Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-01-30


WtsH1xeros. Jan. 2s-The following is
the substance of conversation which took
place to-day between the President and
distinguished Senator;
The President said that he doubted the
psopriety at this time Of making any further
amendments TO the Constitution. One great
amendment mas already been made, by
| which slavery had been forever abolished
| within the limits Of the United States and
4 national guarantees thus given that that
| institution should never again exist in the
land Propositions to amend the Constitu
ton were becoming as numerous rs pream-
bles and resolutions Of town meetings called
| to consider the most ordinary questions con-
nected with the administration of local
affairs
All this had tendency to diminish the
dignity and prestige attached 10 the Consti-
tuition of the country, and 10 lessen the re-
| spect and confidence Of the people in their
| great charter Of freedom. II, however,
amendments are 10 be made to the charter,
changing the basis Of representation and
taxation. and he did not deem them at ali
necessary at the present time, he knew Of
none better than a simple proposition en-
braced in few lines making in each State
the number of qualified voters the basis of
representation and the value of property the
basis of direct taxation. Such proposition
could he embraced 10 the following terms !:
Representatives shall be appointed among
| the several States which may be included
within this Union according to the number
| of qualified voters in each State. Direct
taxes shall be apportioned among the
| several States which may be in
oluded within this Union, according
TO the value of all taxable property in
each State. An amendment Of this kind
would, in his opinion, place the basis Of rep-
resentation and direct taxation upon correct
principles and upon correct basis. The
principal voters were, for the most part, men
who were subject to draft and enlistment
when necessary to repel invasion or suppress
rebellion and quell domestic violence and in
surrection they risked their lives, shed their
blood, and spent their all to uphold the Gov
ernment and give protection, security and
value to property; it seemed but just that
property should compensate for the benefits
thus conferred, by defraying the expenses in
cident TO its protection and enjoyment. Such
an amendment the Presidentsuggested would
receive from Congress all issues.
In relation 70 the political equality Of the
races, it would leave the States to determine
absolutely the qualification of their own
voters in regard TO color, and the number of
their own representatives to which they
would be entitled in Congress would depend
upon those on whom they conferred the right
Of suffrage. The President, in this connec-
ton, expressed the opinion that the agita-
tation of the negro franchise question in the
District of Columbia at this time wasthe mere
entering wedge to the agitation of the ques-
ton Throughout the States and was ill-timed,
uncalled for and calculated to do great
harm. He believed it would engender en-
nifty and strife between the two races and
lead to war between theR which would
result in great injury to both, and the GER
tain determination Of the negro population.
Precedence he thought should be given to
the more important and urgent matters, leg
islation upon which was essential for the
restoration of the Union, the peace of the
country, and the prosperity of the people.