Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-03-28


The President has vetoed what IL known
as the "Civil Rights" bill-a gross mis-
nomer for.its effect was to destroy civil lib
erty, and convert the Federal government
into despotism. Its practical operation
would abolish State judicature, and pros
trate every mans civil and social rights at
the feet of the Federal judiciary. 1t would
place the negro on an equality with the
white man, nay, give him superiority,
for it would enable him to plead
"color' and custom" in every case
which might arise, and every enc infringing
either would be amenable to the penalties
prescribed for ofienses against this law. 1t
authorizes the Government to appoint an
army Of Commissioner" to pervade every
State, and spy out canses for action. In
fact, it is system of searching and sweep
ing espionage over the whole range Of social
and civil conduct of the citizen. IT is in
conflict with every principle of civil liber-
ty, and therefore generally and specially in
violation of the Constitution.
The country viii thank its noble Chief
Executive for this interposition against the
encroachments of Radical tyranny. 1t is
an historic act, and will rebound to
his honor as long as liberty has a
votary. The National Tntelligencer of the
oath contains lengthy editorial which is
said to embody the Presidents views on the
subject: The following is summary Of
the article:
"This is bill to abolish the States of the
Union. To effect such an object but two
conditions are requisite first that doubtful
federal powers should be used and second
that the statute should be efficiently exc.
cuted.
"1st. 1t abolishes the State jurisdiction
This is so, because it makes it high mis-
demeanor for any person to deprive any
native iahabitant of any right secured by
this act
"2d. 1t establishes negro superiority. If
from any cause, the necessary police regu.
lations Of State in its purely local and do
nestle concerns. should operate to recognize
distinction Of color or race, however indi-
rectly, this law may be worked successfully
TO resist it with the army and navy of the
United States. Negroes could be buyers O.
church pews in spite of the congregation
the court, people, and the whole State itself
and no landlord would dare to deny then
1.-the privileges of the hotel.
"3d. The proposed statute as whole, is
grossly unconstitutional.
18th. There is class of objections, ever
more serious because more in consonancC
with the revolutionary designs of the contri
vers of the bill. 1t authorizes the President
to appoint spies and informers, absolutely
without limit of number, officers whom he
may specially empower. Thus we have al
a glance scheme, the most imperfect, con,
trived by wicked men for provoking that
extension of military power, which would
lift it into gigantic and all pervading des-
potism, before which the liberties of the peo-
pie would go down forever.
"But, say they, the power is in the Presi.
dent and if the despotism comes, it will be
through him. This brings us to the most
important practical point of all. He could
not execute this law, for he would not betray
the people. They know he could not They
therefore hope to pass it over his veto; and
when he refuses, to provoke universal in
surrection, to be melted by the monstrous
tyranny to which they invite him. Know
ing he cannot accept, they will attempt to
impeach and remove him. The sovereign
people have given the President a good sup.
port heretofore. We tell them the danger
is not over. We counsel again meetings Of
the people, to rebuke, by their mighty force
of authority, the new danger"