Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-01-05
The Position at Washington

4 Washington correspondent Of the BOs-
ton Trareler, who appears to be exeellently
well posted, gives the following interesting
statement Of the leading measures proposed
in Congress and Of the Presidents views and
purposes
The House of Representatives is radical, but
it is a radicalism represented best by such men
as Boutwell, Of Mass, Wilson ofInd., and Bing-
ham Of Ohio. Z 1t is not going to waste powder
upon the support Of the theory that States by
rebellion are no longer States, and should be
governed as territories. 1t will not countenance
class legislation for the negro, any more than
against him.
The purpose Of these sagacious men is to re-
main in harmonious cooperation with the Pres
ident, TO the extent Of not violating their con
victions Of right and justice. They expect to
obtain certain amendments 10 the Constitution
which will cover the prohibition Of rebel debt,
(already passed by the House); the repeal Of
the three fifths clause, aud an article making
representation co-extensive with suffrage; the
repeal Of the prohibition against export duties
from the State, so as to make Southern products
aid in the payment Of debt incurred through
their treason; and possibly the adoption Of an
amendment which shall prohibit the passage Of
laws by any State discriminating against citizens
of the United States on account Of color, race
or former condition.
say that possibly this latter may be adopted.
A majority Of the leading men in both bodies are
theoretically in its favor. Whether a working
majority Of members or senators are is. Lowev-
er, doubtful. OF the adoption Of the other
amendments named, there is no doubt.
These amendments are sought by the Repub-
lcans in both bodies. II is their policy to urge
them through before any question can ecme up
directly upon the admission Of Southern Rep
resentative,. The loyal State Legislatures will
soon be in sess on, AID without doubt the three
amendments will pass. The Southern States
will learn that the FIRST among them that follows
suit, will be the first TO secure admittance to
Congress.
Ii is believed that in this policy there need be
no open sntsgonism with the Executive. Even
, though he may not desire TO have such require
ments made, as are here indicated. as he is not
required to give his assent or dissent to amend
ments, they going from Congress direct to the
States. he can proceed with his own end Of the
work, and continue reorganization on the line be
has laid down. Congress has means Of prevent
ing final results, till its guarantees are obtained
! first, By keeping out all claimants, and second,
.
: ouired. Very few would get in this session, i
J every barrier was let down except that.
., The adoption Of sufficient legislation under the
second section Of the anti-slavery amendment
BY the reorganization and enlargement Of th,
| Freemen's Bureau, etc, TO secure justice and
protection to the loyal freedmen. is also assured
| beyond q doubt. The right Of suffrage viii
! probably be extended to the negroes in this dis
| trict. The only question is. whether it shall b
given on the basis Of intelligence, as expresses
in the voters ability to read and write his name
or it shall be simply based on manhood. Coupi
ed with these measures, will be the passage ais
Of an act prohibiting Territorial Legislature
from discriminating in any form hereafter agains
citizens on account Of color or race.
In . conversation with the President fev
evenings since, Mr.. Boutwell, expressed the feel
ing Of the Congressional majority On the pres