Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1866-05-31

A bill was passed by Congress regulating
the Freedmen's Bureau, but the provisions
>of the bill did not meet the Presidents sp.
proval. He believed the power conferred
upon him 10 ne unwisc snd unconstitutional.
Ooncurring in the object of the bill, and
regarding this power as temporary, and
would be sqfc in his hands, / advised its
%approvsl; but having been returned TO Con-
press with the Presidents objections, aud
having failed to receive the needful support,
il il no longer a ii,inp measure, nor the
subject Of debate. or Indifference OF opinion.
Annther Congressional measure, called
tho Nvil Rights bin. has been the subject
Of conflict. That hill, n law, has for its
object the security Of civil rights in the in
surreciicnary States. II was well observed
by the President in his annual message that
peaceful emigration to ard from that por-
ton of tho country, the Southern States, is
one Of the best means that can be thought
of for the restoration of harmony. 1t is
possible interference with such emigration
was the only chief objection to militarvrule,
and by some il is thought that the influence
OF class Legislation in favor of the slave.
holding monopoly heretofore existing in the
Southern States would be strongly excited
to prevent peaceful emigration into these
pthtCbt uuu WOhIi CANiuuO ~ vi pup
%ulation of the North from that soil of ex
uberant fertility and friendly climate, that
productive region, embracing eight or nine
States nearest the Gulf of Mexico. and that
hence civil rights in these States should be
vieilsntly protected by Federal laws and
Federal tribunals. Although the measures
enacted by Contre for this purpose, failed
to receive the Executive sanction. yet hav-
ing been adhered to by q two. thirds vote 10
each House, they have now passed to the
statute book, and ceased to be Q subject Of
debate.
Another measure. or series of measures
OF prime importance. row pending before
Congress, merits a brief remark, namely,
of restoration or reconstruction, az it is some
times called. To the plan reported by the
Joint Committee | have not been able to
give my assent. 1t contemplates an amend.
ment to the Federal Constitution, the third
section efthe proposed article being in these
terms. Here the amendment was quoted.
1t is urged by the abettors Of this plan
that this third section is the vital one, with.
out which the others are Of no value. Its
exclusive acIion will, no doubt, commend
it to the feelings Of many as q wise and just
provision, but | am unable to so regard i,
because for four years it bids Congress tc
exclude from voting Tor Representatives OF
Presidential electors all persons who vol
unfairly adhered to the late instruction,
giving it aid or comfort, no matter wha,
may DO the condition OF the country, mol
what proofs of present and future loyalty
may be given. An absolute bar is to be
erected for four years against q large elias.
Of persons. A change OF circumstance
and condition often works Q rapid change IN
party and political sentiments, and nowhere
with more marked result than in the South,
II is beloved hat the elements of change
are now at work there stimulating on the
one side TO loyalty. and on the other tending
to continued hostile feeling. In my judg
ment, every proper Indictment to unior
should be iosfercd and cherished, and fol
Congress to limit its own power by q con
stitutioDal amendment for the period o.
four years, might be deplorable 10 its results
To those who differ l accord the same
honesty, and perhaps greater wisdom thar
| can claim for myself. AZ the proposed
plan now stands, | am unable to perceiv,
the necessity. justice or wisdom of the meas
ure. but having no place nor voice in tina,
body before which the measure is pending
l disclaimany purpose to interfere beyond
the expression Of my own opinion.
Having thus declared my views. as they
have heretofore been declared to those wht
had a right to know them, on the materia
questions hat have lately arisen or are nov
eendinp, | trust that your purpose on thi
occasion is answered, and | shall be glad j
these expressions may have any beneficial
influence on the qu' stion, the right disposi
tion whereof is of 30 vast Importance to thu
whole country.