The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-02-08
The War Opened in Earnest.

Il was. of course, seen by readers of yester-
days paper that the lower house Of congress
ON Tuesday passed the resolution of the re-
construction committee, so called, proposing
an amendment of the constitution apportlon-
ing representatives. among the several states.
This amendment is designed to compel the
different states, particularly the southern
states, to grant the elective franchise to per-
sons who have not heretofore had the privil-
eye of voting, or take the alternative of hav-
ing their representation in the national coun-
ellis curtailed. Humiliating to the south as
this is designed to be, there is no assurance
that, were that section to enfranchise the ne
groes according to the radical demand, the
present congress would be willing to allow it
any representation at all at Washington. On
the contrary, disposition to concede thus
much would assuredly be followed by other
demands. limited only by the inventive pow
ers OF the Jaeobiniosl party to devise new
abasements. We are told that it is proposed
to use the southern state governments (still
unrepressnted in congress)for the ratification
of several more radical constitutional amend
ments, and then reduce those states to a ter
ritorial condition. Such is the program ne
of the destructives, as shown by the index
of their declarations and votes.
We happen to have in the executive chair
man who, since assuming the duties of his
present office has exhibited surprising breadth
of practical capacity. From time to time
he has given uttsrance to views developing a
mind and will of extraordinary strength
Rising above the level of the partisan leader,
he has demonstrated that within him lay the
faculties of sagacious and mastery counsel
lor, the genius, aptitude and tact of a states
man. If these gifts and qualities have not
invariably been employed in the direction We
could wish-if in some few things we may
think he might have bettered his course-yve
DO not forget the perplexities and dilemmas
Of his situation which make us wonder that
he has done so well. Ills boldness and indie
pendence are admirable, as his policy is hu.
name and able. r.sser
Long ago it became apparent that the
course which President johnson had adopted
Is the chief magistrate of the whole country,
was exceedingly distaste1ul to the earnest
men" OF the republican party. lie was con-
tent to sail by the chart which had before
guided him. They were progressive and i'm
patient to get on, careless of breaker or i'm.
pediment. Nevertheless they recognized the
weight OF his influence, from seeipg his
strength with the people. They attempted
the watering" process. Daily it was declar-
ed that there was conflict between the
president and the most extreme men of the
party Ia which he was classed. He was be-
sieged by members of congress, senators and
representatives. The courtesey with which
he advanced his solicited views was constru-
ed into facility. Because he did not insult
his radical visitors, his politeness was inter-
preted as sympathy ,even when he declared his
objections to the policy they urged. And
hence we have repeated assertions that there
was no real disagreement between the execu-
tive and the majority of congress. This il.
fusion has been dispelled. To delegation
OF politicians who approached the president
last week. he said: IF you come to me as
patriots, / feel may count on the support
you offer but if as partisans only, it is more
doubtful, as shall not swerve from my sense
OF duty tor party men or party objects. -
Aud to Senator Dixon, of Connecticut, ON the
18th ult.he expressed himself in such e. man.
ner that the leader of the lower house of con-
gress, Thaddeus Stevens, openly assaulted him
and formally opened the long impending con-
tiict. Mr. Stevens declared that the views
President johnson had expressed to the sen
atoriai visitor, and had authorized the latter 10
communicate to the country, were an insult
10 congress-, and violation of it's f.priviieg-
os' He stated that if this ..proolamation.
rs he termed it, sthad been made some oentu.
ries ago by-a British King to parliament, it
would have cost him his head He stigma.
tIzed the presidents conduct as q ssusurpa-
hoh, anu coHtiAuSO 10 speak Oh lin In terms
not only disrespectful. but contemptuous.
What was this ''usurp alton" on the part of
President JohnsohY He had been urged to de-
clare his sentiments upon questions of the day.
that there might be misunderstanding in re-
gard to them. Among them was his opinion
that "the agitation of the negro franchise aues-
tion in the district of Columbia at this time, was
the mere entering wedge to the agitation Of the
question throughout the state, and was ill-timed,
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