The weekly union record. [volume] (Oroville, Calif.) 1864-1866, 1865-11-04
The Presidents Policy.


The Presidents reconstruction policy has
excited great deal of unfaForable comment
from Union papers. They seem to fear that
it is calculated 10 eDdanger the full realization
of the frnirs OF the national triumph over the
heresy Of secession. They do not seem to sp-
precisie the fact-fully recognized by President
Johnsos-tbst, unlike the sweeping changes
brought about BY The war, those hereafter 10
be effected by peaceful means will require time
and patience aud opinions 10 regard to the
great leading National questions will necessa-
rily Undergo modification and change as the
questions approach solution. The death of
slavery has undoubtedly created great change
in the minds OF leading Southerners as to qaes-
tions Of State policy; their Old cornerstone"
being removed, they are DOW bunting for some
more solid basis upon which to place the super
structure of their future social edi6ce, and, as
matter of course, there is great diversity OF
opinion. Some are in favor Of at once clothing
the freedmen with the full panoply of citizen
ship by giving them the elective franchise !;
others declare that the Southern whites and
the freedmen cannot live together in their new
relations unless the latter are placed in state
Of subsection Incompatible with freedom-in
other words, semi-slavery. Each party, Of
course, sees great future advantages TO the
South in the triumph Of their plans; but
neither will probably be gra,ifed. Moderate
aud gradual measures will be adopted, 10 &C.
cordance with President Johnson's ideas when
he says that the reconstruction of the ma
chinery of civil government at the South
cannot be done 10 q moment" Those who
lack confidence in the Presidents patriotism
and wisdom should ponder well his expressions
as given by Major-General Stearns, with bis
approval, in which is clearly shown the same
spirit which characterized his illustrious pre-
decessor; while holding peculiar views of his
own, be does not wish to force them upon the
people until they are satisfied of their wisdom.
The following paragraph shows this to be his
controlling feeling
"Iie is 10 favor of allowing negroes who
served in the army, and those who can read
and write, and those possessed of certain other
qualifications, to vote. bat he does not think it
is policy, or that he has the right TO force these
conditions on the whites of the South, though
he believes they will before long concede this
privilege to freedmen The President also
tavors the basing of representation in Congress
on the number of qualified voters, instead of
on population as at present"
A paragraph giving, in substance, the views
Of Gov. Brownlow, of Tennessee, on recon-
struction, as shown in his annual message, de-
livered on the ID of October, we give as an
indication of the sentiment of the Presidents
political friends iu his own State:
"Gov. Browrlow delivered bis annual mes
sage to the General Assembly, to day. He
congratulated them CD witnessing the termina.
ton of the rebellion, tie signal triumph of our
country and independence A new subject for
the Legislature now comes up, in which the
wishes OF the constituents should be consulted,
Tor the honest people are always right. Amend
ments and additions to the franchise law are
recommended, but am by no means all advo.
cate of its repeal, nor do the loyal people of the
State wish any such sweeping change The
restoration of the civil law has worked well.
and prosperity is promised in every section.
Guiity rebels should be treated with severity in
proportion TO their offense-the mass with five
or ten years Acknowledgement, and the leaders
with neither mercy nor forbearauce. Emigra.
ton should be foStered and encouraged, and q
Commissioner stationed at the East to secure a
numerous foreign emigration OF skilled labor.
He Is convinced that white and colored people
cannot live together politically and socially as
equals, and advocates the setting apart some
portion of the national territory best adapted
for a nation of freedmen. The testimony of
negroes is recommended to be taken in oil the
Courts on the same basis as that of white per-
sons. President Johnson's reconstruction pol
icy is strongly Endorsed as the sole hope OF the
country"
While the "nigger" is evidently still in the
"woodpe," there is also large sized rebel
to be 'shelled OUT and the coming Congress
will deal largely 10 the latter, while occasion
ally falling back 90 the old aromatic staple
Like Lincoln, President johnson will have in
that body his Wades, Davises and Stevenses
but We believe be will come out of the ordeal
triumphauty indicating the correctness OF his
policy, to the satisfaction of the people