The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-05-01
Reconstruction Report.

taking the fact that the Report of the Joint
Committee of Reconstruction will command
the confidence of the country. The unanimity
of the Union members Of the committee is an
auspicious appeal to the intelligent and patri-
otic judgment Of the people. 1t is also an as
surance that the report was the result of earn
est consultation and conscientious reflection
The favor with which it has been received out
side of the committee itself, is 4 bad sigu for
those whc have prayed for division among
the Union Republicans and for help from "the
man at the other end of the Avenue" to give
them victory in the coming elections. The
harmony among the twelve Republican mem
bers will secure the jeint resolution more than
a two thirds vote IA either House and as
such legislation is perfect without the PreSi-
dents signature, the ordeal Of the Executive
friendship need not be hazarded. 1t is stated
that Andrew johnson, Esquire" as the fear
less Medill Of the Chicago Tribune styles our
American Tribune" seeing that "My policy"
is in danger Of violent death, is ready to
/
nursing care of the "Joint Committee and
that he will probably make a speech in favor
of the report. But while all honest aid will
/ be acceptable. even if such assistance comes
from the friend of James NJ. Scovel, of New
Jersey, and of Montgomery Blair, of Maryland
the Joint resolution Of the committee is be-
yond the malice and the treachery Of Earties
or Of individuals The fact that it will 20 to
/ Congress with the sanction of the Chief Jus
I tice of the Supreme Court ofthe United States
Mr. Chase, and that it is known to be ap-
proved by patriotic publicists like Robert
Dale Owen, Robert J. Walker, Joseph Holt
(alI now in Washington,) and the leaders of
parties and the organs of public opinion, will
in advance disarm disaffecton and dishearten
Copperhead expectation. The combination
that gives such certain prospective strength
to this joint resolution, springing of course
from the admirable guarantees of which it is
composed, is perhaps the best indication that
could be presented of the fallacy of opposition
to it from the inconsiderate leaders of the
Southern people. If their chief hope hereto
fore was in the dissenton of the Republicans,
what will they say when they see the Repub-
Hcans a solid unit and the Copperheads de-
priyed of the questionable aid Of the johnson
party? The decision of this great committee
is the substantial ultimatum and though it may
be amended in some particulars, the manner
in which it is received, proves conclusiyely
that it is beyoud the power of faction to delay
or defeat it. All the features of this plan of
reconstruction will repay examination, and
vindicate the patient toll of the statesman on
committee. When fully ratified, the Article
will be the XIVth of the Constitution of the
United States.
1.-THE First Section embodies the guarantees
Of the Civil Rights Law into the national
compact, thus setting at rest all doubts on
TINT point,and securing that protection to the
American citizen until now omitted in our
fundamental law, and even in the laws them
selves.
"The Second Section confines the basis of
representation in all the States to voters
Hence, until the South enfranchises her ne
groes she will be represented in Congress and
the electoral college only according to her
white voting population. The provision
reaches the North as well as the South but the
effect upon the late Slave States will be to
leave them with greatly abbreviated power
until they give suffrage to all their people
Many reasons will hasten them to seize upon
the real alternative. But the rapid enlighten-
ment of the colored people, who are now work
ing with far more industry, as the latest sta
tistiCs clearly establish, than the Southern
whites, ant the consequent progress of lib
eral ideas, will be tic most successful agen-
cies. Self-interest will operate with tremen-
dous force, and political ambition will acele- /
rate the purpose and complete the work of
destiny. 1t is estimated that no colored men |
will be permitted 10 vote for at least four years
But it may well be doubted whether the South |
is willing to wait so long before it sends to
Congress a full delegation, notwithstanding
that those who compose it will not have won
their laurels lighting against the Union flag.
''The Third Section depriyes the rebels and
their aiders and abettors of the right to vote
for President and Congress till the year 1870.
AS similar prohibitions exist in such adhering
States as Maryland, Missouri Tennessee, ana
West Virginia, it would seem to be very
light punishment to extend them to the bad
men in the StVtes thatwere swept into the re-
bellion. Besides, it is only fair bargain that
as the freedmen will probably be four years
getting ready for suffrage, the chiyslry should
wait at least that length of time before they
re-enter upon the blessings they so migrate
fully trampled under foot
"The Fourth Section grapples withiwhat has
lately assumed fearful proportions, under the
hope excited by Andrew Johnson's calamitous