Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-03-07
A Few Words of Counsel.

Andrew johnson and the members of
his Cabinet have rendered the nation ex-
celent service in the late tremendous con-
test. They have acted we'll their part also
since its close, in preserving peace with
Europe, and yet maintaining intact the ma
tional dignity and every important reclama-
tory right. We fear, however, they err in
the matter of southern reconstruction, and
do not heed sufficiently the accumulating
evidence of continued disloyalty which has
followed on a relaxation OF our military rule
1t is painful to acknowledge so much, for
we, also, as well as our Republican Congress,
had fondly hoped for better things. In fact,
the auspicious era seemed already dawning
when Lee and Johnson laid down their
arms, and our insurgents found repose, from
their dreadful dangers and incessant tolls,
These fighting rebels seemed glad to escare
to their homes under the generous amnesty
of Grant, and were oveTjoyed and apparent
ly grateful when they found that not even
any serious confscation was threatened a
gainst them. But in proportion as north
ern clemency relaxed one after another,
the sterner demands of justice or orretribution,
we have found these perverse people becom-
ing daily more insolent and intractable,
more violent and contumacious.
Well might our Republican Congress
pause, to look around, before they advanc-
ed too hastily in the path of reconstruction.
There was lurking danger in every step, and
we fully realize their vast responsibility.
tory policy. The Executive, whose con-
currence is SO desirable, if not vital, took a
different view of the subject, and reposed
more confidence in southern loyalty than
did we and our friends in Congress The
President hoped to conciliate rather than
repress, to restore the civil rule at the ear
liest moment and stimulate loyalty by a
| magnanimous withdrawal of bayonets. 1t is
possible that he errs most seriously. But
what then2 Do we not see that majority
of his Cabinet, and a portion of the Repub-
| lican party whose magnitude our readers
| may estimate for themselves concur in the
opinion that it is wise and prudent at least
| to give this policy trial? Let us agree to
differ in the mode, whilst all Republicans
aim at the same general purpose.
Above all things, let US not quarrel with
President johnson, and thus gladden. the
heart of every disloyal man between the
Mexican and Canadian line. The Chief
Magistrate assures us most authoritatively
that he will never consort with traitors nor
their friends, and will cooperate with Con-
gress in every measure essential to allie
glance and security He will aid in protect
ing the freemen, and will only withdraw the
military force from districts where loyalty
and peacefulness are in the ascendant. Per-
haps he will aid us still further as regards
the basis of representation, and thus pre-
vent the dangerous preponderance, of south
ern votes in our legislative halls, against
which our Congress is SO wisely endeavoring
to guard.
At all events the President tells us that,
if his plan should prove failure, he is will
ing to change or modify it as time may dis
close its actual results. Let us repose on
this assurance at present, since it is very ev-
ident that just now we cannot attain the
radical measures which our friends desire
Most imprudent and hazardous would it be
to ALLEVIATE from our cause the earnest and
powerful man who stands at the head of
the government. With his aid, we can yet
carry the ship of State securely into harbor.
Without it, we may roll on unpleasant bill
lows or among dangerous storms for years
to come. We should, in short, use as much
caution and coercion towards the rebelious
spirits who still vex the nation as circum-
stances will permit us to exercise, and as
much charitable forbearance and courtesy
towards all loyal men who differ from us as
will prevent their alienation. u S.
Gazette.