Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1865-12-14

| After showing In 1 clear and lucid
argument, that the union of these
States was designed to be indestrue-
tible, and to last while the States
themselves should exist, the Presi-
dent proceeds to give his reasons for
establishing Provisional Govern
ments in the rebel States, and his
views on their reconstruction. He
says: e
found the States suffering from
the effects of civil war Resist
ance to the General Government ap-
peared to have exhausted Itself
The United States had recovered
possession of their forts and arsenals,
and their armies were in the occupa-
ton of every State which had at
fsmpted to secede. Whether the
territory within the limit of those
States should be held as conquered
territory, under military authority
emanating from the President as the
head of the army, was the first ques
ton that presented itself for deci-
sion. ..i .-.,-.. 49, r.....
Now, military Governments, es-
tabhshed for sn indefinite period,
would have offered no security for
the early suppression of discomfort;
would have divided the people into
the vanquishers and the vanQuished;
and would have envenomed hatred,
ratL er than have restored affection.
Once established, no precise limit TO
their continuance was conceivable
They would have occasiened an in
calculable and exhausting expense.
Peaceful emigration to and from that
portion of the country is one Of the
best means that can be thought OF
fer the restoration of harmony; and
that emigration would have been pre-
vented, for what emigrant from
abroad, what Industrious citizen al
home, would place himself. Willingly
under military ruler The chief per
sons who would have followed in
the train of the army would have
been dependents on the General
! Government, or men who expected
profit from the miseries of their err
ing fellow citizens The powers oi
patronage and rule which would have
been exercised, under the President
over vast, and populous, and nat
urallJ wealthy region, are greater
than, unless under extreme necessity
1 should be willing to entrust to any
one man; they are such as, for my.
self, ]. could neyes,'-nnfess on occa
sions of great emergency, consent tc
exercise. The wilful use of sucf
powers, if continued through pc
riod of years, would have endanger
ed the purity of the general Admin
Iistration and the liberties Of th'
States which remained loyal,
| Besides, the policy of a military
rule over a conquered territory
Eould have implied that the States
whose inhabitants may have takeI
part in the rebellion had, by the &C
of those inhabitants, ceased to exist
But the true theory is, that all pre-
tended acts of secession were. from
l the beginning, null and void. Th'
States cannot commit treason, no
screen the individual citizen wht
have committed treason, any NOR
than they can make valid treaties o
engage in lawful commerce with an,
foreign power. The States attempt
ing to sece1e placed themselves in
T condition where their vitality wa
, impaired, but not extinguished-
their functions suspended, but no
: destroyed.
But if any State neglects or re
fuses to perform its offices, there i
the more need the General Govern
, ment should MAINTAIN all its authority
and, as soon as practicable, resum
f the exercise of all its functions o.
J this principle L have acted, and hav
gradually and quietly, and by al
? most imDerceptible steps, sought t
E restore the rightful energy of tn
General Government and of til
| States. To that end, Provisions
, Governors have been appointed 70
D the States, Conventions called, Gov
ernors elected, Legislatures assem
5 bled, and Senators and Represents
e tives chosen to the Congress of th
United States. AT the same timt
: the Courts of the United States, q
{ far as could be done, have been II
opened, so that the laws of the I'm
ted States may be enforced throug
/ their agency The blockade hs
been removed and custom houses n
established in ports of entry, so tn,
the revenue of the United States ma
s. be collected. The Postoffice D,
n partment renews its ceaseless activ
ty, and the General Government
thereby enabled to communicat
y promptly with its officers and agent
The courts bring security to person
g and property; the opening of tt
q ports invites the restoration of il
dustry and commerce; the postofic
e renews the facilities of social inte
it course and of business. And is
it not happy for us all. that the rest'
# ration Of each one OF these function
!. of the General Government bring
with it blessing to the States ov.
n which thev are extended Is it M
e a sure prumise of harmony and p
v newed attachment to the Union tha