The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-06-15
Alexs nder III. Stephens and the Committee
% OF Fifteen.

From the Daily Netos
We have already commented on that strange
doctrine expressed in the report of the Recon-
struction Committee that objects to the settle
ment of political issues in this republic by open
discussion and legitimate action in the legisla
tive halls of the country. The sober judgment
of the people and their instructive apprecia
tion of the purport of their form of government,
will revolt at the bare suggestion of theory so
utterly at variance with republ canism; and
tie intelligence of the masses cannot fail to
perceive in this the motive of the radicals in
holding fast to their monopoly of central legis-
lation. They dare not meet the representatives
of the South in the fair fields Of Congressional
dsputation, for they know that they would be
Worsted in the conflict
The position assumed by Thaddeus Stevens
and his adherents can only be maintained by
keeping large proportion of the champions of
the Democracy out of the arena; for it Is appa-
rent that ii all the elements of conservative
strength could be brought 10 bear upon the de-
termination OF the questions of the day, the
result would be a signal defeat of the radical
policy. The republic as a whole, as Union of
ihe States symbolized by the stars upon the
national flag, has no voice in the settlement of
issues that affect the general interests If the
people could be heard, no one doubts that the
majority would repudiate the doctrines of the
radicals. .a..- -.. .s ..... .... ..U,.. ..g
But, of course, while the representatives of
Northern faction control the PROCEEDINGS OF
Congress, by sheer usarpation, and, in fact con-
sttute ali that there is OF National legislature
popular sentiment will continue TO be outraged,
and the will of the majOrities ignored. It l. not
to be wondered at therefore, that the COMMITTEE
of Fifteen deprecate and fear the day when the
battle shall be fought in the legislative halls of
the country; for the existence OF their party
! depends upon their avoidance of that struggle.
The committee demand OF the Southern people
that which it is impossible for them to grant
| without disgrace to their manhood and violence
TO the noblest attributes OF human nature. They
aGR fhpTn n n
whom they have confidence, and who are en-
deaIed to them by the sacred ties OF compan on
ship in a common cause, and to bestow them
upon men y no do not represent the sentiment
OF their section. They ask them to make ex-
preston OF feelings that they cannot entertain
and TO purchase political privileges by mouth
homage TO which their hearts cannot respond.
In support OF the supposition that the South
ern people are not in condition TO resume their
place in the national household the committee
say:-"lt Is only necessary to instance the cleo
ton to the Senate OF the late Vice-President of
| the Conf, deraoy. man who, against his own
declared convictions, had lent all the weight OF
| his acknowledged ability and Of his mtu' nee as
a most prominent public man, to the cause OF
| the Rebellion, and who, unpardoned Rebel as
| he is, with that oath staring HIM in the face
had the assurance to lay their credentials on the
table of the Senate"
Now who, we ask, can be better qualified than
| Alexander II. Stephens to represent with dig
| nifty, with honesty, and ability, a Southern
| State in the Senate of the United States
| Whatever may have been the merits of the
| cause in which he was engaged, not even the
enemies OF that cause will assert that he was
actuated by selfish or dishonorabe motives.
| No wild ambition luIed him, no thought of
personal aggrandizement controlled his ac-
! tion, but sense of duty, conscientious inter
probation OF his political obligations, guided his
course-to shipwreck, 1t is true but not to in
fanny or shame. 1t is impossible for Congress
to brand such men III their defeat, Sith any
mark that the world will accept as n sign of de-
| graduation; and we hope and believe that 1t will
be lound equally impossible to bribe the com
rades of such men to reputation of their claims
to respect and confidence
The Committee OF Fifteen knew perfectly we'll
that Mr.. Stephens has no desire or intention tC
provoke any hostility against the Federal Gov
| ernment. He has expressed himself content tC
abide by the arbitrament of war, and no one
will dispute his sincerity or truth. Why, then
should not his talents be made available in the
Sepate or elsewhere to assist the machinery
oil Government?
The prominent men OF the South, those who
were mosl jealous and active in the cause O
the COn:edeTacy, will prove If they be permitted
The opportunity the most Jealous and active