Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1866-01-27


ject of reconstruction at large, Mr. Wilson
continued - a am aware that there arc men
in Congress styling themselves 'Consctva-
tivcs,' who claim to be your friends par excel
lcnce Now, do not hesitate to avow that [
an what is commonly called Radical ]
contributed, in my humble way, all could to
the success of the party that placed you in
power. Hence, claim the right to call my
self the friend Of your administration. Myself
and those acting with nc in Congress arc all
friendly to it and desire it's entire success
But we think, and with us our Constituencies,
that by your plan of reconstruction that result
is not likely to be attained. We hold, at the
same time, that there is one way in which it
could be reached. In our opinion, your eFolts
to re.organize the rebel States and restore them
to the Union, after an uninterrupted trial of
some seven months, have not proved success
ful to the extent required to insure peace,
safety, and prosperity Of the country: Con
gross, in pursuance Of what lit considers it's
solemn duty now proposes, after due invcstl-
cation of the whole subject to devise if pos
siblc, some better plan of reorganization and
restoration. The plan Congress will probably
adopt will be to submit such amendments to
tho Constitution as will, if accepted by the
State Legislatures, furnish ample guarantees
for the future. The majority Of Congress ex-
poet apd asked that, while engaged in inHesti-
eating the whole subject of reconstruction, and
devising some new plan, it may be left free to
act as it may deem best, and no attempt to be
made by the Executive to interfere with and
influence it's action by the distribution Of pat
ronage, or in any other way lfthus left free
Ivy YOU t,vto can be no possible ciTcu'ty bc-
~, l,,. ~,
Of the government. But if you arc disposed
to Interfere with Congress, by patronage or
otherwise, and force your peculiar ideas aud
plans upon Congress and the country, you wik
meet with serious opposition by those that are
now the friends Of your administration, and
desire sincerely to make it successful. The
plan Congress will probably adopt will not
render it necessary for you to surrender any
of your own views in relation to rcconstruc-
tion, inasmuch as under the Constitution of
the United States you cannot be asked to ap-
prove the resolutions Of CONGRESS- submitting
certain amendments to the Constitution. You
will not be responsible for our action, but we
will be responsible for it to our constituents,
who Will be called upon to determine upon the
merits Of our plan of reconstruction. Hence
there will be no occasion for serious differ
cnces between the Executive and Congress, if
each branch of the government simply leaves
the other to do what it considers its duty. And
let me add this: the so-called Conservatives Of
Congress- the men that claim to be youy ex-
elusive friends, go with you today because
they think it is to their advantage to do so;
but they will oppose you tomorrow, if they
shall find that it is to their disadvantage to
support You will find in the end that the
men who differ from you today from sincere
convictions, and honest patriotic motives, are
much more reliable and trustworthy friends
than these time servers"
The President, in reply, stated that he was
anxious to avoid division among the friends
Of his administration in Congress-; that he
would regret to see any difficulties arise be-
tween them and the Executive. Het then pro-
ceedcd to review at length his policy of recon;
struction, rciterating the points in support Of
it made in his published speeches, and more
lately in his message but said nothing that
could be construed into an admission of its
failure. On the contrary he seemed to be
fully persuaded Of its present and future sue
cess. Nor did he says word indicating an in
tention to abstain from interference with Con
gress in it's legislation upon reconstruction.-
He did not say that he would interfere but
neither did he commit himself to the opposite
line of action However pressed by MIR. vii |
son in this direction, he would not give tho
assurance desired oflhim.a That he would
iavo made formal disclaimer of purpose to