The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-07-20

tain ma in the assertion that such deeds OF wrong
are not confined to any particular State or section,
monstratiug that the cause that produced them
does not depend upon any particular locality, but
is the result OF the agitation and arrangement incl
don't to long and bloody war. While tho pre-
valence OF such disorders must be greatly de-
plored, their occasional and temporary recurrence
would seem to furnish no necessity for the cxten
sion OF the Bureau beyond the period fixed in the
original act. Besides the objections have thus
briefly stated may urgo upon your consideration
the additional reason that recent developments in
regard to the practical operations Of tho Bureau
in many OF the States, show that in numerous in-
stances it is used by its agents as means OF pro-
noting their individual advantage, and that tho
freedmen are employed Tor the advancement of
the personal ends of the oficors instead OF their
own Improvement and welfare; thus confirming
the fears entertained by msny that the continua-
ton Of such Bureau for any immediate length
OF time would inevitably result in fraud, corrup-
ton, and oppression. 1t is proper to state that
in cases Of this character, Investigations have
been promptly ordered, and tho offender puni shed
whenever his guilt has been satisfactorily estab-
lished.
AS another reason aganst the necessity of the
ence may be had to the Civil Rights Bill, now
law Of the land, and which will be faithfully exc
cuted 30 long as it shall remain unrepeaed, and
competent jurisdiction. By that act it is enacted,
"That all persons born in the United States, and
not subject to any foreign power, excluding
Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citi-
zcns of tho United States; and such citizens OF
every race and color, without regard to any pre-
yions condition of slavery or avolgn,ary inv serm
the party shall have been duly convicted, shall
have the came right in every State and Territory
contracts, to sue, be parties and give evil
dence, to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold
and convey, real and personal property,
and proceedings for the security of person and
property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and
shall he subject to like pnnishmonts, pains and
penalties, and to mono other, any law, statute,
ordinance, regulation or custom to the contrary
Notwithstanding. By the provisions of tho act
full protection is afforded through the District
Courts Of the United states to all persons injur-
! any way impaired, and very heavy penalties are
denounced against tho person who wilfuly vio
lates the law need not state that that law did
more preferable than those proposed in the pre-
sent bill, the one being civil and the other mill
| tary.
turned, certain proceedings by which the lands in
| the Parishes Of St. Helena and St. Luke, South
Carolina, were sold and bid in, and afterward dis
posed of by the Tax Commissioners, are confirm,
| ed and ratified. By the 7th, 9th, 9th, 10th and
l1th sections provisions are made by law for the
disposal Of the lands thus acquired to q particu-
While the granting Of titles is deemed very inn
portant and desirable, the discrimination made in
the bill seems objectionable, as does also the Ut
tempt to confer upon the Commissioners judicial
powers by which citizens of the United States are
to be deprived OF their property in a mode con-
trary to that provision of the Constitution which
declares that no person shall be deprived of life
liberty or property without due process of law.
As general principle such legislation is unsafe,
unwse, partial and uncons titutional. It may de.
prive persons of property who equally deserv.
ing objects Of the nations bounty as those whom
by this legislation Congress seeks to benefit. The
| title to the land thus to be portioned out to q
favored class Of citizens must depend upon the
regularity Of the tax sales under the law as it ex
is.Sa at the time OF the sale, and no subsequent
egislan." can give validity to the rights thus ac
! auI!eu as agal'..t the original claimant. The at
tentloh OF congress 10 theref re invited to more
mature consideration of the measures proposed in
| these sections OF the bill. W -
In conclusion again urge upon oeneress the
danger OF caas legislation, leo well calculated te
Keep The the pps su's5 mind n state of uncertain
| .~-n.tad hopes and fears thai 1n6n az
tional Government will continue to furnish to
classes or citizens in the several States means fol
support and maintenance regardless as to whether
they pursue life of indolence or Of labor and ro
gardless also of the constitutional limitations o
the national authority in times Of peace and tran
| guilty.
The bill ia herewith returned to the House ot
| Representatives., in which it originated, for it's
| final action. ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, D. O., July 16, 1866.
|