the Senate is invited TO
the accompanying report of Lieut.. General
Grant, who recently made tour of 1nspec-
ton through several Of the States whose in
habitants participated in the rebellion.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, Dec. Is, 1868.