The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-12-28
Couldn't Pull Wool Over the Presi
denis Evps

oers nom Iowa, and President John.
son According 10 this correspondent.
Mr.. Wilson informed the President that
be Wss not disposed to make any dis
tinction between Tennessee and the
other States recently engaged in rebel
Ion, but would give it priority Of con
sideration, aud dispose Of its claims to
representation first Passing from this
subject, he said the radicals were bet
ter friends Of the administration than
the conservatives, and desired its sue
cess; but they thought that result
could not be attained by his plan Of re
construction. an our opinion" con
tlnued he, your efforts to reorganize
the rebel States and restore them 70
the Union, after an uninterrupted
trial of some seven months, have not
proved successful to the extent reouir-
ed 70 insure the peace safety and
prosperity Of the country. Congress.
in pursuance Of what it considers its
solemn duty, now proposes, after
due investigation of the whole
subject, to devise, if possible, some bet
ter plan Of reorganization and restora-
ton. The plan Congress will probably
adept will be to submit such amend
ments TO the Constitution as will, If &C
eepted by the State Legislatures, fur
nish ample guarantees for the future.
The majority Of Congress expect and
ask that, while engaged in investigat-
ing the whole subject Of reconstruction,
and degising some new plan, it may be
left free to act as it may deem best
and that no attempt be made by the
Executive TO interfere with and inhu-
ence its action by the distribution of
patronage or in any other way If
thus left free by you, there can be no
possible difficulty between the execu
tive and legislative branches of the
Government But if you are disposed
TO interfere with Congress, by patron.
age or otherwise, and force your pecu
liar ideas and plans upon Congress and
the country, you will meet with serious
opposition by those that are now the
friends Of your administration, and de-
sire sincerely to make it successful
The plan Congress will probably
adopt will not render it necessary
for you TO surrender any Of your
own views in relation to reconstruction,
inAsmuch as under the Constitution of
the United States, you cannot be asked
TO approve the resolutions Of Congress,
submitting certain amendments to the
Constitution. You will not be respon-
sible for our action, but we will be re-
sponsible for it TO our constituents, who
will De called upon to determine upon
the merits Of our plan of reconstruc-
ton. Hence there will be no occasion
for serious differences between the Ex-
eoutiFe and Congress, If each branch of
the Government simply leaves the other
to do what it considers its duty. And
let me add this: The so-called COnserv-
stiyes Of Congress, the men that claim
70 be your exclusive friends, 90 with
you to-day because they think it is TO
their advantage 10 do SO; but they will
oppose you to morrow, if they shall find
that it is to their disadvantage to sup
port you You will find in the end
that the men who differ from you to
day from sincere convictions, and hon
est, patriotic motives, are much more
reliable and trustworthy friends than
these Ii ne -serYerA
After reading this proposition we sre
in doubt whether Mr. Wilson is d nRtu
raj born fool, or a corrupt knave. At
any rate, it argues q very shallow brain
10 make such proposition 10 Andrew
johnson, one of the shrewdest and
most determined spirits Of the age-one
Of the best judges of human nature on
the political stage. You have made a
failure, Mr. President Let your plans
drop permit us to carry ouis out, you
will find US friends, and your Admins
tration shall be successful This is the
substance of Mr.. Wilson's proposition
The, President treated it as it de-
served The Tribunes correspondent
SAYS in reply he stated that he was
anxious to avoid division among the
friends Of his administration in Con
gress that he would regret to see any
difficulties arise between them and the
Executive. He then proceeded to re-
view st length his policy Of reconstruc-
ton, reiterAting the points in support
Of it made in his published speeches,
and more lately in his message; but
said nothing that could be construed
into an admission of its failure On
the contrary, he seemed 10 be fully
persuaded Of its present and future
success Nor did he say word indica-
ting sn intention TO abstain from inter.
ference with Congress in its legis-
lation upon reconstruction. lie did not
ssy that he would interfere; but Meth
er did he commit himself 10 the oppo
site line Of action However pressed
by Mr. Wilson in this direction, he
would not give the assurances desired
Of him. That he would have made
formal disclaimer Of 3 purpose to
NEEDLE with Congress, if he did not
entertain it, may be fairly presumed.
And this was the impression left by
the tone and tenor Of his remarks
upon the minds Of his visitors"
Messrs. Wilson and Price thereupon
left, satisfied that they could not
pull wool over the eyes OF Andrew 1
Johnson.
The correspondent elocss his letter as |
follows:
The process Of forming an Administrator 1
party 10 Congress, with the "Conservaiiye"
members Of the Union majority in both 4
houses a. a nucleust ana no uoNnl the out
right Opposition as contingent accession,
progresses steadily. Perhaps the most &
uificant step yet taken IN it, Is the holding
81 separate caucuses.
Much earnest feeling has been created
among radical members by the announce
ment that the PRESIDENT had directed GER
tain heads Of Departments $50 maze uo fur
: Their appointments upon the rCcommcuda-
lions OF Congressman ai present" The fact /
OF The existence Of this order was commuui-
Gated by The Chief 81 Department % some
radical Congressman, who bad made q re-
quest for certain appointment But one
construction is given 10 this Executive mem
date, vir' that support OF she Executive
policy is b be hereafter the price OF patr1a-
age,
LOOK out Osirr Holders.
The Washington correspondent Of
the Chiosgo Tribune says the President
has directed certain heads Of Depart
ments ITO make no further appoint.
ments upon the recommendation Of
Congressmen At present This Exeou-