Washington telegraph., 1865-09-27
Xv.sruxcrox ARK Sent o. I3e5

4 WASHINGTON, ARK, Sept. %, 1865.
MR. BRADY: The people Of Southern Ar
| kansas with whom have long been used to
sympathise and consult, will excuse my ad-
| dressing them private individual upon a
| matter deeply affecting the common interests
| of all OF us, who have supported the Southern
| Contederacy, and taken, or intend taking the
oath of amnesty proffered by the President.
Hook upon this amnesty in the light OF
| contract. is virtually one in law. The OBJ
| legation is to abide by and obey the Constitu-
ton of the United States, the laws of Congress
passed in accordance Herewith, and the Proc
lamations of the Executive thereof, made during
| the war on the subject of Emancipation to-
rether with what naturally follows as corrol-.
| larry, that the juror shall cease all manner OF
| opposition TO the Union, open or secret, ana
| cooperate in the restoration OF peace and mu-
;uaI GOODWILL and the restoration of the sever
al States TO their proper status in the Union
These obligations should be sacredly observed
The consideration held forth by the govern
ment for this return to loyalty Is, restoration
to all the rights Of citizenship, and exemption
from all the penalties incurred ON account OF our
adherance to the Confederate cause.
This it is the intention of the Federal Execu-
tive faithfully to observe on his part. as evinced
bv his high-toned, firm, and magnanimous pol
lev towards the Southern States east OF the
Mississippi. He keeps good faith, and that at
some cost, and danger to his influence at the
North.
and not to be moclled in our just expectation
We may depend upon his support in all honest
and legitimate efforts TO acquire 1t.
As editor of the Telegraph | endcavored in
the emergency a somewhat arrogant thing, and
led public sentiment as far as was able to ac-
quiesce in and adopt the Constitution OF this
State sud TO support the government organiZ-
ed undcr his Excellency Governor Murphy.
There were grave objections to it certainly. No
provision was made for the ratification Of the
acts of the courts acting under dc tdciO gov
ernment, not of a political character This
was and remains necessary, to prevent COM
plete disorcanization of all private business,
and the ruinous train of consequences. There
were objectionable laws passed by the legisla-
ture. These time will correct But on the
whole, it seemed the eaiCst, quletest and
speedicst mode of restoring our State to the
Union.
Amongst these laws was one which wholly
struck from the hands OF the afilant, all the
most valuable portion of the consideration of
the amnesty oath. But it was so plainly un-
constitutional that every reasonable assur-
ance might be felt that 1t could not be
sustained. Therefore great multitude. of
us have taken the oath in the face OF the
law, trusting that the return OF peace would
rive its advocates time to reflect more calmly,
and that It's enforcement would be dispensed
with or its unconstitutionaity speedily decided.
| allude to the test oath, attempting the disiran-
chisement of every citizen of Arkansas adher-
ing TO the Southern cause, since the adoption OF
the present Constitution.
Inst her,. it NAV be well to remark, that ths
sunDort of the present State Government was
not. so far as the oath of amnesty went. at all
COMPULSORY We might have beseigcd the
President with delegations, insisting, amongst
other things, upon the impossibillty OF reOr-
canizing the State under this test oath-that is,
in afy satisfactory manner. We might have
al and
the same facilities under which Mississippi Is
about to lead TIE way back TO the old moorIugs.
But hqraoay was considered by all good men
rs of the first Importance. This was one OF the
main considerations inducing them to accept
the State Government, notwithstanding the OBJ
iec.ions, 1t was hoped that those who estab-
lished and were then upholdinri it would meet
this spirit half way, and do all in their power
to speedily adapt and ceD!oTmit to a recogui-
tiol. of the rights granted by the amnesty.
Peace fell over the State inslSntaneously. Not
another hostile gun OF regular Seldier, or guer-
rilla was fired.
This hone must not be relinquishcd by
thoughtful men to whom the pcsple are accus-
toned to look for advice and guidance, or worse
things will certainly follow. There is no occa-
sion for doing so. Above all, it is Of the great
est Importance that we should not appear TO re-
linquish the high privileges secured to US by
the amnesty, and so essential 10 our own honor
and equal citizenship.
SThere.orc, we urge it upon every one to make
ii an object to make continual claim, rs the
lawyers term it, of his rights in ell peacea-
bic and legal modes, lest they appear abandon
ed In tie coming Congressional election it is
important for every one to go to the polls, eX-
hiLit his certificate of amnesty, and tender MS
vote II it is rejected let him peaceai'ly retire.
No penalty can be incurred by that. 1t is
respectful claim of privilege TO which each
one considers himself entitled. And Let the
same course be pcrsistenly followed up, until
his claim is decided by the highest Judicial til
bunal to which it may be referred.
Let it be done orderly, quietly and with be
coming dignity, without popular exhibition OF
passion OF resentment. The moral effect OF
thus repelling so large number of our best cit
zens in every avocation of life, must be very
great, and lead to speedy cure Of the evil, thus
enforcing the acknowledgement Of the rights
guaranteed to US by the President OF the Uni
ted States.
With nv best wishes for the prosperity Of
the Telegraph, and that it may long continue
to be the means Of promoting good order, and
sound government for the benefit of all our
people of every race and color,
remain Yours truly,
JSo y EAKIS