The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-12-05

th at he had committed the ofense. Congress
also declares that the oHense was commit'e ell,
and affixes the dsqualihcations imposed upon
certain offenders as u mitigated penalty. The
pardons Of the President were eagerly sought,
and accepted with professions OF gratitude. 1t
cannot be contended that no disgrace attaches
TO the acknowledgment of a wrong where for
giveness is promised, and that it would be dis.
honorable to ackno wledge the same fault where
The consequences of the admission merely go
to the disqualification from holding office.
But are the conditions imposed by Congress
hsrdY Congress indicated that the disabilities
enumerated in the amendment are not to be
perpetual, by 1eserving to itself the power TO
repeal them. The conditions are not nearly as
hard as they might be. The person OF the citi-
zen is safe; his property is not threatened with
cOnhscation; II Is not proposed TO administer
our laws by strangers; the power over the ques-
ton of suffrage Is left with the States, For the
sake OF securing peace and its blessings, may 1t
not be an act OF exalted patriotism for a portion
OF the old and the middle aged citizens TO Weld
gracefully TO- necessity they cannot ayertY II
only brings the young men a little earlier into
public life, and will tend to the earlier develop
meut OF their energies By the acceptance of
the amendment, tranquility will be secured 10
the south. The young men and the old men
Will enter upon a new field of prosperity; inter-
commur ications will be opened between all
parts OF the country, and by the exercise of a
httle temperance, in few years perfect resto-
ration will be effected.
But it is proposed to reject the amend nent
and abide events; and the question is frequently
asked, What Will be the result2 The answer Is
involved in doubt. The condition of the country
Is unsettled, ard there will be no tranquility
until the Stdtus Of the unrepresented States Is
fixed. have no means of knowing what the
action CT Congress will be in the event of the
rejection of the amendment. 1t seems 20 me
most probable that it will be claimed that,
through illegal interference by the President In
the unrepresented States, the political power of
those States has beenpaced in the hands of those
who were lately in rebellion against the Govern
mpnt. and " no withhold nOlitpnl IN Up from,
those who were and ace loyal to the Govern
ment OF the United States; that they refuse to
comply with the requirements of Congress, to
cntitle them to repres 3ntation, aud are, there
fore, still practically in rebellion against the
Government; and that the loyal people of those
States are thus deprived OF representation in
the councils OF the nation. Congress will be
asked to set aside the State organizations
created by the President, and place these States
under the control of loyal men. who will accept
such condit ons as may be imposed by Congress.
II Congress should adopt this course, the Presi-
dent has no power to resist it, because, if
adopted By two-thirds of each House, it will be
the law OF the land.
Virginia would not be liable to this condition
of things; but have treated the subject as
though she were in the same condition with the
States reorganized by the President-frst be-
cause 1 know that your action will have an
important influence over these States; and,
secondly, because we are nov unrepresented,
we Will have, in effect, 10 conform 10 the same
conditions imposed on those States which will
probably be much more Objectionable to our
people than the amendment now proposed; tor
when a Constitutional amendment shall be
adopted hy the requisite number of States,
whatever disqualfcalions are created thereby
VIII be enforced by stringent laws OF CongI
The amendment is now before you for ratif-
cation or rejection. l have endeavored to make
fair and full statement to you, in regard to
this whole subject, as it presents itself to my
mind.
Gentlemen, other topics will engage your
attention. l have only alluded to such as con-
ccive to be important to the welfare of the Com
nonwealth, / leave the whole subject with
you, devoutly implor.ng the blessing of Divine
Providence for your guidance and protection.
with the hope that wisdo m and iorbearance may
characterize all your deliberations.
F. H. PEIRPoINT.
Richmond December 3, 1866.