The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1866-06-01
The Serenade.

soon to come of. 1t did "come off
on Wednesday evening of last week,
and there is much disagreement con
corning it. Some OF the papers pro-
nounce it farce; others n failure
We incline to the belief that it was
little of both The first speaker on
the occasion was President johnson.
His speech, for wonder, was brief,
but brief as it was, he made out to al
lude to himself, tccnty-sir times But
TO the credit of the President it should
be said that in tone and temper the
speech was great improvement on
any that he has recently made. The
crowd next proceeded to the resi-
dence of Secretary Seward, and he be-
ing absent on visit to his friends
and neighbors," his son, Frederick, re-
turned thanks Secretary Welles'
piece" was also short, he merely tell
ing his hearers that he favored "my
policy"
Secretary Stanton spoke Mt length,
and as there has been considerable
discussion as to his position, it excites
more attention, perhaps, than that of
any other member of the Cabinet.
While it is true that Mr. Stanton does
not approve of all the measures of the
republicans of Congress, there is GER
tainly nothing in his remarks from
which the copperheads, democrats OF
misnamed conservatives can extract
much consolation At first, he said,
he was in favor of negro suffrage, but
latter calm and full discussion my
mind Yielded to the adverse arguments
resting upon the practical difficulties
to be encountered in such measure
and to the Presidents conviction that
to prescribe the rule of suffrage was
not within the legitimate scope of his
power" He was in favor of the Freed
mems Bureau bill and the Civil Rights
bill and advised their approval by the
President. The Congressional plan Of
reconstruction does not meet his ap.
prevail We quote what he says con
corning it:
1t is urged by the advocates of this
plan that this third section is the vital
one, without which the others are OF
no value It's exclusive action will no
doubt commend it to the feelings OF
many as wise ard just provision
But | am unable so to regard it, be-
cause for four years it binds Congress
to exclude from voting for Representa-
tives or Presidential electors all per
sons who voluntarily adhered to the
late instruction, giving it aid and
comfort No matter what may be the
condition of the country, nor wha
proofs of present and future loyalt,
may be given, an absolute bar is to b,
erected for four years against larg'
class of persons Change of circum
stances and condition often work
rapid change in party and politico
sentiments, and now here with NOR
marked result than in the South. ]
is believed that elements of change al
now ut work there stimulating on on
side to loyalty, aud on the other ten(
ing to continued hostile feeling. /
my judgment, every proper incitemei
to Union should be fostered and che
ished, and for Congress to limit i
own power by constitutional amen,
ment for the period of four yea
might be deplorable in its results.
those who differ / accord the san
honesty, and perhaps greater wisdo
than / can claim for myself. As Il
proposed plan now stands, am un
BILE to perceive the neces sity, justice
wisdom of the measure. But havii
no place nor voice in the body befo
which the measure is pending, | di
claim any purpose to interfere beyor
the expression of my own opinio
Having thus declared my views,
they have heretofore been declared
those who had n right to know ther
on the material questions that ha
i"'NiN ~ ioSh VI ~ INV pciuiub, iiu
that your purpose on this occasion
answered; and | shall be glad if tn,
expression may have any beneficial
huence in questions, the right dispo
ton whereof is matter of solicitu
to every PATRIOTS man, and is deep
important to the peace and tranquil
Of the country Recognizing the co
stitutional power of all the coordina
branches of the Governmental the lie
islative, judicial and executive--a
entertaining for each the respect viii
Is due from every loyal citizen, tn
are entitled to and shall receive, {
cording to my best Judgment, the su
port which is required by that Cons
tuition which, after unexampled &C
fiict, has been upheld and sanctifi
by divine favor and through the sac
flee of 80 much blood and treasure.
Such in brief is the speech of I
Secretary of War; and fair constr,
ton of it far from makes out that h,
IN unwavering supporter of the Pre-
dents policy, as has been claimed.
Mr. McCulloch did something M
than endorse the Presidents con-