Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-07-08
RICHMOND VA, SATURDAY MORNING, JULY 8, 1865.
RICHMOND WHIG.
SATURDAY MoRNING...JULY 8, 1866.
LETTER FROM JOHN VAN BUREN.

The New York News publishes Letters from O
number of leading politicians Of New York who
had been invited TO assist In Fourth Of July
celebration by the Tsmmany Society. From the
letter written by Jno. Van Buren, we make the
following extract
Our opponents in the late Presidential canvass
united for the svowed purpose OF putting down
the rebellion and ab0lshing slavery az its alleged
cause. These two objects having been accom-
plished by their eXertions or in spite of them,
they see and admit what is obvious to all that
their union is at an end, and that the original
elements OF their organization will return TO their
natural afinities. Il should be our object 10 At.
tract and not repel such portions as properly be-
long TO us. The great question which will divide
the people Of the United States for some time to
come will be how the Government Of the United
States shall deal with the loyal people Of the sew
eral States that have attempted TO throw of that
Government, and are not now represented in the
Congress OF the United States. confne this In
quiry TO the loyal people because the treatment Of
those guilty OF treason or other crimes must de-
pend upon considerations peculiar to each indi-
vidual which il is the business of the courts and
the President TO investigate and dispose OF, and
which can never become national or party
question. For instance, very general discussion
IL now going on as 10 what shall be done with
Mr. Jefferson Davis. Leading Republicans such
Lloyd Garrison, and Others, think he should
be pardoned. Lord Derby end other Eng
fish lords, who have never heretofore men
toned the United States except a beacon to
be bhunned by all who seek for safe forms OF gov.
ernment not only concur in this opinion, but az
feet to tremble with apprehension, lest in our
dealing with this felon, we may leopard our fair
fame Democrats generally, with whom have
cohversed, think Mr.. Davis should be severely
punished. mention this merely to show that
question like this Is not, and from ne
cessity cannot be, national or party
question. But the mode in which those
who are declared by the Executive (the con-
several States in rebellion shall be treated Is
great governmental question which will be very
likely 10 divide the people of this country in much
the same way as they have been divided
in the protracted and honorable contests
which have distinguished our past political
history. And in regard to this, ! am
glad 10 think that the President OF the
United States has laid down the only true, wise
and constitutional policy-a policy based upon
the princip es which lie at the foundation Of our
Government and which rejects with equal scorn
the suicidal heresy # secession aud the destruc.
tive theory OF consolidation. The loyal people OF
the several States heretofore in rebellion have lost
by the war such property as they may have had
in slaves. They would be wise TO put this ques.
ton out OF the range of future discussion by
ratifying the proposed amendment of the Consti.
tuition upon this last act. But beyond this they
have forfeited no rights. They have undergone
sufferngs almost unparalleled without serious
fault on their own part. They are entitled now
to form State Government and to have their
Senators and Representatives admitted to Con.
gress upon precisely the same terms as the States
which have not seeded IL ia for them exclu-
sively TO Judge who beside themselves shall vote
at their elections. The privilege of voting is con.
ceded by State to such persons as 1t chooses.
Whether women, minors, aliens, Indians, negroes,
all of whom are or may become citizens shall be
allowed 10 vote, Is, under our United states Con-
stitution wisely left TO the decision of each State,
as best informed 10 tn se interested In its proper
disposition. The several States In rebellion will
reorganize under the proclamations OF the Presl.
dent. They will continue, as they have never
ceased to be States of the Union. 1t may be that
the next Congress will refuse TO admit their sena
tors and Representatives TO the seats 10 which they
will be entitled and thus delay while they cannot
defeat their admission. But this will not prevent
Their being organized, powerful and prosperous
States nor diminish the satisfaction with which
they will be welcomed 20 the enjoyment Of their
full rights, so soon as the constituencies OF the
members who perpetrated this outrage can drive
them from their places. To promote such res.
toration of the Union and to re-establsh the true
constitutional doctrines OF our Government,
shall give 10 the Administration of President
johnson o cordial support. He was no party TO
the meddling with State institutions and property
that provoked, though 1t did not excuse toe re.
belion. He will be no party TO the invasion of
state rights and the petversion of State policy
which would keep alive the fires of civil war, and
swallow up the states In q concentrated national
despotIsm. believe him to be an honest, intelli.
gent, thorough Democrat; as such he knows that
the Democratic theory oil the Constitution is the
only one that will preserve 1t, and that the true
defenders of the co1ntrys honor abroad and safety
at home, in war and in peace, can only be found
in that great, powerful and patriotic party which
has administered the Government with such sue.
cess through far the longest and most honorable
portion of our career.
With kind regards to you, personally, and best
wishes for the prosperity Of the society,
am truly yours j. VAN BuREH.
EDGEHILL, July /, 1866.