Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-02-13

did not exist before. l say query comes up in
u dertaking this thiDg-whether we have right
to make change in regard to the elective fran
cbise-ir Ohio for instance whether we shall not
let the people in that State decide the matter for
themselves. Each community is better prepared
10 determine the del ostory of its political power
han enybody else; and it is for the Legislature
for the people Of Ohio to say who shall vote,
and not for the Congress Of the United. ! might
60 down teIe to the ballot-box tomorrow and
vote directly for universal suffrage; but if great
majority of the peope said No, should consider
it would be tyrannical in me to attempt to force
such upon them without their will. 1t is fun
damental principle in my creed that he people
must be oteyed. Is there anything wrong in
that
MIR DOUGLASS (smiling) "A great deal wrong,
Mr.. President, with all respect.
1HE PREsIDENT.-lt is the people of the states
that must for the mselves determine this thing. l
do not want to be engaged in work that will
commerce war OF races If man demeans him
self well, and shows evidence that this new state of
affairs will operate, he will be protected in all his
rights and be given every possible advantage by
that community. When they become reconciied,
socially end politically to certain things, then will
this new order of things work tremendously but
forced upon the people before they are prepared
for it will be resisted and work inhsrmoniously.
feel conviction that driving this matter upon
.
the injury OF both races, aud the ruin of one or
the other. God knows have desire but the
good OF the whole human race. would it we're
SO that all you advocate could be done in the
twinkling OF an eye; but it is not in the Of
things, and do not assume or pretend to be
wiser than Providence, or stronger than the laws
OF nature. Let US now seek 10 discover the laws
governing this thrg There IS great law con-
trolling It let Us endeavor to find out what that
law is, and conform our actions to it. All the de-
tails will then properly adjust themselve. and
work out well in the end. God knows that
anything can do will do in the mighty process
by which the great end is 10 be reached Any
hing can do 20 elevate the races, to soften and
emelloro,e their condition, Will do, and to be
able to DO SO IS the sincere desire of my heart.
am glso TO have met ou, and thank you for the
compliment you have paid me.
Mr.. DoUGLAss-I have to return you our
thaLks, Mir. President, for so kindly granting US
this interview. We did not C me here expecting
to argue the question. bu. if you would grant us
permission, OF course We Wculd endeayor 10 con-
uover some of the positions you have assumed
MR. DowNING.-Mr. Douglass | take it that
the President, by bis kind expressions and his
very full treatment Of the subject, must have con-
i,mpla'td some reply 10 tie views which be has
advanced, and IN wh ch certainly do not con-
cur, and say this with due respect.
The PREsEDENT.-I thought YOU expected ms
10 indicate TO some extent what my views were
on the subject touched upon in your statement.
Mr.. DOwSING.-We are very happy indeed
to have he.rd them
Mr.. DoUGLAss.-Ifthe President will allow me
| would Ike to say one OF two words in reply.
The PRKSIDENr.-All have dore is SIMPLY to
indicate what my views are, as | supposed YOU
expected me 10 from your address.
Mr.. DoUGLAss.-My own impression is that
the very thing that your Excellency would avoid
IN the Southern States only b. avoided by the
very measure that We propose; and would state
% my brother delegates that because perceive
the President has taken srorg grounds in favor
Of gwen roucy, md distressing ny own ability
20 remove any OF these impressions which be ha.
expressed, thought We had better end his IN
ttIvew VIII he * r:ess.on OF ;hauks. (Adoress-
ing the PresIdent.) But f Your Excellency will
he pleased to hear | would Ike TO say a word or
TWO ID regard 10 that matter oi the eufran-
chlsem Of the blacks as means Of preventing
& he very thing which your Exceilenoy seems to
sppIeheud-that is, conf-c; Of races.
HE PREslDENT.-I repeat, | merely wanted
to indicate my views in reply to your address, and
not to enter INTO any general controversy, as |
cou.d not well DO so Under the circumstances.
Your statement very frank enc, and l
spirit
Ma. DoUGLAss-Thank you, sir.
lHE PREsIpENT--I think you will find, so far
as the South is concerned, that if you will all in
culcate there the idea, in connection with the one
You urge-that the colored people can live and
advarce in civilization TO better advantage else
where than crowded rgh; down there 10 the
South-it would be better for them.
MR.. DOUGLAsS.-Bu, the ma sters have the laws
and We cannot get away from the plantations
The PREsIDENT-Why not ? The Government
furnishes you with every facility.
MR.. DOUGLAss.-Ihere are SIX DAYS in the
year that the negro is free in the South now, and
his master then decides for him where he shall
go-where he shall work-how much he shall
work IN fact, he is diyested CT all political pow
er. He Is absolutely IN the hands of these
IHE PRESIDENT.-If the master now control.
him or his action, would he not control him in his
vote
MIR. DOUGLASS Let the negro ouce under
stand that he has organic right to vote, and he
Will raise up party in the Southern State. among
tfe poor who will rally with him. There is this
conflict that you speak of between the wealthy
savehoder and the poor man.
The PREsIDENT-You touch right upon the
point there There i this conflict, and hence |
suggest emigration. If he cannot get employ
ment IN the South he has it in his power to 90
where he get it.
In parting, the President said that they were
both desirous of mplishng the same ends
but proposed 10 Go so by following different roads.
Mr.. Douglass, turning to leave, remarked to
his fellow delegates " The President sends US to
the people, and we will have 90 and get the
people right"
1HE PRESIDENT. Yes, sir | have great faith
in the people. ] believe they will do what is
right