The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-08-25


mass meeting In this city in support of Presi-
dent Johnson's policy Of Southern restoration,
and in order to counteract the mischievous ad-
verse agitation of the Boston abolition fanatics;
and we have already the satisfaction Of an
nouncing to our readers that upon the issue
indicated the potential voice of this great me-
tropolis will soon be heard. Among some of
our influential citizens the initial steps in this
direction were taken yesterday, and within
few days we expect that the call for the meet
ing will be issued, embracing men Of all parties
who have faith in the restoration programme
of Andrew johnson.
In answer to this call we predict gathering
of the people Of this city in support Of Presi-
dent Johnson's policy Of reunion and peace sur
passing in its grandeur, majesty and influence
any public demonstration on this island since
our memorable spontaneous uprising in April,
1861, which rallied the loyal States to arms as
with the sound Of trumpet. AS the great
financial, commercial and political centre of
the Union, the city of New York. when she
speaks in an earnest and emphatic voice upon
public affairs, always speaks to some purpose,
and especially in great crisis involving the
settlement OF some m0ment0us national ques-
ton. Such q crisis is now upon us, and the
question involved is of the greatest magnitude.
It is simply this: whether we are to have
policy of peaceable and speedy restoration for
the late insurgent States or policy Of exclu-
sion, military domination, disorganization and
destruction. Hence we may freely anticipate
judgment from the Empire City in this pro-
jected mass meeting which will be felt through
out the State and through the length and
breadth of the land
Every consideration of sound policy, justice
and humanity is on the side Of the restoration
programme of President Johnson. He wishes
as speedily as practicable to re-establish the
disorganized Southern States in full communion
with the general government, so that law and
order therein, and industry and trade, pros
perity and progress, may be re-established.
He proposes to leave the new and deli
cate question of negro suffrage to the legis-
latures Of the several States concerned, I'M
der the idea that this thing belongs properly
to them, and that in binding them to the aboli-
ton of slavery and to the constitutional amend
ment interdicting slavery hereafter, the white
race of the States concerned will in good time
find their proper course of action In reference
to the political rights of the black race. This
is solid ground to stand upon; for the interests
of the Southern whites, in good time, will teach
them to respect the interests and politca!
claims of the blacks, so that order, harmony
and good will may prevail between the two
races.
Leaving, therefore, this delicate question Of
negro suffrage to the States concerned, Presi-
dent johnson desires their speedy restoration,
40 that their enormous resources of wealth
may be speedily developed to strengthen the
national treasury and the national currency,
and to assist US in meeting the obligations of
our national debt. With the restoration to Con-
gross during the coming winter of the now ex-
cluded Southern States we may expect such
restoration of their productive forces as viii
give us next year an aggregate in cotton, SUI
gar, tobacco, rice, &C., of two hundred millions
Of dollars from their surplus productons-a
very important contribution towards the light
ening of our federal taxes and the payment Of
our national debt, to say nothing of the COM
mercial prosperity of New York.
On the other hand, the policy Of the Boston
fanatics, which is the continued exclusion from
Congress of the now excluded States until they
shall have granted the right OF suffrage to their
blacks, will, from present appearances, result
in nothing but mischief and disasters to both
races and both sections, socially, politically
and financially. In forcing now this conces-
sion Of negro suffrage upon the Southern
whites, Just relieved from the laws and usages
of slavery, we can hardly look for anything
else than violent political agitation between
the whites and blacks, resulting in such dis
cords and disorders as will stay the hand of
industry, and leave the Southern States demo-
rallied, disorganized, unproductive, impover-
ished, and burthen upon the North. Start
them upon this road to ruin, and to ruin they
will 90. Nor will the Northern States escape
from these fearful consequences; for, with the
| increasing pressure of our taxes and national
debt, we apprehend that bankruptcy, rcpudia-
ton, general decentralization and national dis
grace will be apt to follow, only to be finally
solved in regular military despotism.
These are the blessings to which the Boston
abolition fanatics are endeavoring to lead the
country. We have had enough Of them. We
want no more. We prefer the wiser and safer
restoration programme Of President johnson.
Northern radicals may seek the continued ex-
clusion Of the South from the national councils,
in order to retain their political power reckless
Of the consequences; but in this scheme they
will only provoke the wrath Of the great body
of the people. Abolition fAnaticism has bad
ie day. Public opinion, softened and en-
lightened by the terrible experience Of the
war, incllnss 10 gentler courses The wise and
humane reconstruction policy Of President
johnson will be supported by the country and
to this end this approaching mass meeting, In