The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1866-02-01
PRESIDENT JOHNSON.

In another column give bref sketches Of the
j trials and struggles, and political views OF Presi
dent JoHssOS which readers will, we are sure,
peruse with deep interest. From the humble walks Of
life, b. has risen by his honest and nsstert
bis indomiahle energy ami perseyerance-his man
H. straight. sor-a I'd and candid advocacy of tie vital
principles which Republican institutions arc
founded: tpe rapablity Of for self government:
he administration Of equal and exaet justice all
nen-to th- highest and most responsible position
in The world. Hs i, OF the People, and he knows
and appreciates their wants. and tie hare that
hopeful and elyng confidence in the sterling honesty
and nnwsvering integrity Of ASpY JoISsoS that tey
had in his illu-Irious predecessor, te lsnsned LIZ
COIN. They will stand bv linn and sustain Lis al
minisraton. in despite OF the opposition and cIamor
q one dend demagogucs who TO carry out their ultra
plans, would sink the Union party which is the hope
and salvation ~ the country, to periition.
we clip the following views Of the President or
Constitutional amendmo nts, and .he folly of picking
the Great Charter 20 pieces, &c, from the Associated
rsess dispachcs OF jan - 1t said to he the sub
stance OF conversation between the President and
distinguished Senator. They the sentiments of an
honesl man and patriot; aut. views We com
mend them;
The President said that he doubted
the propriety at this time OF making any
One great amendment had already been
made, by which slavery had been forever
abolished within the limits of the nited
States, and national guarantee thus Civ
Ell that that institution should never
again exist in the land Propositions TO
amend the Constitution were becoming
rs numerous as preambles and resolu-
tons at town meetings called to consid-
or the most ordinary question connected
with the administration of local affairs
All this. in his opinion, had tendency
to diminish the dignity and prestige at
tached to the Constitution of the coun-
try, and to lessen the respect and con
fdence Of the people in their great char
ter of freedom.
If however, amendments are to be
made to the Constitution, chan ging the
basis of representation and taxation,
land he did not deem them at ali neces-
sary at the present timcl, he knew of
none better than simple proposition.
embraced in few lines, making in each
State the number of qualified voters the
basis of representation, and the value OF
property the basis Of direct taxation
Such a proposition could be embraced
in the following terms Representa-
lives shall be apportioned among the sew
eral States which may he included with
in the Union according to the number of
qualified voters in each S.at.e-- Direct
taxes shall be apportioned among the
several States~Thich may be included
within ttsIt<'I MON according to the val
ae oIsn the taxable property in each
state. An amendment OF this kind
would, IN his opinion. place the basis Of
representation and direct taxation upon
correct principles
The qualified voters were. for the most
part, men who were subject to the
draft and enlistment, when necessary to
repei invasion, suppress rebellion, and
quell domestic violence and insurrection.
They risked their lives. shed their blood
and spent their all 20 uphold the Gov
eminent and give protection. security and
value 70 property 1t seems but Just
that this property should compensate for
the benefits thus conferred by Gefraying
the expenses incident to its protection
and enjoyment Such al amendment,
the President suggested, would remove
from Congress all issues in reference to
the political equality Of the races. 1t
would leave the States to determine au
solute,y the qualifications Of their own
voters with regard to color, and thus the
number Of Representatives TO which they
would be entitled in Congress would de
pend upon the number upon which they
conferred the right of suffrage.
The President, IN this connection, eN-
pressed the opinion that the agitation OF
the negro franchise question in the Dis
t.ict OF Columbia, ut this time. was the
mere entering wedge 10 The agitation of
The question throughout tie States, and
was iil-tiued. uncalled for and cslcula-
ted 70 do great harm. He believed il
would engender enmity and strife be-
tween the two races, and lead to . war
between them, which would result in
great injury to both, and the certain eN-
termination OF the negro population
Precedence, he thought, should be Civ
en- to more important anrurgent mat
tiers. legislation upon which was essen
tial for the restoration OF the l MON. the
peace or the country and the prosperity
Of the people. +"
The execution of Mrs. Grinder TOOK