Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-05-29

relations to the General Government is not
yet accomplished. So far as that duty or
that consummation has devolved on the Ex-
ecutive branch of the Government, i: has
been fully performed. [Applause.] can
not now recall any failure in this regard.
With all these things you are familiar, and
the country knows what has been done and
what is doing.
The close of the war brought with il the
necessity of re-establishing the Federal au-
thority in the insurgent States as rapidly as
possible, and connected with it the duty of
encouraging the reorganization of local gov
ernments in each of these States. To this
subject, my fellow-eitizens, the attention of
the President and the cabinet was early d.
rected-with what success l need not point
out to you. think | venture not too far in
saying that history furnishes no parallel to
such success. The Federal authority has
been established, recognized and obeyed in
every State south of Mason and Dixon's
line. Applause. The local governments
in those States have been reformed suhstan-
tally to meet their changed condition, re-
| sulting from the abolition of slavery, and are
now being peaceably administered. Doubtless
there are provisions in the constitutions of
| some Of these States, as there in the laws en-
acted by some Of their Legislatures, that are
not in consonanoe with the views of the
moral, liberty-loving citizens of the nation;
but We cannot reasonablySd oubt that these
will give place to better provisions and bet
ter laws under the influence of the Federal
Government and their own material neces-
sites. But one thing remains, my fellow
citizens, TO complete the work of restoration,
and to clothe the Southern States with all
their constitutional privileges, and that is,
their representation in Congress. Applause,
Upon this, with the loyal millions of the
country, | regret, deeply regret, that there is
any difference between the President and
our friends in Congress But you will have
observed that this difference is not as to who
shall represent the Southern States Their
loyalty is to be tested by the taking of the
oaths prescribed by the Constitution and the
laws-required alike by the President and
Congress, and for every Senator and Repre-
sentative from every State, North and South
The difference, then, is not as to whO, but as
to WheH these States shall be represented. |
The whole theory of the Executive pro-
gramme for the restoration of the Southern
States looks to the early admission of loyal |
Senators and Representatives from those |
AO14ltSSJ l<ADBiduSc, WIlll6 Tie OOUSTSSS pro- |
gramme, as far as it had been developed, |
looks to delay, conditioned on the adoption |
of certain amendments to the Constitution. |
Now, my friends, we must not overlook |
the fact that if this difference be not adjust |
ed, it may lead-and will lead, in all proba- |
bility-to unfortunate results, not only to |
the Southern States but to all the country
and may | not add, to the Union party, in |
whose interests learn your association has |
been organized. | need not tell you, or
those who intimately know me- that it is in
the continued ascendancy of the Union party |
that | rely for the peace and happiness Of |
the country. Applause. | need not tell |
you it was that party, in the field and at the |
ballOt-hox, saved the nation from the assaults
of armed rebellion. Applause l will |
only add, it is to that party, founded on the
principles of the Baltimore platform, look
to establish indestruciibly, on the basis of
justice and constitutional equality, the rights
of all the States of our common country. |
Applause. Let me refer one moment to
the difference between the President and
Congress. | want to deal frankly with you,
when | say that / do not believe these diff
ferences are irreconcilable. | do not believe
there is any cause of separation between the
President and the majority In Congress.
Applause. Nay, if | am not greatly at
fault, time and discussion are bringing the
President and Congress rapidly together on
the basis of common platform of action.
[ Applause. Certain it is, they are not as
wide apart as at the opening of Congress.
Then prominent Senators and Representa-
tatives argued that the inSurgent States, by
the act OF rebellion, had committed suicide,
and should be treated as conquered proYin-
ces or territories then it was argued by
some distinguished Congressman that the
public safety imperatively demanded that
this condition should be imposed upon them
all. But these propositions are not now ar
gued in Congress, and do not think that in
the futurewe shallhear them debated, | see
in this fact a steady and encouraging advance
toward practical adjustment and may we not
reasonably hope their concessions were made
to the end of securing reconciliation, salts
factory and full, that shall be alike consist
ent with the dignity and patriotism both of
the Executive and Congress? Every con-
sideration of patriotism and wisdom favors
such result. The work of restoration calls
for every concession authorised by the Con-
| will not doubt that this conces-
sion VIII be made, and the results of the
war, by which the nation was preserved, will
be secured and perpetuated on the basis of
peace and concord between the people of all
the sections of the country.
| have said much more than l expected,
and return my thanks again for the friendly
call. and now bid you very good night,
The band then headed the multitude and
proceeded to the residence of Attorney Gen
eral Speed, on II street, where an air was
played, and it was then announced that the
Attorney General was not at home.
Secretary Harlan, who resides few doors
east of Attorney General Speed, was next
Repeated calls were made
for him, when Hon. Green Clay Smith an
nounced that Secretary Harlan had written
a letter, which would be read upon the re-
turn TO the club-room.
The band and the members of the club
then proceeded to their room, on Twelfth
street, when the following letters were read;
after which the crowd quietly dispersed:
ATTORNEY GENERAL SPEEDS LETTER
ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE WASH
INGToN, MAY %, lS66.-Dr. j. B. Fer
yuson, Corresponding Secretary National
Union Club:-SIR: Late yesterday afternoon
| received your notice that | would be SER
enaded this evening, at eight o'clock. As
you have seen fit to notify me of this inten
ded compliment, presume that an address
will be expected. 1t is right, therefore,
that / shonld say beforehand that the short
ness Of the time and pressing engagement
will not permit me 10 prepare a fitting ad-
lress, and l most respectfully state that !
must be excused from speaking on the occa-
sion.
Your obedient servant,
JAMES SPEED.
LETTER OF SECRETARY HARLAN.
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