The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1866-02-07
The President and tie Radicals.

We publish this week an interesting letter, written
for publication by Agate tie Washington CORE
spoudeut Of the Cincinnati Gazette. Tie reader
should bear in mind while perusng it, that the GA
zette is a radical Sheet and its correspondent shade
or two darker than the journal This letter gives rs
the results Of several interviews with the president by
Of the radical members Of congress- which fully
coroborates much that we have published in these
columns relative to the conservative views of the pres
dent the leading issues Of the day. It also sets
forth the manner and style in which the president
seeks to impress upon those who desire them
and the arguments he uses 10 enforce them That he
openly and plainly urges upon them the full restora-
ton Of the southern States their former position in
the Union and in congress; that in his view these
States have never been out of the Union since they
we're first admitted into it. and no portion Of their
people bad any power to take them out; that the
rights Of those States to voice in the national
ellis should be fully recognsed-cordially and prompt
ly. These interviews make it very plain that the
president is utterly opposed at the present time, to
any further amendments to the constitution tend
ing to weaken the stability Of political system,
There many other points in this letter tending to
strengthen the confidence reposed in the president by
the southern people.
Now, let US see from another stand point, low the
radicals stand affected towards the presidents resora-
ton policy Their actions III congress would indicate
that they loved it as the devil does holy water-as
satan loves christians But, in spite of their hatred
towards it. policy disctates that they should make
some show to keep .he oayes and fishes. agate
tells Us thas several Of these radicals offered to ogro
with the president or rather to make an effort to
bring their party over to the restoration policy pro
yded he would accept certain amendments Of theirs,
and the southern States agree to vote for Them but as
the president declined to trade with Them it i not too
much to infer that they will not be satisfied with
anything short of the original progranme-amend-
ments to tie constitution which will give congress
power to prescribe government for the southern
States In other words, they would not leave yes
tige Of the present constitution standing which did
not comport with their radical notions Of reform.
These Of course, are the views Of the extreme rad
icals and Yet they are Tut step Or two in advance Of
the majority. Even Greeley, who is doing his best
to make it appear that there is breach between
congress and the president says congress will never
admit the southern States until the freedmen receive
all the rights and immunities of reemen. If this is
not breach, it is certainly the entering wedge, which
ere long will widen into one. Then, again, every bill
introduced into congress having tendency that way,
is passed Ike magic in the face of the presidents we'll
known opposition We agree with Agate" that it
is well enough for tie people to know who is widening
the breach.