New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-01-27
RECONSTRUCTION.
serenndo 70 Secretary Harian-uis Views
on National Topics,
WASHINGTON, Friday, j,

A5HEUIONi rliudyr jan W icVVs
Tonight large number of citizens of Iowa,
together with other friends Of Secretary Harlan, re-
paired to bis residence and complimcned him with
serenade. William Duane Wilson, esq, informed the
Secretary that this was done In view Of his dstin-
guishcd services as citizen of Iowa While Officially
engaged in Washington and his recent e5ci1Ato tho
Senate.
Mr. Harlan in response said:
FRILow.cITnESs OF Iowa; 10 expressing my graft.
ude for this cali may be inappropriate 10 respond
to the kind illusions made by ore 81 yoar namoer 10
n Spnblic services. Heretofore rave not done any
IL was endeayor faithfully and persistenty TO dis
charge the dutyi Of Representative of your State
while occupying position In one OF the branches
with equal vigilance and fidelity 10 NY pubic dates 20
n member Of the great Union party OF the whole
country Ipresume am indebted for this compliment
10 the recent action of the Legislature Of Iowa In CIV
ing me the lPgal right TO anticipate The acceptance Of
sect in the United states Senate year hence can
only say with. regard to that erent that I
am not foolish enough TO disguise the fact
that it Is personally gratifying b me as on indorse-
meut of my official services at the Capitol and imposes
upon mo additional sblisstons Of txiy 70 principle
You will scarcely expect Of on this occasion TO adj
dress you on the subject Of national affes But there
is one great question, to which VIII Driohy aaJs.
heart; and that H. the terms on which our
brothers who reside in the districts recently In rebe
lion . ,s BE- ssss The Feon VII" Sas
substantially crushed, and the fact Is admitted by all
and the terms in which they shall be admitted 10 fob
fellowship with the Representatives OF the other states
Of the Union is the only great question which occupies
the mind OF the American people In some States the
question is attended with difficulty in consequence Of
M get % se ,vegT Wa.
some doubt the possibility of their assuming and wisely
dischargng the duty Of American citizens apprehond
that none will doubt that they must forever remain fee.
4 A 4 are
shifted from this country 10 other ciimes III this
600 forever be free, and they end their pos
man thinks that for long time they can be deprived
OF citizenship The time OF which they should ne &C.
itted is question TO be decided by the Senators and
Representatives Of the United States. partial reor-
ganzaton Of the States has taken place. The leaders
in the Rebellion have given up tho struggle as worse
than futile and they cannot hope In the future TO sever
the Union and must therefore remain in IL, and, a.
citizens render obedience 10 the laws. We had M
right TO expect they would at once acquece and admis
those who once slaves 70 equal rights OF ctsen-
ship But the safety Of the Republic Is more import
ant MANY Of our wlsest fnancieia doubt very much
whether would be safe to admit them In their preeens
condition with nearly half Of the present popuia-
ton excluded from citizenship and that hall the moss
part Of the population. They fear that under tho
present organization with the local government 10 the
hands Of those who have recently been IN reochon inc
Union men will be In very lean miho'ity and think
Il no more than right that those who recently had their
hands red with the blood OF the loyal people Oh
the country should not fully manage the local anairs
of those States some doubt Whener lne Oelaed fhce
have sufficient knowledge to participate In all the rights
of American citizenship; but for myself have never
disgused my belief; t much safer 70 trust an gno.
rant loyal man than wise Rebel. tAppauee. would
refer to secure the loyal minority by uniting them
with those who have heretofore been In bondage bnt
are now free, In order TO secure, II not nsori1,a
strong minority. at least TO exact Just terms
of Representation. need hardly say thai during
the brief period may remain IN my present position
shall not fail TO discuss these opinionsor urge my con-
yictons In the proper quarter. Nor am disposed 20
that such yiews would be dstate al 10 tho
great and good man who Ia the Chief Of the Republic
Heretofore he has had the capacity TO spear
for himself 1 believe t has been MS Pai,.
The two Houses Of CONGRESS. lApplauee.I thanx
you, gentlemen for your compliment and now Lu' Vie
YOU to walk In and make the acquaintance Vi my
family. .s,..ion Ths
The invitation was accepted without hes'son
hand proceeded 10 the quarters Of Senator hIFkrO.
TO conf liment him with serenade. oo' 'HS'
was not at homo.